Jamal’s Profile

Jamal DeekHometown: Lake Jackson, TX
MPA track: Financial Reporting & Assurance
Class status: 5th-Year MPA
Graduation date:
 May 2014

Why did you choose the MPA program?

Everyone in my family was an engineer, so it was assumed that scientific equations ran though my blood. Unfortunately for my parents, I never understood the concept of E=MC². Accounting made sense to me. I loved math and I was fascinated with the flow of money. And with UT (which happened to be in my own backyard) housing the best program in the nation, it seemed like fate.

What do you like most so far about your MPA experience?

I like the close knit feeling you can get with other MPAs and being challenged everyday with something new. And with such a great academic and career staff, you feel like you’re in great care on a daily basis.

What advice do you have for current students for getting the most out of their MPA experience?
Though class can be strenuous at times, try to get to know some of your classmates. There will probably be a number of faces new to you, but it’s I think it’s great to start forming connections with people you’ll be spending the next 1-3 years with. Especially with studying and recruiting season.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

Probably the Millennium Lab on the 5th floor of McCombs. Believe it or not, I’ve made some great memories there. Meeting new people from class when working on your assignments, having serious life talks with your friends, and relaxing on those nice and soft office chairs…

Where are your favorite places to go and favorite things to do in Austin?

I love running past the capitol at night. Seeing the illuminated white against the seamless dark of the night makes me glad that I live in Texas. And running past it is a great way for me to (try) to stay shape when I’m not hitting the accounting books!

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