Master in Professional Accounting Admissions Blog

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Tag: accounting graduate degree

Turning the Page: Celebrating the MPA Class of 2024

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.

View the MPA Class of 2022 Profile

Check out the profile of the traditional Master in Professional Accounting Class of 2022! These students came to Texas McCombs from a variety of backgrounds and with an array of experiences and started classes in the fall of 2021. They will graduate this spring or summer.

MPA Class of 2022 Profile

 

The traditional MPA application is still open for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Apply today and join the MPA Class of 2023! The application deadline is April 30, 2022.

Register for an MPA Program Info Session

MPA info session blog post

Learn more about the top-ranked graduate accounting program in the nation! Sign up for a virtual Master in Professional Accounting program info session:

At our info sessions, you’ll hear information about the Master in Professional Accounting admissions process, curriculum, and career outcomes, as well as what life is like at McCombs.

Whether you’re currently in college or just starting your career, move ahead fast by earning a one-year specialized master’s degree in accounting at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Register Today!

Meet Recent MPA Grads Ben Levine-Drizin and Rachel Wolfson

Ben and Rachel are both traditional MPA students who graduated in May 2020 and are engaged to be married! Let’s learn more about them and their experiences at UT, as well as hear their advice for those considering accounting.

Ben and Rachel standing on the Darrell K Royal field at Texas Memorial Stadium.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND UT?
Ben: Because of its reputation for having the best graduate accounting program in the country, as well as a desire to spend some time living outside of the midwest (I had visited Austin before with Rachel and knew that it would be a fun place to live).
Rachel: I chose to attend UT for the MPA program because I went to UT for my undergrad. I love living in Austin and being a Longhorn. It also doesn’t hurt that UT’s MPA program is ranked #1!

WHAT ARE YOUR POST-GRADUATE PLANS?
Ben: My post graduate plan is to return to Chicago, get married, study for the CPA exam, and start my new job in January in the audit department of Plante Moran.
Rachel: Post-graduation I am planning on being an auditor at Ernst & Young in Chicago.

Rachel and Ben escape an Austin panic room with friends!

HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR FIANCÉ?
Ben & Rachel: We actually met in a previous graduate program for teaching at Northwestern University. We both taught for a few years and ultimately decided that it wasn’t for us.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
Ben: I grew up in the Northern suburbs of Chicago (Winnetka, IL).
Rachel: I am from Chicago.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS?
Ben:
I enjoy working out (specifically long-distance running), spending time with Rachel and puppy, and watching sports.
Rachel: Right now, I am really into knitting and yoga. I also love to travel and spend time with family and friends.

HOW WAS TAKING CLASSES REMOTELY DURING THE SPRING 2020 SEMESTER?
Ben: I would say that it definitely was an adjustment, but it wasn’t too bad. The biggest obstacle for me was developing a new routine and staying focused on my work, even when I didn’t really leave my apartment other than to walk my dog.
Rachel: Remote learning was a change! At first it was hard to stay motivated and keep a normal routine, but the professors and university did an amazing job communicating and helped us all adapt to the new learning environment.

ANY TIPS FOR INCOMING MPA STUDENTS OR THOSE LOOKING INTO THE MPA PROGRAM?
Ben: To prospective and incoming students, this is an amazing program with a ton of resources and great people. I have already grown a lot as both a professional and a person since I started school here. I am truly going to miss the people that I have met, the program itself, and the city of Austin. Take advantage of all the time you have here because it goes by fast!
Rachel: The MPA program is challenging but also so rewarding! If you’re looking into accounting as a profession, UT has the best resources to prepare you for the future. I would choose this program again without hesitation!

Introducing Mduduzi Mugoba, tMPA Class of 2019

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.