What drew you to accountancy?
I love math, and after taking my core courses in business, I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
I felt a challenge with accountancy, and I love being challenged. I love to seek the comfort in the discomfort. And my close friends from the Strobel Honors Program really supported me along the way.
You’re a musician as well as an accountancy major! Tell me about how that has unfolded during your time at DePaul.
During covid, I started writing songs and recording them in my bedroom. My sophomore year – my first year on campus – I happened to see a band performing with Sounds of Sheffield. I reached out to the organizer, and my first show was with Sounds of Sheffield in January 2022.
I also met my producer through one of my friends at DePaul. I made my first song in a professional studio, called “Time Zone,” with him. It was a huge step. It was scary; it was a big investment in my career. And I was able to make it because of the internships I did in accountancy.
Tell us more about that first song you recorded!
It all started the summer after my sophomore year when I wasn’t able to do an internship because I went home to the Philippines with my family. When I came back to campus, I felt a lot of imposter syndrome. I had to do a lot of self-reflection.
I’ve done three internships since then. I made “Time Zone” for others who feel imposter syndrome to let them know that you’re never far behind. You’re in your own time zone; you’re on your own life journey.
What has it been like trying to balance music with your major?
It’s been a challenge for sure. But I’ve realized that it’s all about striking a balance between what the world needs from me and what I want to give back to the world.
In terms of what the world needs from me: Accountancy is challenging. Not everyone can do it. And it gives me the flexibility to pursue my passion.
In terms of what I want to give to the world: Writing music. Performing. Inspiring people. Last April, I was a headliner for MFAS, a Filipino-American conference. Right before that, I studied abroad in Japan. It was the perfect example of what that balance looks like in action.
What’s next for you?
I have a job lined up with KPMG in audit, one of the “Big Four” accounting firms, after graduation. Accounting has pushed me to the edge a lot of times – but it’s definitely been worth it.
At the same time, I was able to network with a bunch of musicians, find a producer, do a bunch of shows, and have my friends be part of my journey.
Looking back on the last couple years of your music career, what’s your favorite performance you’ve done?
We performed at this venue called BookClub Chicago. It was a group of three of us. We brought all our friends. We had three different networks to tap into but, at the same time, a lot of us knew each other from the music scene, from DePaul, from the Filipino diaspora.
It was my first-ever show outside of DePaul. And we were able to sell out the show. It was magical. It was the first moment where I felt like I was really “doing it.” It was everything I had imagined sitting in my room writing songs during covid. I was sharing my music with people; I had friends and family in the crowd. Through my music, people get to know me for who I really am.
Michael’s music can be found on Spotify under the name Michael Cali.
Meet more of the class of 2024 here.