5 Ways UC Davis Set Me Up for Success at Big Four Firm PwC

After graduating from the UC Davis Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc) program, I started my career as an audit associate at the Big Four accounting firm, PwC. Going through my first busy season was intense, but I was surrounded by a supportive team and made some great memories along the way.

Here are five ways UC Davis MPAc helped prepare me to hit the ground running at a Big Four firm:

1. Asking Questions (the Smart Way)

One of the most important things I learned during my MPAc experience is how to ask thoughtful questions. It sounds simple, but it’s an important skill. Before reaching out, I always try to work through a problem on my own and bring a potential solution to the table. This approach has helped me earn trust with managers who appreciate my initiative and recognize that I’m not just asking questions for the sake of it.

2. Group Projects Made Real Teamwork Easier

It is well known that the MPAc program employs a lot of group work in the classroom. At first, group projects pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I see how valuable they were. During MPAc, I worked with people who all had different communication and work styles. Learning how to collaborate, divide tasks, and meet shared goals prepared me more than I realized. During my real work life in audit, I am constantly working with different people, and feel way more comfortable navigating those relationships given the foundation MPAc provided.

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3. Finding Balance in a Fast-Paced Career

What surprised me was how achievable work-life balance can be after learning to manage my workload during MPAc. Graduate school helped me practice my time management skills and stay on track with deadlines, a skill that has carried over to my professional career.  Even during busy season, I found time to do things I enjoy, like going to workout classes and spending time with friends. Outside of the busy season, I had enough flexibility to pursue personal goals, like earning my yoga teacher certification. I’ve been lucky to work with teams who support those things, and that’s also made a big difference.

4. Communication Is Everything

I didn’t realize how much communication goes into every part of an audit. Whether it's checking in with your team or working through unfamiliar tasks, staying connected and asking the right questions really matters. The MPAc program helped me build that communication muscle. It gave me a safe place to learn how to speak up, listen well, and navigate challenges with others.

5. The UC Davis Network Is Strong

I’ve kept in touch with my MPAc classmates, and I’ve come back to speak with current students, which has been meaningful. I’ve also met UC Davis alumni through work and events, and there’s always an instant connection.

One of the most impactful networking events was Meet the Firms, where I connected directly with professionals and recruiters. Many of my fellow MPAc students explored internship opportunities at the event, which helped launch their careers. It was also a valuable opportunity for me to practice professional communication and build relationships that truly made a difference.

Shaping a Career with Purpose

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing in the profession. I want to broaden my expertise, deepen my understanding of how businesses operate and eventually apply those skills to launch a venture of my own. The MPAc program didn’t just prepare me for my first job—it laid the groundwork for everything I hope to build in the future.

Ready to build the skills that will set you up for Big Four success? Learn more about the UC Davis Master of Professional Accountancy program and discover how it can launch your accounting career.

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