Max Poklonskii: Navigating the Pathways of Success at UW Bothell School of Business

In the dynamic tapestry of the University of Washington Bothell Business School, the narrative of Max Poklonskii emerges as a vivid illustration of the transformative potential inherent within the School of Business. Through an account of Max’s academic journey, we are invited into a world where resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence intersect within the halls of UW Bothell. 

Max’s journey is a story of international migration and academic exploration. Originally, Max is from Kazakhstan and spent time in Germany and Russia before landing in the United States. Amidst the challenges of acclimating to a new language and environment, Max discovered a welcoming and inclusive community at UW Bothell—a community that would become instrumental in shaping his academic and professional trajectory. “At UW Bothell, I found a supportive community” Max reflects.  

Max arrived on UW Bothell campus with a resume of online college classes that he had taken as a part of the Running Start program while in high school and prior to attending UW Bothell. He had accumulated an AA in Business by the time he also received his high school diploma. Once arriving here, he landed at the Business School due to its potential for a lucrative career. He shares that he “wanted to explore various companies and areas of focus to discover what truly resonates with me.” His resume already shines with internships at Ernst & Young, Amazon, and Moss Adams. He will be graduating from UW Bothell Business School this Spring with a Bachelor of Business Administration – BBA, Accounting and Finance.

Central to Max’s academic journey are the esteemed faculty members whose expertise and mentorship have left a profound mark on his educational experience. “The professors at UW Bothell genuinely care about their students’ success. They go above and beyond to ensure that we receive a quality education and are equipped with the skills needed to excel in our careers.” One of Max’s main motivations was to gain real-world skills while also exploring career options– which he feels he accomplished through hands-on curriculum.  

I wanted to learn how to do my own taxes. I wanted to understand it. So that was another reason why I decided to study accounting because I knew what I learned in school would be able to give me a good foundation to do my own taxes. And we all do taxes because it’s mandatory. So I was like, I might as well learn it!

Thus far, Max has landed four internships in the accounting world and was able to explore different tax types. He shared, “I have loved corporate taxes so far but now my next internship will really help me figure out whether that’s something I really want to do.” Being able to explore these topics with professors has been a vital part of Max’s education. He shares that he is a frequent attendee of office hours and likes to sit in the front row of class. “One of the things I love about UW Bothell is the small class sizes,” which, Max emphasizes, “it allows professors to know your name and lets students stand out. Professors here really know you and care about your success in the future. They’re there for you and they really want you to succeed.” These unique advantages of UW Bothell’s Business School, including its intimate class sizes and personalized approach to education, are some of the reasons Max suggests peers apply here.  

At the UW Bothell School of Business, learning extends far beyond the classroom, offering students a diverse range of experiential learning opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Max, a dedicated student, emphasizes the importance of these experiences.

At the UW Bothell School of Business, learning extends far beyond the classroom, offering students a diverse range of experiential learning opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Max, a dedicated student, emphasizes the importance of these experiences.

Through internships and networking events, UW Bothell provides invaluable hands-on experience and exposure to the business world. 

Max’s involvement extends beyond academics; he actively participates in on-campus events and clubs. Currently, he serves as the president of the Beta Alpha Psi – Mu Psi Chapter, an international honor society for accounting, finance, and information systems students. 

Max’s commitment to personal and professional development is evident through his attendance at numerous leadership conferences, including the Beta Alpha Psi Annual Meeting, IMA Student Leadership Conference, AGA National Leadership Training, and AICPA Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshops. Furthermore, he has seized networking opportunities such as the 2024 UNCF Gala during his time at UW Bothell School of Business. 

My advice to incoming students would be take advantage of opportunities. UW Bothell has so many resources, but at the end of the day you do have to want to succeed for yourself.

Max’s journey exemplifies the holistic approach to education developed at UW Bothell, where students are encouraged to engage in experiential learning, leadership development, and networking opportunities to prepare for success in the dynamic and evolving business landscape. 

Max’s journey at the UW Bothell Business School serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education. Through its rigorous curriculum, esteemed faculty, and supportive community, UW Bothell School of Business equips students like Max with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world. As Max looks towards the future, he does so with optimism and determination, knowing that the foundation laid at UW Bothell will serve him well in all his future endeavors. He currently has full-time offers from both Amazon and Ernest & Young but is still determining what his next move will be. “I know that no matter where I land it’s all going to work out because UW Bothell made me ready” he concluded. 

Max is the recipient of this year’s University of Washington President’s Medal. This honor is bestowed on a graduating senior who has the most distinguished academic record at the University of Washington Bothell and who has also demonstrated additional significant achievements and successes. Max will receive his medal at Commencement.

Written by Riley Ovall, Events and Communications Specialist