Finding His Path: How Nikhil Reddy ‘25 BSBA (Accounting) Combines Healthcare and Business at Eller

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Nikhil Reddy ‘25 BSBA (Accounting) plans to attend a military academy and pursue military medicine, it opened an unexpected door. As he watched the global healthcare crisis unfold through news coverage, Reddy discovered a new passion at the intersection of healthcare and business. That’s what brought him to Eller, where he is building a unique foundation in both accounting and healthcare. 

"Reading hundreds of articles about our healthcare system and the holes that the pandemic uncovered sparked my interest in both business and medicine," says Reddy. His dedication has already paid off as he's secured a position as an audit/assurance staff member with EY, where he plans to focus on healthcare clients. 

Reddy's journey hasn't been without its challenges. During his first semester at Eller, he tackled the program's rigorous coursework while simultaneously pursuing pre-med science courses. "I remember biking from a business communications presentation in a full suit all the way across campus to take a biochemistry exam," he recalls. "There were many times throughout that semester where I thought about quitting and focusing on just one path, doing the normal route." 

Reddy's determination to understand both medicine and the business of healthcare kept him going. The experience taught him valuable lessons about teamwork and collaboration – skills that proved crucial during his internship at EY. "The Eller team projects are truly remarkable," he says. "I didn't appreciate how important these skills were until my internship, where working as a team to meet deadlines was the norm." 

As an Eller Ambassador, Reddy shares his experiences with prospective students through campus tours. He's also given back to the Eller community by participating in the Business Careers Awareness Program (BCAP) and tutoring introductory accounting courses. His involvement in these activities reflects his commitment to helping others navigate their own academic journeys. 

Katie Maxwell, undergraduate program director for the Dhaliwal-Reidy School of Accountancy and senior lecturer of accounting, stands out as a particularly influential figure in Reddy's Eller experience. "Katie makes sure to bring in her vast experience in industry to illustrate where the material we are learning will be seen in practice," he says. "As a student in her class, you could tell she cared about each one of her students inside and outside the classroom."  

Through mock interviews with career coaches and guidance from professors, Eller has helped Reddy transform his initial vision into a concrete career path. His story shows how students can take advantage of Eller's resources to pursue unconventional career trajectories and make meaningful impacts.

Looking ahead, Reddy plans to pursue his CPA license and work with healthcare clients at EY. But his ultimate goal is to use his unique understanding of both healthcare and business to help improve the industry. "Follow what interests you and the rest will follow," he advises incoming students – words he's clearly taken to heart in his own academic journey.