MPA Admissions Blog

Insider Information for Prospective Texas McCombs Students

Category: MPA Program Info (page 2 of 14)

MPA Does Tailgating, Texas-Style!

Earning a Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) degree is a significant step towards a rewarding career, but the UT experience is more than just the education. The MPA program at the University of Texas at Austin goes beyond the numbers, providing an unparalleled student experience that sets it apart from other programs across the country.

The MPA program takes pride in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community through a series of on-campus events and programs. The MPA program recently hosted a tailgate event at the October 28th game against BYU, where the Longhorns secured a victory of 35-6!

Students gathered to enjoy free food, engage in lively conversations, and participate in the festivities before the Longhorns hit the gridiron. It’s more than just a pre-game ritual; it’s a chance to unwind, connect with peers, and soak in the lively atmosphere that Austin is renowned for.

For those with tickets, the experience didn’t end at the tailgate. Students had the opportunity to go into Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium. Those without tickets continued the camaraderie as they watched the game with friends outside the stadium, cheering on the Longhorns and creating lasting memories.

If you’re seeking a program that goes beyond traditional education and offers a vibrant community and exciting opportunities, the MPA program at Texas McCombs is the perfect fit. Joining the MPA program means more than just preparing for a successful career; it means becoming a part of the rich tapestry of the Longhorn family, where every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and create lasting memories.

Learn more about the MPA program and discover why there’s no better place to earn your master’s than at the University of Texas at Austin by attending an info session.

10/28 Tailgate:

tailgate

Student Viewpoint: The MPA Community

Since joining the MPA Program at The University of Texas at Austin, I’ve grown academically, professionally, and most of all, personally. The program offers tons of unique opportunities to interact with your peers, faculty, and industry professionals within and outside of the standard course curriculum. Between workshops, panels, and sponsored events there are numerous ways to make connections and expand your network.

The coursework is relevant and has been demanding, but I have found that the MPA faculty are always there to support you while also challenging you to be your best. From professors eager to help with any questions or problems you may encounter, to career coaches assisting in resume writing, to interview preparation, the MPA program has been a great experience. And, while the program is rigorous and truly prepares you for your career, it’s not all debits and credits.

I’ve made some great connections within the MPA community. The MPA program sponsors an intramural basketball team that I joined this semester. It’s been a fun outlet and allowed me to build friendships with MPA classmates. We’ve all found it refreshing to have an outlet to easily unplug, recharge, and get some physical activity in to stay level-headed and reduce stress. This is one of many ways the MPA program helps build a close-knit community.

In addition to the networking opportunities, there are clubs, social events, and even opportunities to study abroad. It can be easy to be focused on your coursework and forget to spend time with people outside classes. These opportunities can be a great way to connect to the MPA, McCombs, and even the greater UT community.

My time thus far in the program has been incredible and I know it will be worthwhile. I cannot recommend it enough!

Hook ‘em!

Peter Gutierrez, MPA Class of 2024

Register: MPA Current Student and Alumni Panel

Are you considering a career in accounting and looking to learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting program at Texas McCombs? Join us virtually on November 15 to hear from current MPA students and alumni! They will discuss why they chose to study accounting, as well as detail their experiences in the program, including their favorites classes, recruiting and networking opportunities, and life at McCombs. Plus, you’ll have the chance to ask the panelists questions! Register for the event here.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom


Meet the Alumni Panelists

iman Iman Ortiz, tMPA ’16
Audit Manager at Deloitte

Iman earned her undergraduate degree in accounting from St. Edward’s University and then joined Texas McCombs to earn her master’s in accounting through the traditional Master in Professional Accounting (tMPA) program. She is a CPA and has had a successful seven-year tenure at Deloitte, where she has established her accounting career. Her journey at Deloitte has seen her climb the ranks, from her initial role as an Audit Intern to her current position as Audit Manager.

harry

Harry Wu, iMPA ’20

Investment Associate at Cambridge Information Group

Harry graduated from the integrated Master in Professional Accounting (iMPA) program. He launched his career as an associate with KPMG before moving into the investment sector as an analyst for the financial and valuation advisory group of Houlihan Lokey. Harry currently lives in New York City and works as an associate on the investment team at CIG, where he is responsible for supporting the evaluation of new investment opportunities and assists with the oversight of CIG’s portfolio companies.

Jordan

Jordan Paige, iMPA ’18
Senior Associate at Portage Point Partners

Jordan graduated from the integrated Master in Professional Accounting (iMPA) program. She is a senior associate at Portage Point Partners in Dallas, specializing in transaction advisory services. Before joining Portage Point, she was a financial analyst at Houlihan Lokey, where she conducted M&A due diligence for acquisitions and divestitures in various industries, focusing on middle market transactions ranging from $5 million to $500 million. Jordan is a CPA and is also FINRA Series 63 and Series 79 licensed.

REGISTER: MPA Info Session on Oct 31st!

Are you interested in earning your master’s degree in accounting from The University of Texas at Austin? Join us virtually at the Texas McCombs Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) virtual info session on Tuesday, October 31 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT!

Our one-year traditional MPA is open to both UT and non-UT students who will have earned a bachelor’s degree (in any academic discipline) before starting the MPA program. At the MPA info session, you will meet Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, the Senior Admissions and Recruiting Officer for the MPA program. She will detail the curriculum you will learn in the program, career outcomes and opportunities, how to apply, and answer any questions you have.

Register Today!

Master in Professional Accounting Info Session
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

REGISTER: MPA Faculty Panel

Are you ready to take the next step in your professional accounting career? The Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) program at Texas McCombs has world-renowned faculty that teach a wide variety of accounting courses and infuse the curriculum with cutting-edge ideas. Join us on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. CT for our virtual Faculty Panel!

Meet the Experts: Connect with esteemed professors who bring a wealth of real-world knowledge to the classroom.

Curriculum Insights: Wondering what you’ll learn during your time at Texas McCombs? The faculty will provide an inside look at the MPA program’s curriculum, sharing details about the courses they teach and their relevance to the ever-evolving field of professional accounting.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from our Texas McCombs MPA faculty. Register today and take the first step towards a brighter future in professional accounting. We look forward to seeing you there!

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, October 26, 2023
  • Time: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
  • Location: Virtual Event (Link will be provided upon registration)

Register Here

Meet the Panelists:

DonnaDonna Johnston-Blair received her Honours B.A. and M.B.A. from The University of Toronto.  She worked for Arthur Andersen & Co, Deloitte Haskins & Sells and Storage Technology, Inc. She has taught at U of Houston, SMU and Santa Clara University.  She currently works for a private wealth management firm in Palo Alto.

 

 

 

John John McInnis received his PhD from the University of Iowa and his BBA and MPA from the University of Texas. He teaches financial accounting in the MPA program. Professor McInnis has published articles in top scholarly journals including The Accounting Review, Journal of Finance, Management Science, and Journal of Accounting & Economics.

 

 

Lisa

Lisa Koonce, Deloitte and Touche Endowed Chair in Accounting, received her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. Her research and teaching interests include the judgment and decision making implications of financial reporting.

Apply Now to Join the 2024 Incoming MPA Class!

The Texas McCombs MPA Class of 2023 had great success in securing employment. 98% of the class (overall) and 100% of the international students accepted job offers!

Our traditional MPA students secured full-time employment in a variety of areas:

  • 49% Public Accounting – Audit
  • 27% Public Accounting – Tax
  • 13% Industry
  •    7% Public Accounting – Advisory
  •    8% Consulting
  •    3% Finance

and in various geographical regions:

  • 60% Southwest
  • 16% West
  • 10% South
  •    7% East
  •    5% Midwest
  •    2% International

APPLY NOW!

REGISTER: Join the September 26 MPA Information Session!

Join our upcoming virtual information session to learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting program! You’ll hear about the MPA admissions process and how to make your application stand out, details about the MPA curriculum, employment recruiting and career outcomes, and life in Austin.

REGISTER: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 – 5:00 PM CT

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Jasmin Blas-Mendieta

Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, MPA Senior Recruiting and Admissions Officer.

 

Student Viewpoint: A Peek Into MPA Orientation

Orientation for the MPA Class of 2024 provided a first look into the MPA program and everything you need to succeed at your fingertips. These four days were fast-paced and full of information!

Day 1

As we finished up breakfast on the first day, exchanging names and hometowns with our new peers, Kristina Zvinakis, the MPA Program Director, welcomed us to the program. Throughout the morning, we heard presentations on health, study abroad, and an overview of Austin and campus. As a new UT student, my bucket list of restaurants and activities was practically full after the first day. I’ve knocked out about five or so recommendations in the first two weeks of classes.

After these presentations, a faculty panel gave us a taste of expectations and grading policies across different classes; this helped immensely when reviewing syllabi for the start of the semester. Finally, the Accounting Department Chair wrapped up the first day. Can you believe all of this happened in about 5 hours? Talk about jumping right in!

Days 2 and 4

The next day of orientation focused on our degree and futures as Texas McCombs grads. We reviewed the MPA degree and how to customize our perfect fit. A panel of alumni discussed various career paths, and the MPA career team gave networking advice we could immediately put to use. And we absolutely did – the day ended with employer networking in a relaxed and approachable setting. The career team also lined up a speed networking event on that Friday to further connections and expose us to employers across multiple facets: industry and consulting, public and private, local and national, specialized and general, etc.

Day 3

Orientation finished with a day of connecting with our peers via small-group tours of the Blanton Museum of Art located right on campus. We took closer looks at some works of art, heard the history behind sculptures, and played get-to-know-you games with our group. It was a perfect summer day and a lovely creative break before the semester began.

               

What else can I say? This program is well worth the summertime walk to campus (even in business professional!).

Hook ‘em!

Cami, MPA Class of 2024

REGISTER: MPA Information Session on August 9!

Are you interested in earning your master’s degree in accounting? Join us at the Texas McCombs Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) virtual info session on August 9 at 5:00 p.m. CT!

At the MPA info session, you will meet Jasmin Blas-Mendieta, the Senior Admissions and Recruiting Officer for the MPA program. She will detail the curriculum you will learn in the program, career outcomes and opportunities, how to apply, and answer any questions you have.

Register for the info session and learn how you can earn your master’s degree in accounting from The University of Texas at Austin!

Register Today!

Master in Professional Accounting Info Session
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

REGISTER: Meet Current MPA Students on July 26!

Are you considering a career in accounting and looking to learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting program at Texas McCombs? Join us at our upcoming webinar on July 26, 2023 where current MPA students will discuss why they chose to study accounting, as well as detail their experiences in the program, including their favorites classes, recruiting and networking opportunities, and life at McCombs. Plus, you’ll have the chance to ask the panelists questions!

Register Now!

Event Details:
Wednesday, July 26
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

Meet the Panelists!

 Joseph Hsu | MPA ’23
Current Student

Joseph is a current student in the traditional Master in Professional Accounting (tMPA) program. Hailing from Taiwan, Joseph completed his undergraduate studies at National Tsing Hua University, where he pursued a dual major in Economics and Industrial Engineering. His career interests are Audit/Assurance Services. Joseph enjoys working with his peers and learning from Texas McComb’s world-class faculty. He believes that accounting is the decision-making tool for all organizations.

 

Allie Rossmiller | MPA ’24
Current Student

Allie is an incoming graduate student on the Financial Reporting and Assurance track in the integrated Master in Professional Accounting (iMPA) program. Allie has completed two audit internships at Deloitte and J.P. Morgan, and is returning to Deloitte in 2024 as an Audit Associate in Washington D.C. On campus, Allie is involved in Longhorn Run and Texas 4000, works for McCombs advising offices as a Peer Advisor, and represents the accounting department on the Graduate Student Assembly.

 

Demetrius Garza |  MPA ’25
Current Student

Demetrius is an incoming fourth-year student on the Financial Reporting and Assurance track in the integrated Master in Professional Accounting (iMPA) program. Demetrius has completed an internship at EY and is currently interning at GlobalFoundries as a Corporate Accounting Intern under their Technical Accounting group. His interests include financial accounting, current accounting topics revolving around ESG/Crypto reporting, and learning about accounting scandals.

Older posts Newer posts

© 2024 MPA Admissions Blog

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑