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Texas MPA Student Life

Darrin’s Profile

Hometown: Omaha, NE
MPA tracks: Financial Reporting/Assurance and Managerial
Class status: 5th-year MPA (integrated approach)
Estimated graduation date: Spring 2010

Why did you choose to attend The University of Texas at Austin?
The MPA program is ranked No. 1 in the nation.

Why did you choose the MPA program?
I wished to be challenged by the best.

What do you want to do when you graduate from the MPA program?
I have accepted a position with KPMG in Denver, CO.  As long as I do not mess anything up, I will move forward with that.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is the Millennium Lab, a.k.a. my second bedroom.  It is fast-paced and exciting in there and usually a good place to randomly chat away with some friends.  Plus, the computers are decent.

Where are your favorite places to go in Austin? What are your favorite things to do in Austin?
My favorite place to go in Austin is outside.  I know this is broad, but I am huge fan of outdoor activities like swimming, biking, running and other sports.

What are your favorite free-time activities?
Other than swimming/biking/running, the three things I enjoy the most are:
1) Eating ridiculous amounts of ice cream
2) Staying up as late as possible
3) Surfing the Internet for technology videos, updates and releases

Other interesting facts about you:
I am from Omaha, NE, which, I am not sure there are too many UT students who can say that.
As mentioned before, I spend enough time in the business school that many people have to clarify what I mean when I say, “I am going home.”
I find the MMORPG World of Warcraft to be absolutely fascinating, and I don’t even play.

4 Comments

4 responses so far



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  • 1 Kajia // Nov 27, 2008 at 11:43 am

    It’s a ” surprise” for me to find that you put “The MPA program is ranked No. 1 in the nation” as a reason for you to enroll this program. I’m from China and believe me, Chinese students usually put “Ranking” at the top of their priority list when they choose a reputable program, though they usually do not say it explicitly. I like your frankness and I would like to hear from you. So, when you get time, please e-mail me!

  • 2 Darrin // Dec 2, 2008 at 11:06 pm

    This platform does not exactly allow me to email you back but I would be more than willing to talk with you and answer any questions you have. My email address is ibm.harvey@gmail.com. Feel free to ask anything you want!

  • 3 Amanda // Mar 2, 2009 at 2:30 am

    Hey,Darrin,do you have a part time work after school?
    I plan to take MPA lesson in 2010,and wondering that may I have a part time(I am identified as an international student from china mainland)

  • 4 Kel // Apr 23, 2009 at 12:16 am

    Austin’s ranking was one of the main reasons it made it on my list of schools to apply to as well. However, I think rankings may not matter as much among Masters of Accounting programs as much as they do in other fields/degrees such as law or an undergraduate degree.

    Austin also sounds like a great place to live, which was my number one reason for being interested in the MPA.

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