Accounting students, alumni, employers and partners talk about their invaluable academic experiences at the UT Dallas Jindal School of Management, providing advice, perspective, and vision.
Samuel Hartsough, Class of 2024
I’m a transfer student to UT Dallas. I’ve attended several other business schools in my journey to get an accounting degree. It wasn’t until I was enrolled in UTD’s accounting program that I truly felt I was welcomed and that the faculty and staff were engaged in helping me. I’ve made friends here, connected with faculty and found community at this university. I knew I wanted to go into accounting. UTD is the first university I’ve attended where I could realize that goal. Read Jackson’s full testimonial.
Jackson Kraynick, Class of 2024
The UTD accounting program is so enriching. It’s helped me discover my career path. It’s allowed me to connect with accounting alums and professors. It’s pushed me to excel in a field with untold opportunities. I’m so grateful I’ve spent meaningful years building the foundation of my career and life with UTD’s accounting program. Read Jackson’s full testimonial.
Megan Ng, Class of 2024
The UTD accounting program has supported me to excel academically and professionally. I was selected for the Professional Program in Accounting, which allows me to develop closer relationships with my peers and professors in a competitive environment. It’s allowed me to thrive. I serve as a mentor to accounting students and enjoy this chance to give back to other students.Read Megan’s full testimonial.
Cathy Li, PPA 15
FORVIS
In my senior spring semester, I had the opportunity to intern with the tax department at FORVIS. It was an amazing internship, and I learned so much more than I thought possible! I worked on a wide range of projects, met incredible people and gained invaluable real-world experience.
Abigail Muse, PPA 15
Moss Adams Tax
At Moss Adams, I had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of different types of projects and tax returns that gave me practical experience in how to provide client value and operate within the world of public accounting. Although my first tax returns seemed dauntingly insurmountable, my coworkers were always available to answer both short and long questions about aspects of work that I didn’t understand. I’m so grateful for how the PPA program and Moss Adams have trained me to succeed in public accounting and I look forward to rejoining Moss Adams full time after graduation.
Akita Patel, Class of 2022
Incoming State & Local Tax Associate, RSM
The Accounting program at The University of Texas at Dallas has helped me tremendously these past few years. I found my internship and future full-time job at RSM through this program and made many friends along the way. I have always felt supported during my time in the program and could not have done it without my peers and program advisors. I got the opportunity to be involved in the Professional Program in Accounting, and I am an Accounting Peer Mentor. Both have allowed me to be the best leader and accounting professional I could be. I will always remember my time in this program and what I have learned as I begin my professional career.
Helena Tran, Class of 2022
Incoming Duel Path Audit Associate, KPMG
Accounting classes at JSOM introduced me to excellent peers and mentors. The University of Texas at Dallas accounting degree provided in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subject. Furthermore, my time at JSOM prepared and solidified my decision to pursue a career in public accounting. I am grateful for the faculty’s support and guidance and the beautiful friendships I have made here.
Andres Andujar, Class of 2022
Incoming Audit Associate, Deloitte
I began my college journey in pre-medical and engineering studies. After transferring to The University of Texas at Dallas and changing majors twice, JSOM Faculty and Staff guided me toward accounting. I joined the Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) which delivered an unparalleled experience. I’ve had the opportunity to network with accomplished DFW Area Audit professionals who taught me the value of diverse academic backgrounds. My PPA cohort has become a tight-knit group of colleagues that remain supportive of each other as we pursue our CPA licenses and enter the public accounting profession. Being a PPA Class 14 Ambassador, Accounting Peer Mentor, and Transfer Mentor are roles that have allowed me to share my experiences, help new students, and strengthen my skills as a leader. The staff and faculty genuinely do everything possible to provide the resources and support to ensure success and cultivate leadership in graduates of the Accounting Program.
Sanjana Hedge, Class of 2022
Interned at KPMG in the Audit Department in Spring 2021
I was a Finance major three years ago. Writing my first journal entry made me switch majors, and I’ve never looked back. I can’t wait to start my time in public accounting next year and look back on my years of knowledge and friendship at UT Dallas.
Christine Quinto, Class of 2022
Intern, International Tax
The UT Dallas accounting program is more than an educational program. It is a labor of love, care, and passion from the faculty, staff, and mentors who make the program an incredible experience. I am grateful for the effort and support put into this program to those who work to make the best accounting professionals of tomorrow.
Parker Middleton
MS Accounting, Cohort Class of 2021
MS Business Analytics, Cohort Class of 2021
I absolutely loved my time in the MS Accounting Cohort Program at UT Dallas! As someone coming out of undergrad with a more general degree feeling ashamed, this M.S. program gave me the confidence and backing to approach big-name employers with ease, knowing that I had learned a valuable skill. In addition to the degree, the support that the faculty and staff poured out to us was incredibly warm and ever-present. I also loved being in the cohort program, which allowed for great activities throughout the year and an automatic network on campus. All in all, this program allowed me to get exactly what I was hoping for: respected credentials, community, and a great, full-time offer with a consulting company!
Sara Meek
RSM Talent Acquisition Campus Manager
At RSM we are continually impressed with the students at the University of Texas at Dallas and appreciate our relationship with the PPA program, as well as many other student organizations and programs across the university. UTD continues to be a top producing school at RSM across all lines of business! The genuine care and effort Tiffany and Blair dedicate to ensuring students are prepared for not only the recruitment process, but also prepared for the next chapter of their professional careers, is unmatched. We always enjoy giving UTD alumni the opportunity to return to campus to spend time with students and recruit their future colleagues!
Ernie Lowery
Director, PWC
I always enjoy coming back to UT Dallas to recruit and interact with the students in the Professional Program in Accounting. I’ve benefited by having PPA alumni on my engagement teams and I, myself, am one as well!
Bailey Stone
Future Intern, EY
This past year, PPA has helped me grow both professionally and personally like I never have before. I had an amazing recruiting experience, even in the middle of a pandemic. As students outside of the program lost internships and had to start their job search from scratch, I was still able to choose from multiple internship offers. Read Bailey’s full testimonial.
Jared Parkinson, PPA 13
Future Intern, KPMG
The PPA recruitment process at UTD is one of a kind. From day one, I was exposed to public accounting professionals who offered excellent advice and expertise on careers in accounting. It also provided a platform for me to network with a variety of accounting firms to find which firm best fits with my career goals and personal life. Read Jared’s full testimonial.
Monica Medina, PPA 13
Future Intern, PwC
Being a part of PPA has changed the course of my experience at UTD in the greatest way possible! Recruitment was an incredible opportunity to have access to multiple personal interactions with firm recruiters & professionals. During these occasions it allowed me to be able to build those strong connections and get a better look into each firm to help make a better-informed decision about my future. Read Monica’s full testimonial.
Diego Figueroa, PPA 13
Future Intern, PwC
Although recruitment underwent a massive change, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. All the firms transitioned well to virtual recruitment, providing various opportunities and connections that one would’ve made otherwise in person. Whether it be panels, games, or coffee chats, each firm had unique ideas to make sure the recruitment process was not only informative, but also interactive and easy going. Read Diego’s full testimonial.
Aubrey Roberts, PPA 13
Future Intern, RSM
Joining PPA has been one of the best experiences in my college career. Along with learning new skills and meeting wonderful like-minded individuals, I have been able to build upon my existing skill set and develop the confidence to feel comfortable in any professional setting. Read Aubrey’s full testimonial.
Lalitha Sankaramanchi, PPA 15
KPMG Audit
PPA has had the biggest impact on my college career- giving me opportunities to recruit with amazing firms, allowing me to find a support system among my peers and mentors in the program, and pushing me to grow as a student and young professional. I don’t know where I’d be without PPA and the people in it who have shaped me into who I am today!
Ted Atkins, PPA 15
Grant Thornton Audit
The PPA program really helped me integrate well into the corporate world of networking as well as remainder of my college years. PPA gave me a group of peers to rely on as we went through the recruiting experience and harder classes together. I feel that I’ve created life-long friendships and am glad to see my own personal and professional growth as well.
Li (Alice) Du, Class of 2020
Sichuan, China – Class of 2020
The Accounting Communications course was the most rewarding and memorable experience for me this summer – I am amazed by my improvement.” Read Alice’s full testimonial.
Yincheng (Raymond) Yan
Shandong, China – Class of 2019
The ProConnect program provided me, an international student without any experience working in America, a precious opportunity to learn to communicate with a foreign client. By working with my fantastic client and my excellent teammates, I improved my communication skills, teamwork, leadership, and most importantly, my confidence.
Justin Hogue, Class of 2016
Risk Advisory Senior Associate, BDO USA, LLP
The professionals who came to recruit or speak in a class and those who I met being a TA, did a lot to influence and motivate me. The staff and faculty are also so vested in the success of those around them and the students. I learned a lot of new ideas, outlooks and viewpoints, which has really added to who I am as a person.
Zelika Kadogo, Class of 2019
Tax Associate, EY Dallas
UTD’s staff and faculty members are very dedicated to the success of students. Overall, the quality of the education I received here has exceeded my expectations. In addition to the great courses, the highlight of my time at UTD has been the student organizations I joined. I was a Graduate Dean’s Council member, a peer mentor and on the leadership board of the National Association of Black Accountants.
Claude Owens, Class of 2018
Manager of Economic Development, PepsiCo
My time in the master’s in accounting program was inspiring, challenging and rewarding. I decided to join this program after making a change to my career. I received more than I expected through this program. Challenging professors and fellow students have shaped me and prepared me in achieving a successful career.
Xiaoqu (Joy) Chen, Class of 2019
Risk Assurance Associate, PwC Hong Kong
Attending events gave me a great opportunity to network with peers, faculty and professionals to learn about what was happening in the real world. The more I was involved, the more confidence I gained. I am especially thankful for the mentoring sessions that helped me plan my career path and the UTD Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) chapter for playing a huge role in helping me land my dream job at PwC Hong Kong as a risk assurance associate.
Lori Goodwin, Class of 2017
Risk Assurance Senior Associate, PwC
One of the things that attracted me to UTD was the ability to do an MS in Accounting/MBA degree and have enough credits to sit for the CPA Exam. Due to the flexibility of the program, I was able to work full time while taking classes at night and online. I was also able to be part of the key planning of the ProConnect program, which is now a vital part of the MS in Accounting degree.
Chenyang (Cheryl) Hu, Class of 2020
Business Consultant, EY Dallas
After coming to UT Dallas, what has influenced me the most are those who are around me. The dedicated professors, the diligent students and every friend I have made here, always keep me motivated to become a better person. I have opportunities to meet different people every single day. They might be alumni, a professional giving a speech at an organization event or a student I just met with a different background. I try and get connected with them. Because of this wonderful journey, there has been a huge improvement in my communication skills.
Rachel McKenna, Class of 2020
Current Student
I chose to come to UT Dallas due to the prominence of the business school, the accessibility of jobs in the Dallas area after graduation, proximity to my family, and the existence of the five-year Professional Program in Accounting (PPA). I stayed at UTD due to the people I met and built relationships with, and the positive learning environment I have experienced as a student. I felt it was important to me in starting here as a freshman to identify resources on campus that would guide me throughout college. One thing I have learned about UTD is that the resources are available, and taking the time to become informed about all UTD has to offer is well worth it!
Ares Ross, Class of 2020
Current Student
As an undergrad at UT Austin, I studied government and sociology while pursuing a career in public service. After working for several years in the Texas State Senate, I returned to Dallas to study business. After taking a class in accounting, I came to UT Dallas where I could study at my own pace. As a grad student, I was able to serve my academic community while honing my skills as a student leader and mentor. By participating in the Internal Audit Education Partnership program, I applied my liberal arts and public service experience to find my accounting career.
Vidya Mohanraj, Class of 2020
Current Student
UT Dallas has given me so many opportunities to figure out what is out there and what interests me. I had so many questions about my future career, and my journey to answering those questions was supported by the workshops, panels, students, staff and faculty at UTD. UTD had resources in so many different forms and that made me believe that I could truly thrive in the environment there. The organizations that I have participated in since I was a freshman have supported me throughout my undergraduate and now graduate curriculum, and I have gotten to work in departments on campus that have truly shaped the way I approach situations and solve problems.
Shruthi Pattabhi Shankar, Class of 2021
Current Student
The master’s in accounting program at UT Dallas has multiple tracks to offer, which adds best value to incoming students. Each track is tailor-made to suit the background and interests of the students. The program has a plethora of networking events and resources — to socialize, volunteer, meet prospective employers and make some amazing friends. The warmth and kindness of everyone in the department has made my transition here a smooth one.
Yijin Wang, Class of 2020
Current Student
Our program director and coordinator have always helped me whenever I had any questions, whether it be with my course selection, degree plan or CPA exam preparations. They are concerned about both me personally and professionally. They keep me in mind for whatever they find beneficial to me. Our professors are always willing to help and share patiently. I learned from all of them that I would not only pay back to them on how they have helped me, but also pay forward to other UTD students who need my help. I chose to come to UT Dallas because Senior Lecturer Mary Beth Goodrich explained how the master’s in accounting program at UTD can benefit me with both academics and social resources, and encouraged me to apply for it. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Wonseok (Aiden) Go, Class of 2020
FSO Tax Staff, EY Dallas
I chose UT Dallas, … and I’m satisfied with my decision for several reasons. The program is flexible so that I can take classes based on my own interest. For example, we can take few general classes in the first semester and dig into one or two specific areas such as internal audit and tax. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S. There are a lot of job opportunities, so I was able to obtain several internships from a public accounting firm and the aviation industry. Everyone at UT Dallas is always willing to fully support each student not only about their professional careers but also other important aspects of school life, such as cultural differences, housing, hobbies and health. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns about the application, program, living in Dallas, and your professional career.
Max Tang
MS Accounting, Cohort Class of 2020
The MS in Accounting Cohort program has opened doors that I could previously only dream of. The program not only provided resources to excel academically but also opportunities to grow as an individual. From the close-knit relationships with my fellow classmates to the professional development opportunities networking with professionals, this program has given me everything I wanted during my pursuit of a graduate degree.
Wenting Zhang
MS Accounting, Cohort Class of 2019
After working as a fund accountant for nearly two years, I went to UTD to pursue my Master’s degree in accounting. This experience gave me an opportunity to be more independent, be exposed to comprehensive accounting knowledge and experience U.S. culture. I appreciate the journey and love the people I met.
Andrew Chu
MS Accounting, Cohort Class of 2015
The program was perfectly set up to obtain an M.S. in Accounting degree and prepare for the CPA exam.
Lawrence Du
MS Accounting, Cohort Class of 2014
The program did an excellent job getting me ready for the U.S. CPA examination.
Kevin Huang
MS Accounting, Cohort Class of 2015
The special events, like the improv session really helped my English and communication skills.