Justin’s Journey to PwC

By Victoria Wu

Meet Justin Sadowski: From Horticulture to Accounting

Justin’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and transformation. Born in Sayreville, NJ, and raised in East Brunswick, he currently resides in Franklin Park, NJ. His academic journey began at Rutgers University’s Cook Campus in New Brunswick, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science with a concentration in Horticulture and Turfgrass Management in 2011.

For eight years, Justin built an impressive career as a groundskeeper, working with teams and organizations such as the New York Red Bulls (Harrison NJ), Buffalo Bisons (Buffalo NY), Savannah Sand Gnats (Savannah GA), York Revolution (York PA), Lakewood Blue Claws (Lakewood NJ), Metedeconk National Golf Club (Jackson NJ) and ultimately become a head groundskeeper with the Potomac Nationals (Woodbridge VA).  However, after achieving his dream role, he transitioned into teaching high school agriculture before deciding to pivot toward accounting.

In his free time, Justin enjoys watching sports, hiking, and attending baseball games. Recently, he’s added kayaking to his list of hobbies and is looking forward to getting out on the water.

A New Path: Pursuing a Master’s in Accounting

In 2023, Justin made a bold decision—he chose to go back to school for accounting. The choice wasn’t easy; he debated whether to pursue an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree, or simply take the necessary courses to be CPA-eligible. After extensive research, he found UND’s Fundamentals Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program, which stood out due to its online accessibility, AACSB accreditation, and flexibility.

Switching fields wasn’t without its hurdles. Justin describes the experience as an “uphill struggle” at times, requiring sacrifices along the way. However, he credits his classmates for their support, noting how they helped each other push through the rigorous seven-week courses. The intensity of the program required discipline and focus, but in the end, it was all worth it

Landing at the Big Four: PwC

Justin never expected to land at a Big Four firm, but with encouragement from his UND instructors and peers, he decided to apply. To his surprise, he received two job offers from different firms. Realizing the rarity of such an opportunity, he seized the moment and accepted an internship with PwC in 2024.

Balancing the internship with his coursework was a challenge, but the flexibility of the UND Fundamentals MAcc program made it possible. Throughout his internship, Justin leaned on his senior colleagues, who provided invaluable guidance. His hard work paid off when he was offered a full-time position and started in January 2025.

Now a tax associate at PwC, Justin is thriving in his new role. He appreciates the knowledge and expertise of his team, and he embraces the daily learning opportunities that come with the job. While commuting to New York by train makes for long days, he enjoys the grind and the dynamic nature of his work.

Advice for Future MAcc Students

For those considering UND’s Fundamentals MAcc program, Justin emphasizes the importance of research. Finding a school that aligns with both budget and career goals is crucial. He encourages students to take advantage of resources like the Handshake app for job opportunities and the Pancratz Career Center for resume-building and career advice.

Additionally, he stresses the value of networking. Connecting with professors and classmates can open doors to new opportunities and support throughout the program.

A Surreal Career Moment

For Justin, receiving a full-time job offer after his internship was a defining moment. The realization that he had successfully transitioned into accounting was both humbling and gratifying. Being featured in this spotlight adds another layer to his journey, and he hopes his story can inspire others to take bold steps toward their dreams.

His journey from horticulture to accounting is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Whether on the baseball field or in the corporate world, Justin proves that with the right mindset and support, career reinvention is possible.