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Student Profiles

ABOUT ADAM

Adam Presslee is in the third year of his PhD program. He is now deciding on a thesis topic and expects to obtain the degree in 2012. His supervisor is Professor Alan Webb. While studying and researching, Adam has also served as a reviewer for the American Accounting Association Management Accounting Section Midyear Meeting, an assistant supervisor of an MAcc student’s research paper, and an evaluator for the BDO Case Competition. This year he will teach an introduction to management accounting in the AFM program. He sees this experience as “extremely important,” because it signals to prospective employers (educational institutions) that he’s able to fulfill one of the main requirements of an academic position. Adam kindly agreed to an interview with ACCnews, and here are some of his responses to our questions.

Adam answers our questions...

What are your career plans?

I would like to do research and teach at a quality university in North America.

Who -- or what -- was your chief influence or motivation in deciding to obtain a PhD in accounting?

An undergrad professor -- and former PhD student at the University of Waterloo. I also enjoyed psychology, and I wanted to find a way to cross my interest in psychology with accounting.

Did you choose to pursue a PhD instead of a proceeding to a career in business or industry?

Kind of. I felt it was important to have practical work experience prior to starting the PhD program. This ensured my research would be relevant, and it helped prepare me for the financial burden of going back to school. I worked at Deloitte and Touche in Calgary for three years after completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta. I obtained my CA designation during those years.

Why did you decide on SAF? What were its chief attractions or strengths?

I had heard of SAF Professor Alan Webb and his research from a professor at the University of Alberta, Sandy Hilton (PhD ’03). I read the summary of his research interests on the SAF website and some abstracts of his work. I also had the opportunity to meet with him briefly over the phone. At the time, I wasn't sure I wanted to do work in a similar area, but I knew I wanted to do behavioural/experimental research. 

Did you have a clear idea of what you would research/write a dissertation on when you applied?

No. My interests were shaped over the first year of the program; as I got exposed to different areas of research.

What are you researching now? What questions are you exploring?

Using experimental methodology, my research aims at better understanding the behavioral effects of incentives on employee goal setting and performance. Currently, I’m exploring the effects of cash versus tangible rewards on employee goal selection, goal commitment, and performance.

What are the highlights of your time in the program so far?

The friends I have met – fellow PhD students and professors. The research is also extremely rewarding.

What were your expectations when you started?

To get world class training that will allow me to find a job as an accounting researcher anywhere in North America.

Have those expectations been met?

Absolutely!

How does your family feel about your pursuit of higher education?

My family was extremely supportive of me going back to school. Only through their support has the transition been made easier.

What are your main outside-the-office interests?

I love sports and comic books. Hobbies are important to take your mind off the sometimes-stressful nature of a PhD program!
 

If you had a word of wisdom for prospective applicants to the PhD program, what would it be?

Effort is the number one determinant of success. At this level, everybody is intelligent. The difference is that some are willing to work harder for longer. Be prepared to put in the effort if you are hoping to be successful.