Lessons From Liam: Making the Most of Your Journey

Growing up, education was extremely important in Liam Kirschbaum’s family, and he developed a love for learning early on. As Liam grew older, his parents created an awareness of certain financial realities and never shied away from an open conversation when he had questions. He has many memories of counting his savings and sorting the loose change into neat piles. Looking back, Liam is not surprised that he pursued a career in accounting. 

He agrees, “Some things never change (pun intended).” 

Liam’s ardent curiosity and knack for mathematics carried him through an accounting master’s program (2026) and bachelor’s program (2024) at Governors State University. Five years into his accounting career, Liam is now a Senior Property Accountant at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), using his expertise to support the commercial real estate industry.

Liam’s early career experiences fortified his foundation in accounting and finance. As a Highschool freshman, Liam joined Portillo’s as a cashier. Later, he worked at a small, local tax firm called Galvin Accounting under GovState alumna, Laura Galvin, CPA. 

Liam reflects on Laura’s impact saying, “You showed me that all numbers tell a story, and they are typically really good ones. I couldn’t have asked for a better, more gentle first employer as I was taking my first steps in my career.” 

While Liam learned the basics of accounting, he needed to earn credentials at a university that fit his needs — GovState checked every box. 

Liam says, “GovState was the perfect, affordable, and accessible University for me. It was everything I was looking for, alongside unforgettable relationships, fantastic professors, and so many opportunities for engagement.” 

Liam made the most of his experience by serving in several leadership roles across campus and working in the Office of Institutional Advancement, expanding his network and strengthening his skills. Most notably, Liam served as Co-President of the Accounting, Finance and Economics Club (now AFME) alongside fellow Co-President Gillian Vinson ‘25, Treasurer Gerald Davis ‘25, and Secretary Mervat Saleh ’25 & ‘11. 

“The experience I gained working with my incredible board and advisor, Dr. Chevonne Alston was invaluable, " he says. 

Liam highlights several individuals who impacted his GovState experience including Professors Mike Trendell, and William Kresse (Professor Fraud®) of the College of Business (COB), Dr. Laura White, of the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS), and Dr. David Rhea, Dean of the GovState Honors College. Liam also appreciates his connection to John Schabes, a fellow COB alum who facilitated an internship opportunity at Forvis Mazars, a top 10 public accounting firm. 

In his open letter of gratitude, Liam emphasizes the impact of his entire GovState support system: “I have many people to thank and recognize at GovState…everyone is deserving of their own paragraph.” 

As Liam advances in his career, he wants to pour into the same community that supported his success. He hopes to mentor GovState students and illuminate the vast career paths associated with an accounting degree. 

He says, “Accounting is built for those who enjoy functional, practical math, word problems, puzzles, and law, with the added bonus of being able to watch people’s eyes glaze over whenever you start talking about what you do for a living…the skills you learn through an education and career in accounting are extremely transferable. This means job security alongside a lifetime of opportunities for growth, change, and flexibility within your career.”

Outside of the office, Liam is intentional about exploring new interests. He says, “I found joy and peace in reconnecting with the hobbies and passions that excited me, before they were pushed to the wayside in favor of more “pragmatic” things. We have our entire lives ahead of us to work, never forget that we have all that time to live too.” 

Liam’s pursuit of professional and personal fulfillment empowers him to stay true to the following principles: continuous learning, growth, and fortitude. He feels confident that his GovState education and collective experiences will take him to wherever he sets his next finish line.

Reflecting on his time at GovState and his time as an accountant, Liam shares the following lessons he has observed over the years: (1) You are never as stuck as you think. Your first job does not need to be the rest of your life, nor does your degree need to dictate the rest of your career. (2) The energy you put into yourself outside of work dictates the energy you put into work. If you work to live, rather than living to work, you will be far better for it. (3) Learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Being brave and confident is not a personality trait, rather it is a practiced skill. Be bold and always be you.