Master in Professional Accounting Admissions Blog

Insider Information for Prospective Texas McCombs MPA Students

Category: MPA Student Profiles (page 1 of 4)

Shawn Lee

An International Student’s Perspective on the MPA Experience

January 24, 2025 / / 0 Comments

As I reflect on my first semester in the Texas McCombs MPA program, the aroma of scallion pancake wafts through my small apartment. Upon arrival in Austin, I faced the daunting task of cooking for myself — something I had never done before. My first attempts were far from perfect; sometimes the food was burnt, other times it was raw and inedible. But through each trial and error, I learned and improved.

This culinary exploration is a microcosm of my academic experience. Initially, everything was new and challenging, from understanding new University systems to completing rigorous tasks and harmonizing cross-cultural interactions. However, the supportive environment provided by the MPA program has made all the difference. The excellent professors I’ve encountered have been patient guides, breaking down complex concepts into manageable pieces. Meanwhile, the MPA Program Office academic and career advisors have provided invaluable resources and support, always ready to lend a helping hand. My peers, caring and professional, created a collaborative atmosphere in which we learned from each other’s diverse perspectives.

After a few weeks in the program, I had a sudden realization that shook me to my core. Despite my background in accounting, I found myself struggling with unfamiliar concepts and financial and tax accounting systems. It was in this moment of vulnerability that I truly understood the value of my roots. The comfort of my home country’s familiar accounting practices, which I had taken for granted, now felt like a cherished foundation upon which I could build new knowledge. This epiphany ignited a dual passion within me: a renewed appreciation for my cultural heritage and a burning desire to excel in this new academic landscape.

As I take a bit of the crusty and crunchy pancake I’ve just made, I’m reminded of the purpose behind the 7,734 miles I journeyed from Taipei to Austin. The texture and flavor evoke memories of home and symbolize the gradual improvements I’ve made in my cooking and the satisfaction of creating something meaningful. My culinary journey mirrors my experience in the MPA program: through a bit of trial and error, the rigorous curriculum and supportive resources have provided the perfect opportunity for growth.

-Shawn Lee, MPA Class of 2025

Meet Our MPA Student Ambassadors

December 4, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Introducing some of the Texas McCombs MPA Ambassadors!

These dynamic students represent the heart of our program, showcasing the endless opportunities that come with a Master in Professional Accounting degree. Whether your goals are in accounting or beyond, the ambassadors are here to share their unique journeys, insider tips, and personal experiences to help you navigate life as an MPA student.  To learn more about the MPA program click HERE!

 

Demetrius Garza

Demetrius Garza
Connect with Demetrius

Q: What’s your favorite place to study on campus?
A: My favorite spot to study on campus has to be the NRG room in McCombs. I really like the renovations they made over the summer, and the new monitors and study rooms are nice!
Q: What’s your favorite coffee shop or restaurant in Austin?
A: I enjoy visiting Dog Day Coffee and Mercado Sin Nombre; they both have some fantastic coffee with some unique flavors! If you go to Dog Day, I would recommend the Morning Ralph (thai tea infused nitro cold brew), and at Mercado Sin Nombre, the Horchata Cold Brew.
Q: Favorite show?
A: Severance on Apple TV+. Excited for the second season to come out in January!
Q: What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy week of classes?
A: A great spot for me to de-stress from classes has got to be Barton Springs! Laying on the lawn and taking a dip in the pool on a hot day is always a great way to lighten my mood.

 

Brook Harris

Brooke Harris
Connect with Brooke

Q: What’s your favorite place to study on campus?
A: I enjoy studying at the PCL
Q: What’s your favorite coffee shop or restaurant in Austin?
A: My favorite coffee shop in Austin is Houndstooth
Q: Favorite show?
A: Suits
Q: What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy week of classes?
A: Hang out with friends and go on walks

 

Christian Tinoco-Lopez

Christian Tinoco Lopez
Connect with Christian

Q: What’s your favorite place to study on campus?
A: I consider it a hidden gem, but I love studying in the Governor’s room in the Texas Union Building—the old-timey feel boosts my study power! If not there, you can find me in the PCL 2nd-floor quiet area—it is the quietest area on campus!
Q: What’s your favorite coffee shop or restaurant in Austin?
A: Such a tough question! It depends on my mood. Habanero Mexican Cafe in South Austin is great. Some good brunch (and a throwback to the past) can be found at Jim’s Restaurant toward North Austin. Nearby campus, my favorite spot is K-Bop—their Bulgogi bowl is amazing!
Q: Favorite show?
A: I haven’t had much of a chance to watch Netflix recently with school and life in general, but when I get a chance I like to catch up on the Outer Banks new seasons or Brooklyn Nine-Nine for a bit of a laugh.
Q: What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy week of classes?
A: I’m an avid runner. Runs down Cesar Chavez Blvd and alongside Lady Bird Lake are truly therapeutic. I love crossing the pedestrian bridge to South Austin and looking back to see the Austin city skyline—it leaves me breathless every time!

 

Teaguen Weise

Teaguen Weise
Connect with Teaguen

Q: What’s your favorite place to study on campus?
A: PCL 4th floor or UTC 2nd floor by the windows
Q: What’s your favorite coffee shop or restaurant in Austin?
A: Original Blacks BBQ!
Q: Favorite show?
A: Grey’s Anatomy
Q: What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy week of classes?
A: Ice-cream, visiting with friends, and anything nature

Turning the Page: Celebrating the MPA Class of 2024

June 5, 2024 / / 0 Comments

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, the MPA Commencement Ceremony took place at Gregory Gym, transforming the well-known student fitness hub into a symbol of new beginnings. Professors, family, and friends gathered to celebrate the graduates.  

The 2024 MPA graduating class includes those from diverse backgrounds who worked tirelessly to earn their degrees. Among the graduates, Peter Gutierrez’s journey stands out as a testament to perseverance and reinvention. Formerly a high school math teacher, Peter decided to make a bold career transition and pursue his MPA. As he eagerly anticipates his next steps, including a summer study abroad in Prague and a  financial analyst role for Dell upon his return to Austin, Peter embodies the spirit of transformation and ambition that defines the MPA graduates. 

Hong Nguyen has a similarly inspiring graduation story. As a first-generation graduate, Hong’s MPA degree holds deep significance not just for her, but for her family. With her family by her side and the support of her peers in the Asian Business Student Association, Hong’s achievement symbolizes the fulfillment of a dream and the promise of a bright future. 

The MPA commencement speakers further highlighted the potential of the MPA graduating class. Professor Steven Kachelmeier noted that the program’s excellence echoes in every graduate’s journey and reflects their commitment to success and innovation. Dean Lillian Mills emphasized the graduates’ role as agents of change and progress while distinguished speaker Paul Knopp (BBA Accounting ‘81, MBA ’83) shared his journey from accounting student to CEO. Paul highlighted the pivotal role of accounting as well as mentorship and resilience in shaping his success. Through his heartfelt message, he encouraged graduates to embrace uncertainty, celebrate their achievements, and envision a future defined by purpose and impact. 

During the ceremony, MPA Program Faculty Director Kristina Zvinakis recognized students who demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement while in the MPA program. Gracelynn Keener received the CPA Accounting Education Award in recognition of her mastery of accounting knowledge, while Zachary Sly and Krishan Gupta were honored as the outstanding integrated and traditional MPA students, respectively, in their graduating class.  

Prior to the graduates walking across the stage to have their names read and be recognized, Ally Rosmiller stepped forward as the student speaker. Her words conveyed a sense of camaraderie and shared triumph, and she urged her fellow graduates to embrace every victory, big or small. 

As the ceremony ended, the air was filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. Each graduate stands at the threshold of a new chapter, armed with knowledge, resilience, and boundless potential. Today, they not only celebrate their achievements but also their capacity to shape the future and change the world. 

 Congratulations to the MPA graduating class of 2024! 

                 

 

Click here to learn more about starting your journey toward earning a Master in Professional Accounting degree at Texas McCombs.

Meet Current MPA Student Mateen Bashiri

May 10, 2024 / / 0 Comments
Mateen Bashiri

Benefits of the Master in Professional Accounting Program
Mateen Bashiri, MPA candidate ’24, on the path to CFO

When Mateen Bashiri started his undergraduate degree at The University of Texas at Austin, he was sure he would become a doctor. But Bashiri soon pivoted to economics, an area of study he’d enjoyed in high school. Now, he’s about to earn a master’s in accounting.

While Bashiri was still an economics undergrad, he enrolled in Texas McCombs’ Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) Bridge program, which allowed him to get a head start on his graduate MPA coursework in his senior year. He’s currently on track to graduate this spring.

Bashiri tells us why he’s pursuing an accounting master’s degree, the benefits of the MPA Bridge program, and his experience in the MPA program.

Q: How did you decide on your career path?

A: I’m from Austin originally. I went into college as a science major and was going to be a doctor. But I quickly saw that it wasn’t for me. My dad is an accountant — a financial controller for a med tech company — and a lot of other family members work in accounting, too. Growing up, I saw their careers develop. I also really enjoyed my economics classes in high school. I really like the business aspect. After getting my undergraduate degree in economics, it was close between whether I’d go into accounting or finance. Ultimately, I decided I wanted to become a certified public accountant (CPA).

Q: How did you decide to pursue an MPA degree?

A: I knew I needed my master’s degree to get the hours I needed, especially since I didn’t have an accounting background. I also knew UT students have a very high pass rate for the CPA exam; you’re prepared very well to succeed. Plus, the MPA is a great degree given that my goal is to eventually become a CFO. There are a lot of CPAs who become CFOs. This degree is such a great propellent into many other career opportunities.

Q: What benefits did you see in enrolling in the MPA Bridge program?

A: I was set to graduate a semester early from undergrad, and for most other master’s programs out there, I would have had to skip the spring semester and enroll the following fall. The Bridge program let me go right into my master’s academic work, and it really gave me a great head start for the graduate portion of the MPA program. I took one class as part of the MPA Bridge program in the summer before I graduated while finishing my undergraduate degree, and then I took two classes in the fall. After that, I started full time in the MPA program in the spring. Coming into the accounting program with an economics background also definitely helped me, especially in the foundational accounting courses. I didn’t feel at all unprepared.

Q: What has been the most exciting part of the MPA program to date?

A: The best part, even though it sounds somewhat cliché, has been meeting so many people from all across the country. I wasn’t expecting that. And a lot of us regularly keep up with each other, too.

Q: What’s your plan for after you graduate?

A: Currently, I’m taking one class and I’ll graduate this spring. I’m also working on preparing for the CPA exam, and I’m hoping to finish that over the next five or six months. Then I’ll start my new job as a financial analyst with Dell Technologies in their Accounting Development Program. Last summer, I interned with Dell, and the company offered me a full-time job. The internship was an opportunity that came onto my radar because of McCombs — there are a lot of recruiting events with many different kinds of employers.

Q: What would you say to non-accounting UT students thinking about applying to the MPA program?

A: Definitely do it. It’s been such a great experience. You get to meet great people and get very well prepared for the CPA exam. It’s nice being around people who are so driven. UT’s program is the No. 1 program for a reason. The professors are very good, really intelligent, and they present topics in an exciting way. That’s why so many have been around for a while. This program prepares you, whether you have an accounting background, or not, for long-term career success.

Meet Current MPA Student Sophia Matar

April 26, 2024 / / 0 Comments
Sophia Matar
Full Speed Ahead for This MPA Student 

Sophia Matar, MPA candidate ’24, credits McCombs’ career coaches and corporate partners with starting her off well

Sophia Matar is no stranger to the fast track. She started her undergraduate education at The University of Texas at Austin with enough dual credit and Advanced Placement coursework to graduate in just three years — majoring in economics with a minor in accounting. So, the opportunity to get a head start on graduate coursework through Texas McCombs’ Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) Bridge program was, she says, “just too good to pass up.”

She’s currently set to graduate at the end of the Spring 2024 semester, with an audit position awaiting her as she steps off the stage. She talks about accounting as both stable and dynamic, how the MPA Bridge program matched her ambitions, and how real-world exposure at McCombs gave her the confidence to land her first job.

Q: After studying both economics and accounting, what finally drew you toward a master’s in accounting?

A: I found economics coursework to be a lot more theoretical, while accounting is more structured and practical. So, the stability drew me in. But it’s also an exciting field because there are so many avenues to pursue, so many different types of jobs, and plenty of potential to work directly with clients. Some people who study accounting end up as investment bankers or as CFOs — it’s not sitting at a desk and booking journal entries.

Q: What benefits did you see in enrolling in the MPA Bridge program?

A: My plan was to graduate in three years, and I saw the Bridge program as a way to start my graduate studies in my third year of college and then finish my master’s in my fourth year. Finishing two degrees in four years was just too good to pass up. It definitely helped to save money, too.

Q: What aspects of the one-year MPA program have you enjoyed and have been helpful for you?

A: I’ve gotten so much help with professional development. McCombs’ career coaches have met with me multiple times, helping me with interview prep and to rework my résumé. Because of all their help, I now feel extremely confident in my networking skills.

It’s also been really helpful to hear from so many guest speakers in classes — people who are out working in the field right now. Hearing their experiences has helped me to understand that not everybody is on the same path, but that accountants come from many different backgrounds and succeed in a wide range of really interesting roles. Right now, for example, I’m in an internal audit class and we’re paired with a company to do internal audit work for them. It’s so great to get that experience while I’m in school.

Q: What’s your plan for after graduation?

A: Initially, I figured I would do general consulting after graduation. But during my MPA experience, I’ve been exposed to so many different ways in which to be an accountant, and I realized that I really like the internal side of audit versus the external side. I ended up taking a tech risk consulting position with EY, where I’ll be doing internal control work and risk assessment.

Q: What about advice for potential accounting program applicants?

A: The program is well worth it — and not just because of the coursework, even though that has been instrumental for me. It’s valuable because you have access to real-world experiences and one-on-one development opportunities. McCombs’ MPA program is one of the most well-known and prepares you very well for whatever accounting path you choose.

REGISTER: MPA Current Student and Alumni Panel

April 17, 2024 / / 0 Comments

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 April 25 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!

Thursday, April 25, 2024
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

REGISTER NOW!

Meet the Panelists

Paul DeGrado

Paul DeGrado, MPA ’24
Current Student

Paul DeGrado is a current student pursuing his MPA degree through the integrated MPA program at The University of Texas at Austin. Beyond his commitment to academic excellence, Paul is also a valued member of the Men’s Swimming & Diving team, showcasing his discipline, teamwork, and leadership both in and out of the classroom.

 

Krishan Gupta

Krishan Gupta, MPA ’24
Current Student

Krishan Gupta is a current student in the traditional MPA program, specializing in taxation, and is set to graduate in 2024. His dedication to academic excellence and passion for his field have earned him the role of a Teaching Assistant in the MPA program, where he actively contributes to the academic development of his peers. Krishan’s academic journey began with a BA in Economics from UT Austin, where he developed a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

 

Amie Jatana

Amie Jatana, CPA, MPA ’16
Senior Director of Finance & Accounting – Wells Group of New York

Amie Jatana is an accomplished alumna of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her MPA degree. She is a certified public accountant in both Texas and Illinois and currently serves as the Senior Director of Finance and Accounting at the Wells Group of New York. Amie’s exceptional financial expertise and strategic insights have been instrumental in driving business success. She is a highly skilled professional with a strong commitment to both personal and professional growth, making her an exemplary figure in the accounting field.

Meet Current Student Josh Tarplin

March 22, 2024 / / 0 Comments
Josh Tarplin

From the Chem Lab to the Photo Studio to PwC
Josh Tarplin, MPA candidate ’24, on finding his passion for auditing

Accounting wasn’t on Josh Tarplin’s radar as a career until he started running his own business, a photography studio he ultimately ran in the U.K. Before that, he was on track to becoming a chemical engineer — as a teen he worked on research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Tarplin talks about his circuitous path to accounting, why it’s now his ideal career, and what he’s learned during his time in the traditional Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) program.

Q: You started in science, then started your own creative business. How did that come about?

A: I took a lot of science classes in high school, worked at the NIH doing research, and came to Yale as a chemical engineering major. But in college, I also took a photography class, and I really fell in love with it. So, I double majored in fine art focused on photography and the history of art, with a focus on visual theory. My plan was to work as a fine artist, like a hermit in the studio — that was the dream. I started in fashion photography, a mix of the commercial and the creative, and I opened my own studio in Los Angeles, working with Instagram brands and then companies.

Q: When did it first occur to you that accounting was an important subject to study?

A: With my photography business, I started working in London more than in L.A., and that’s where I first discovered accounting. I’d never known an accountant besides the nice woman who prepared my taxes. In running my studio, I didn’t have financial records. I didn’t know how to account for my expenses. So, I started giving myself an online education in accounting, and I really fell in love with it. It’s so different from art, but it supports any other endeavor you’re trying to pursue. Accounting is a really good framework, and whatever you’re doing — from operating Apple to designing and printing your own T-shirts — you have to have this knowledge to be able to function on your own in a commercial world, and also to protect yourself.

Q: What has your experience in the MPA program been like?

A: I’m loving it. It’s a discipline that’s internally consistent, which is very rare. But at the same time, there’s so much creativity and room for exploration. The classes I’ve found the most interesting have involved discussions of the issues between regulators and companies. The Accounting faculty are really interested in teaching what’s going on in the actual standards or in the actual internal revenue code. It’s introducing an idea from a textbook and then giving the inside scoop as to how it functions. I’m so happy that I found something that I love as much as I love making art.

Q: Are you still doing photography?

A: I’d much rather give someone a photograph they love than have it hang in a gallery and then get sold to someone I’ve never met. I see art as a weekend activity now. I’m excited to be fully in the world of accounting.

Q: What’s your plan for after you graduate?

A: I’ll be working at PwC in Houston. I really love auditing — I love seeing the forest through the trees of the numbers. I think that comes from my art history visual theory background. Numbers on a page symbolize this whole world of a company.

I’m interested in being exposed to different companies and the investigatory aspect, to investigate and find (or not find) fraud. It’s the idea that auditors are the guardians of the capital markets.

Q: What would you say to students thinking about studying accounting at McCombs?

A: It’s the best program in the country, the world really. It’s not just the ranking that drew me, but it’s who’s teaching here: the best talent for both teaching and research. The program offers a holistic experience in learning accounting that you can take in so many different directions. You can explore anything. The program is a one-year ticket to know how to do anything you want to do in the world that involves people trusting you with money — which is really everything.

 

REGISTER: MPA Current Student and Alumni Panel

February 16, 2024 / / 0 Comments

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 February 22 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!

Thursday, February 22, 2024
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

REGISTER NOW

MPA current students and alumni panel

Register: MPA Current Student and Alumni Panel

November 9, 2023 / / 0 Comments

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.

virtual panel

REGISTER: Meet Current MPA Students on July 26!

July 24, 2023 / / 0 Comments

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.

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