Seven years ago Shariq Farooquee ‘16, MBA ‘18, never would have believed he would be a successful accountant. Yet, today he feels both honored and grateful for the education he received at Davenport University. Learn how Davenport fit into his lifestyle as an adult returning to school:
Tell us about yourself.
I am a mortgage accountant at University Bank. Life has had many twists and turns in order to get me to where I am today, and I’m just starting to see and feel the rewards of all my hard work. I am married and have a large extended family in the Detroit area. We are all very close.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?
I lost someone very close to me in 2008. After that loss, I struggled with an alcohol addiction and lost my way for a while. Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that I turned out a success. Thankfully, my wife stuck with me through those hard times. I attempted college two times before Davenport. It’s been a long journey to the finish line. I just completed my MBA and am now enrolled in the graduate certificate program in finance at DU. There have been points in the last ten years that I never thought I’d even finish my bachelor’s degree, let alone a master’s. Sometimes you lose hope and you feel broken, but I overcame those feelings and it’s been a steady climb ever since.
What do you do in a nutshell?
I am the senior level mortgage accountant and am responsible for two of the University Bank subsidiaries. I am responsible for the balance sheets, income sheets, fixed assets, prepaid expenses, and compliance documents. I coordinate our legal team accruals and do the call reports.
Why DU?
When I walked in the door I felt like it was the right fit for me. I had one-on-one attention from professors and staff. My advisor, Jessica Cheriez, has been a great support person for me. I was taking classes and working two jobs while attending school full-time, and Davenport allowed me to do both. I took some online classes and really enjoyed the flexibility it allowed me. I could take a class without leaving my house.
What was your experience like at DU?
My accounting and finance classes were great. I had amazing experiences in those classes and did well. Many professors are willing to go out of their way to help and they all had real-life experiences they called upon while teaching.
Favorite memory or something you learned while attending DU?
I would have to say discipline and time management. I was so busy with work and school. I really had to apply myself.
What is your passion?
I am very passionate about my career, self-improvement and continuing my education. After I finish my graduate program I will start studying for my CMA (certified management accountant) certification. I would describe myself as a lifelong learner. With my passion for the subject of accounting, I think someday I would like to be a teacher.
Dream Job?
Being a CFO in the banking industry would be my dream job. I have 5-6 years of experience in banking accounting and financing so I see this as a natural progression.
Outside of work what do you do?
I like to go to the shooting range, play ice hockey when I have the time, and my wife and I love to travel.
Who inspires you?
Honestly, my wife inspires me. She has some health problems but never complains. She is always there for me; pushing me to do the right thing, to move forward, and she tells me to follow my dreams. My success is because of her. She is my idol.
Talk about your family values?
We are Muslim. It is our religion that keeps us grounded. I also think our Pakistani upbringing has given my wife and me our family values. Besides, the food is amazing. My wife’s uncle is a multi-millionaire but he is so humble. He bought a huge house for his family and hosts big family dinners. Weekly family gatherings are centered around food. My wife and I have known each other since we were kids. Our mothers were friends, so it was easy for me to fit in with her family. We come from the same roots, a very humble, kind and generous people.
How do you want to be remembered?
I’d like to be remembered as an individual that didn’t have much to start with but who became a successful person. I overcame personal battles and obstacles and grew up to be a man that my wife and family can be proud of.
Related Stories
No Responses