Hansi Corinne Lara Cruz
What was your major?
Business Administration
When did you graduate?
December 2023
What did you enjoy most about studying at UDC’s School of Business and Public Administration?
I loved the support from my professors and the diversity of my classmates.
Where are you working now?
I am doing an Internship at EY.
Please describe your current role. What are your main responsibilities?
I am an intern in FSO – Assurance. I have clients in charge of and help my team doing the audit process for the current year. My senior updates me every day with different paperwork and tasks to get done; these are some examples of what I have worked on during my internship: financial statements tie-outs, analysis of variances of all profit and loss account items, and arriving at a logical conclusion for such variances, and continually updated with the developments in Audit related areas and have responsibility for updating their teams.
What is the most rewarding/interesting aspect of your work?
I would say that since I had the opportunity to work with two clients on multiple engagements, it allowed me to know more about the industry and the differences between clients in the same sector. I would learn something new daily and get to know more people from different teams.
What are some challenges that you did not foresee?
Differences in terminology/vocabulary since my native language is Spanish. Sometimes I wish I knew more commands in Excel and be as fast as some of my colleagues.
What are your future career goals?
I am planning to grow at EY for many more years to come. And someday, I would love to apply to the IDB or World Bank so my career takes a more human/social purpose working towards more for the people in need.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your student self?
One thing that has worked for me is to take advantage of the opportunities. I have always tried to keep updated, research, and apply; no matter what, the worst that would happen is never tried. Also, do not give up. If a door closes, another one opens, and being willing to learn and overcome challenges is essential when you want to see progress in your career.
How can SFA and its member companies help you get to the next level?
Keep working with UDC to be recognized by upcoming students and connect people with experience that can motivate others to work towards their careers.
Novae Sylva
What was your major?
My major was Accounting
When did you graduate?
I graduated in Spring 2022
What did you enjoy most about studying at UDC’s School of Business and Public Administration?
UDC’s School of Business and Public Administration has outstanding professors who support their students, and students you can ask for assistance in incredibly challenging courses. In addition, I also loved the diversity at the school, we had students and professors from all over the world, and I always enjoyed learning about their experiences.
Where are you working now?
I am finishing my Master’s at the University of California, Davis – Graduate School of Management. I will graduate on June 17, 2023, with my Master’s in professional accountancy (MPAc). After, Graduation I will start my full-time role at Deloitte as a Tax Consultant.
What is the most rewarding/interesting aspect of your work?
The most rewarding aspect of the MPAc program is that it helped me enhance my critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and time management skills. I can now think outside the box and take on challenging problems, which I could not have done before. This program was rigorous, but since I am almost at the end of the program, I am more prepared for the CPA exam and Corporate America.
What are some challenges that you did not foresee?
I did not foresee how difficult it would be to adjust from the Semester System to the Quarter System. The Quarter System is ten weeks, and since my program is just nine months, there is much content. I had to adjust and learn to manage my time well so that I could pass my classes with good grades and maintain my GPA.
What are your future career goals?
My Future Career Goal is to become Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and become a Partner in my firm.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your student self?
Advice I would give myself now is to Continue working hard and never become too complacent because you have reached a specific place in life. There are more hurdles to cross, and I must stay motivated and keep working hard to achieve all my life goals. Also, put yourself out there more and take advantage of every opportunity.
How can SFA and its member companies help you get to the next level?
The SFA and its member companies can help me get to the next level by providing mentorship programs and networking opportunities with CPAs and individuals within my field and with similar backgrounds so they can provide guidance and advice on how to get to the next level of my career.
Manda Burnham
What was your major?
Finance
When did you graduate?
May 2023
What did you enjoy most about studying at UDC’s School of Business and Public Administration?
The dedicated faculty ensures student’s success and preparation for the corporate/working world.
Where are you working now?
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Please describe your current role. What are your main responsibilities?
I am an advisory analyst. I support government clients with financial improvement and audit readiness (FIAR) practices.
What is the most rewarding/interesting aspect of your work?
I am making meaningful connections with contractors and government clients to strengthen my professional network.
What are some challenges that you did not foresee?
I did not foresee being assigned to an audit-based project. I was expecting a finance-focused role versus accounting.
What are your future career goals?
I will provide the necessary insights for businesses to improve strategy and mitigate risks while growing their revenue. Ultimately, I will be a Shark, using my knowledge, financial contribution, and expertise to invest in products, ideas, and businesses I believe in.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your student self?
It may be uncomfortable, but find out where you will be placed before accepting an offer letter. Only accept it if it aligns with your goals and interests. If all else fails, start finding small businesses/start-up ideas to help create a robust portfolio and gain experience in your desired area.
How can SFA and its member companies help you get to the next level?
Creating spaces and opportunities to network with former and new recipients to help with job transfers, building a client portfolio, and connecting with others who have/had similar experiences. The SFA could release job or certification opportunities to cohorts to help strengthen students as applicants and future business leaders.