Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2026 is ready to make its mark on the world. We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have conducted valuable research, pioneered innovation, overcome challenges, and engaged in college life in a big way.

Today, we’d like you to meet Emily Jackovic.

Majors: Accounting and Finance

Minor: Management Information Systems

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Scholarship: Penn State Provost Award

Why she chose Behrend: I chose Behrend because of the opportunity to be on the swim team while also being part of a strong dual-degree academic program.

Why she chose her majors: I excelled in accounting in high school and have always been interested in owning my own business. Studying accounting and finance gave me a strong foundation in understanding how money works and how financial decisions impact a business.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Finishing as a top performer in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Pittsburgh Collegiate Stock Picker Challenge competition. I was also honored to travel to California to attend a professional conference, which helped expand my network and career perspective.

Challenges overcome: Balancing a demanding course load, leadership roles, and extracurricular involvement was challenging at times. Learning how to manage my time effectively and stay disciplined helped me grow both academically and personally.

Campus involvement: President of the Accounting Club, School of Business Ambassador, member of Behrend Swim team (two years), and founder of the Women in Business club.

What makes her unique: I enjoy taking initiative and building opportunities where they don’t already exist, which is what led me to found Women in Business. I’m motivated, outgoing, and enjoy bringing people together.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I love being outdoors and around water. I enjoy paddleboarding, pickleball, and hiking. I’ve visited twelve national parks so far.

Her highest priority: Gaining experience in public accounting and learning as much as possible. Within the next ten years, I hope to use that knowledge to start my own wedding venue business.

What she’s passionate about: Leadership, professional development, and creating opportunities for others—especially helping students build confidence and connections early in their careers.

Advice for first-year students: Get involved on campus early. It’s the best way to make friends and build connections. Also, take the time to connect with your professors. They offer valuable mentorship and networking opportunities that can open doors later on.

After her graduation in May, Emily will work full time at H2R CPA in Pittsburgh, beginning her career in public accounting.