Olivia’s Profile

oliviaName: Olivia Coffey

Home state: California

MPA Track: Managerial and Financial

Class Status: tMPA

Estimated Graduation Date: August 2015

What led you to accounting?
I was strong in math in high school and started off doing engineering as a college freshman, but I quickly discovered the dark rooms on my campus and fell hard for photography. When I graduated, I headed out to San Francisco and found myself at a 9-5 desk job that included some accounts payable. Each day, I lit up at the opportunity to work with the books and use my numbers and organization brains. Yearning for more, I signed up for a night class at UC Berkeley in Financial Accounting. That class quickly spiraled into more coursework and the realization that accounting is a vast field with an array of opportunities that allows for a stable yet flexible career.

Why did you choose the MPA program?
Fantastic ranking aside, UT allows me to pursue both a Financial and Managerial track–few schools even offer Managerial. Also, the staff and faculty have excellent reputations of being attentive, fun, and approachable. It’s a huge bonus that the MPA is in Austin. Austin is a thriving city with an ideal blend of weather (I have satisfied my lifetime snow quota), culture (a Deaf community, Jewish community, and art scene…amazing!), and incredible food.

What do you look forward to most about your MPA experience?
I’m excited to be a full time student again–the next year is sure to be a whirlwind of intellectual stimulation and exploration. I know I will emerge in 2015 with a degree in hand and at least one job prospect that will allow me to start a genuine (and hopefully lifelong) career. I also really look forward to getting to know my classmates, professors, and advisors who will be with me for the ride.

What have you been up to since you received your undergraduate degree?
The summer after graduation, I interned for a commercial photographer in Philadelphia. I then moved to San Francisco (jobless!) and worked at a local coffee shop until I found my full time job as an Office Manager at a Visual Merchandising company.

What advice do you have for students interested in the MPA program?
Though the personal statement may be daunting, it’s ultimately a wonderful opportunity to hone in on one’s objectives and aspirations.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
James Turrell’s “The Color Inside”

Where are your favorite places to go and favorite things to do in Austin?
I am always down to go to a tasty restaurant and I love driving along stretches of Texas wildflowers. I also love hanging out on my patio with my plants and my cat.

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