MPA Admissions Blog

Insider Information for Prospective Texas McCombs Students

Tag: student profile

Meet Current MPA Student, Alerie Sebastian

April 29, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Alerie Sebastian is a traditional Master in Professional Accounting student who is graduating this May. Let’s learn about her experience at Texas McCombs, how virtual classes are going, and what her post-graduate plans are.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM, ALERIE?
Fords, New Jersey!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY ACCOUNTING?
Financial statements and accounting reports tell stories. I wanted to learn the “language of business,” as Warren Buffett says, and how to create, analyze, and communicate the financial information needed to make important business decisions.

AND WHY DID YOU COME TO TEXAS McCOMBS?
I chose UT because it was in a city I wanted to move to and it offered endless career opportunities. Additionally, since it’s ranked #1 in the nation, I wanted to challenge myself. I knew that going to UT would be difficult but it would change me for the better.

WHAT ARE YOUR POST-GRADUATE PLANS?
After graduation, I will be working in Austin, Texas as a management consultant for Sense Corp!

HOW ARE YOU ADJUSTING TO THE REMOTE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT?
I consider myself an “extroverted introvert,” so I honestly love remote learning because it is straight to the point. And without travel and traffic, I have more time to work on my hobbies! However, it’s sad that I currently cannot see all the friends I have made at UT; I have met so many people who have made my MPA experience so amazing!

Alerie and some of her MPA friends visit Lucy’s Fried Chicken in Austin.

WHAT’S AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW?
I run an Instagram page (@girlmeetswealth) which is all about getting people to learn how to control their money so that money does not control them. The statistics surrounding the financial health of Americans are alarming, and I want to help as many people as I can through the power of social media.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF THE ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT?
Managing @girlmeetswealth takes up most of my time. On top of that, I love watching combat sports like boxing and MMA. Once the pandemic is over, I plan on joining an MMA gym!

ANY TIPS FOR INCOMING MPA STUDENTS OR THOSE LOOKING INTO ACCOUNTING?
For incoming MPA students, think about what you want to do with your MPA degree. For example, are you interested in audit, tax, industry, or consulting? Accounting is not just about the Big 4. Learn as much as you can about potential career paths because you can do so many different things with a graduate accounting degree.

For those exploring accounting, I have similar advice. Ask yourself, “Why accounting over any other field?” and “What do you want to do with your degree?”

ONE LAST THING… WILL YOU FILL OUR THIS QUESTIONNAIRE FOR US?!

Meet more current MPA students here!

Welcome Traditional MPA Class of 2020!

June 6, 2019 / / 0 Comments

It’s official! The Master in Professional Accounting program has our traditional MPA Class of 2020!

We have students joining us from four different countries (China, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and the United States), as well as from 15 different states.

From biology and Spanish to mathematics and accounting, the MPA Class of 2020 has a wide range of skills and undergraduate majors. Some have earned MBAs and some have Master of Science degrees, but all of these admitted students will come together to study at the top-ranked graduate accounting program in the nation.

Let’s take a closer look at our Class of 2020 with our incoming students’ profile:

We are looking forward to seeing all of our students together for the first time at the tMPA Fall Orientation starting August 20! Some students will have the chance to meet each other beforehand in summer classes and career workshops.

Welcome to Texas McCombs, Class of 2020! Hook ’em!

Mduduzi Mugoba

Introducing Mduduzi Mugoba, tMPA Class of 2019

April 18, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Duzi is a traditional Master in Professional Accounting student who is graduating this May. Let’s learn a bit more about him and his time here at Texas McCombs.

Name: Mduduzi “Duzi” Mugoba

Where did you grow up? Zimbabwe

Where did you earn your undergraduate degree? Florida International University

What is your undergraduate degree in? Accounting

Why did you decide to come to the MPA program at Texas McCombs?
It is the best accounting program in the country so couldn’t turn down the offer to come to school here! Also, Texas McCombs is in a great city like Austin with so many cool and fun things to do outside of school. So I would say I chose the program for its prestige and for its location.

What is your MPA academic track? Financial Reporting and Assurance

Why did you decide to become an MPA student ambassador?
The MPA program has given me access to amazing opportunities professionally and socially so would love to give back in any way I can.

What has been one of your favorite classes so far and why?
Well, it’s so hard to choose one particular class because I have loved them all! I will say each professor is so different in their teaching styles and how they present information; it is a fun experience navigating all these different styles. I do have a two classes I just have to mention… The first being Professor Badolato’s Financial Statement Analysis (ACC 380K) course, which was high-paced and intense with so much information coming your way. I loved it because it was perhaps my most challenging class in that involved learning in a very different way compared to anything I had ever experienced before. I learned so much about Financial Statement Analysis (and about myself) which was awesome! My other favorite is Investment Theory (FIN 397) with Professor Brown. The information is so relevant and something I will apply to my life in future. The big takeaway from the class (at least for me) is the investment opportunities available if one is interested in passive investment and personal finance management. The class itself is also challenging but that is a common theme for most classes in the MPA program.

What are your plans after you graduate?
I was offered (and accepted) a full-time position at EY and will be working in Houston in their assurance practice. I start in the fall, so while I wait on my start date I plan on taking at least two parts of the CPA exam and enjoying some Texas sun. I am also a fan of the cold drinks that go with the nice, hot summer weather. 🙂

Can you tell us more about the MPA intramural soccer teams you have played on?
Oh yes! It was something that myself, Jeff Chen, and Tyler Wilford were thinking about when the spring semester started. In fact, we just wanted to play some form of intramural sport. Then I ran into Ray Lee (our Team Captain) at a Diversity and Inclusion talk, and he mentioned that he was trying to organize a team to play soccer but couldn’t find enough people. So we exchanged numbers, then I gave Ray Jeff and Tyler’s numbers and they went on to create the team (so all the credit of starting the team should go to me because I had all the contacts haha). But in all seriousness, it was just a way for us to get together as MPAs and do something outside of class. It turned out great because we have a couple of people who have played soccer before, so we were able to be competitive and make it to the playoffs for the men’s league (which we lost under dubious circumstances), but now we have a co-ed team with more MPAs and hopefully more success!

Anything else you’d like to share?
I would say that as important as the classes are, I have enjoyed meeting different people more than anything. The MPA program is very challenging and one can get extremely busy, but I think the most value I have received from the program is meeting new people and actually making meaningful connections outside of the conventional “networking.” It’s important to keep that in mind for anyone looking to join the MPA program.

 

Mighty MPA Soccer

The Mighty MPAs smile for a team photo with Steve Smith, Senior Director of the MPA program. Duzi Mugoba is pictured in the bottom row, third from the left.

Maureen Sweet, MPA alumna

How Sweet It Is: MPA Alumna Spotlight

March 7, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Texas McCombs was fortunate enough to have two Elijah Watt Sells Award winners in 2017: Hyungmin Kim and Maureen Sweet, both MPA Class of 2016 graduates. Let’s learn more about one of our winners, Maureen Sweet.

Maureen Sweet exemplifies what it is to be a top student and accounting professional. She’s hard-working, smart, and an Elijah Watt Sells Award winner. The 2016 Texas McCombs Master in Professional Accounting alumna is one of only 58 Sells Award recipients in 2017.

Maureen grew up in northeast Ohio and completed her undergraduate studies at Fordham University in the Bronx. She received her BA in Spanish Language Literature and minored in Business, and she especially enjoyed her undergraduate accounting courses. After graduating from Fordham, she managed the finances for Stupid Cancer, a nonprofit in New York City that leads the way in advocacy, research, and support for young adults with cancer. Something clicked for her while she was filing Stupid Cancer’s annual statements. She loved how she could use financial statements to gain insights into how a business operates. “It gave me a holistic picture of the company, and I learned how to problem solve,” Maureen said.

Maureen knew she had found her calling. When she began considering graduate accounting programs, Texas McCombs made her short list. Three things came to mind to explain why she chose to attend UT-Austin: the program’s prestige, the city, and her future. “The reputation of the MPA program speaks for itself. And I knew I’d love Austin,” Maureen added. “Plus, the program would help me get all my credits for the CPA exam in a short amount of time.”

While in the MPA program, Maureen grew relationships with the faculty and MPA staff members, as well as other students. She attended four of her classmates’ weddings last year!

Maureen knew she only wanted to take the CPA exam once, so studying was a top priority. A few months after completing the exam, she was contacted by the AICPA and told that she was a recipient of the esteemed Elijah Watt Sells Award. Needless to say, Maureen was beyond ecstatic. “I was extremely excited and honored to receive the Sells Award,” she commented.

In the fall of 2016, Maureen started her new career at Deloitte Tax in San Jose, California. Before she hit her two-year anniversary, Maureen was promoted to Tax Senior. “This is exactly what I wanted. I love consulting with interesting clients.” Additionally, she is taking advantage of the beautiful outdoors in the Golden State.

As for the future, Maureen plans on staying in public accounting and enjoying the opportunity to see a broad range of experiences with her clients. “I’m looking forward to continuing to be in a career that challenges me every day,” Maureen said. And we here at Texas McCombs cannot wait to see how she changes the world.

Texas McCombs’ other Sells Awards winner in 2017, Hyungmin Kim, is a BBA graduate of Seoul National University and earned his MPA in 2016. He is currently employed with The Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan.

 

Read more updates from the Department of Accounting in the fall issue of The Accounting Times.

Introducing Sam Henderson, a Texas McCombs tMPA student

December 21, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Meet Sam Henderson, a current tMPA student here at Texas McCombs. He’s Texas-grown but has worked all over the U.S., and now he is back in the Lone Star State. Here’s his story.

Sam Henderson Student Profile

 

Who inspires you right now?

This sounds cheesy, but my fellow students. I am constantly being impressed by the caliber of people that surround me! They inspire me every day to do better.

Sam Henderson Student Profile with MPAs

 

What motivates you?

My current and future family. I want them to be proud of me and the work I am putting in to make our collective lives better in the future. 

 

How is the MPA Program helping you accomplish your goals?

I’m a career changer and the MPA program is not only giving me the hard skills necessary to succeed in the future, but they are actively helping to map out my future, beyond the program. They are truly dedicated to ensuring a bright future for us.

 

What do you like about Austin?

Austin has always been the home-base for my family. I’ve moved around the nation quite a bit for work, but always come back to Austin for visits with family. The food and music culture are incredible and despite the recent growth, it still maintains a small-town feel.

 

How does Austin compare to your hometown of Houston?

Even though I claim Houston as my hometown (and while I still have love for it), the sheer size can make livability an issue. I often find I don’t participate in as many activities in Houston because of the travel time involved. Austin makes it so easy to participate in a wide range of activities, all relatively close to campus.

 

What led you to apply to the Texas McCombs MPA Program?

It’s the number one accounting program in the nation! Of course, the proximity to my family played a big part in my decision, as well.

 

What is your advice to students debating whether they should apply to the Texas McCombs MPA Program?

The program is first rate, the town is fun, and your fellow students make you better. There is no downside… don’t hesitate to apply.

 

How have you benefited from the MPA recruiting process?

Recruiting is tough. It is a huge time suck and will weigh heavily on your mind even when you shouldn’t be focusing on it. The Recruit McCombs website makes it easy to organize your career options, and the MPA career advisors help you throughout the process, making sure you put your best foot forward.

 

How do you think your experience in the Texas McCombs MPA program stands out?

It stands out in so many ways: your fellow class cohorts, professors with prestigious national standing, MPA program faculty willing to go the extra mile for you to succeed, and a recruiting base that ensures you have the opportunity to get with top companies. All of these experiences stand out and it is impossible to unwind all the benefits they collectively give you. The entire program is geared towards challenging you to be better in all aspects.

Sam Henderson Student Profile studying

 

Alright, Sam… Your turn to fill out this questionnaire:

Sam Henderson Questionnaire

 

If you would like to connect with Sam, you can email him on our Student Ambassadors page.

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