Master in Professional Accounting Admissions Blog

Insider Information for Prospective Texas McCombs MPA Students

Tag: MPA accounting

The Study Abroad Experience – Prague

Katie Anderson, MPA Class of 2025

While in the MPA Prague study abroad program, I learned about Europe through my studies and travels. Between weekend trips across Europe with my peers, engaging classes, and program-planned excursions within Prague, the program was a fulfilling experience that I will cherish. As someone who had never been to Europe, I was nervous about the cultural adjustment. However, the UT and VŠE staff helped us get acclimated to our new environment and the time and effort that they put into this program was clear from the start.

Our courses were fascinating. In our classes taught by MPA faculty, we delved deeper into specialized accounting topics, and in our VŠE class, we simulated the early stages of starting a business in Europe from initial idea to pitch. Furthermore, the planned excursions in Prague gave us the opportunity to see unique sites in the Czech Republic. My personal favorite was our visit to Radio Free Europe, an international media organization with the mission of providing accurate news to countries without freedom of the press.

Unequivocally, my favorite part of the program was growing closer to my MPA peers. I bonded with people who had been in my classes for years but never had the opportunity to truly get to know. The entire group often made plans together and I gained a newfound appreciation for the community that we formed. I always knew I had someone with whom I could grab lunch, study, or explore Prague’s Old Town. These friendships enhanced my experience and made me feel more connected to the MPA program as a whole. After returning to the US, I quickly made plans to see my study-abroad friends and I can’t wait to have classes with them in the Fall.

Hook ‘em! 🤘

Katie Anderson, MPA Class of 2025

REGISTER: Meet Current MPA Students and Alumni on November 16

Hear from current Master in Professional Accounting students and alumni at our virtual panel on Wednesday, November 16 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT! MPA students and alumni 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 Texas McCombs. Plus, you’ll have the chance to ask the panelists questions!

Register Now

Event Details:
Wednesday, November 16
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. CT
Virtual – Zoom

Meet the Panelists!

Yadira Avitia

Yadira Avitia  |  Current MPA
Undergrad: Psychology, University of North Texas

Yadira grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and received a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of North Texas. She decided to earn a graduate degree in accounting from Texas McCombs to master the language of business. She strives to service businesses within various industries who are working to make this world a better place.

 

Christine CockerellChristine Cockerell  |  MPA ’17
Senior Financial Analyst at Toyota North America

Christine earned her undergraduate degree in finance/accounting from American University and earned her MPA at UT Austin. She is interested in financial advisory services, particularly in the airline, automotive, and real estate sectors. She was born and raised in Texas and is a private pilot and avid golfer.

 

David O'NeilDavid O’Neil  |  MPA ’15
Senior Associate at Crescent Cove Capital

David earned both his bachelor’s and master’s in accounting from UT Austin. He focused his studies in financial accounting, as well as volunteered as a tax preparer through the Tax Practicum course. His passions include corporate finance, new technologies, and investing.

 

Eric WenEric (Junqi) Wen  |  Current MPA
Undergrad: Accounting, UT Austin

Eric grew up in China and went to high school in Sugar Land, Texas. He is a current student studying in the Master in Professional Accounting Program. Upon graduation, Eric will be working as a strategy analyst at Accenture in Chicago, Illinois.