From Farming Roots to Big Four in The City: UC Davis MPAc Opens Doors

Never in my life did I believe I would become a wealth and asset tax accountant—or work at Ernst & Young (EY) in San Francisco. Growing up, I was raised by two hardworking immigrant parents who sought better opportunities in the U.S. and instilled that same mindset in their children.

Coming from a family of farmers, I never imagined that being a tax accountant would be my future career. Yet here I am, enjoying every moment.

At EY, I have had the opportunity to grow with the company, which fosters an environment that embraces not only what is next in the world of tax but also what is next for everyone. Completing my first year showed me how much I’ve grown.

I advanced to senior associate within a year and took on a new role as a tax tech champion. In this role, I’m learning not only the tax side of our practice but also our tax software—skills that allow me to support my team better.

From the start of my career at EY, I have appreciated being part of the wealth and asset management (WAM) team, where we consistently support one another. This collaboration is essential for our success and fosters trust among peers and upper management. As a result, we are empowered to work more independently across multiple clients.

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Finding My Place in the MPAc Program

During the MPAc program, it is essential to absorb as much as possible. Asking questions and being open to helping others are key parts of the process. By gathering knowledge and experience, you foster personal growth and continue your learning journey.

I also made it a priority to attend networking opportunities like the annual Meet the Firms event. It gave me the chance to connect directly with accounting professionals and recruiters while learning more about each firm’s culture and expectations. The experience not only helped me sharpen my communication skills but also allowed me to build connections that ultimately opened the door to my role at EY.

The program also taught me to embrace mistakes. This was my chance to explore my interests within my professional career. The collaborative environment at UC Davis prepared me perfectly for the team-oriented culture I found at EY, where innovation meets traditional accounting practices.

As a first-generation graduate, I understand how intimidating it can feel to be out of place. My parents didn't have the same opportunities I have, but they're the reason I'm here today.

Building My Career at EY

When I started, I made sure to connect with my peers, seniors and managers to build strong professional relationships. Taking notes became crucial—not only for capturing information but also for avoiding repeated questions.

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Being organized proved vital, both in terms of my work and the resources available to me. Each team offers a wealth of resources and leveraging these has helped me become a more knowledgeable team player.

The community extends beyond daily work. After every busy season, we host a celebration to recognize our efforts—this year, at K-1 Speed. EY also encourages employees to participate in group volunteer work through EY Connect Day, which impacts our community while building stronger professional relationships. Every summer, we host a picnic to welcome new interns and get to know them better.

Accounting Careers Start at UC Davis

Build strong relationships with peers, senior colleagues and managers. Stay organized and take notes to capture key details and questions. Use team resources to become a stronger contributor. This is the start of my career, but being a UC Davis MPAc graduate has already opened doors at EY and prepared me to thrive. I’m proud and excited for what’s next.