How the UC Davis MPAc Prepares You for Networking, Your Pitch and Landing the Job

The career search process can feel daunting, but the Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc) program at UC Davis offers a comprehensive roadmap to success.

Through carefully designed resources and tools, the MPAc prepares you academically and equips you with the confidence and skills needed to excel as an accounting professional.

Workshops That Make a Difference

One of the standout features of the UC Davis MPAc program is its meticulously planned preparation for recruitment events, particularly the annual Meet the Firms event. This signature networking opportunity is the gateway to connecting with top accounting firms, and the MPAc program ensures that every student is prepared to make the most of it.

The week leading up to Meet the Firms was packed with workshops, panels and hands-on sessions that covered every angle of the recruitment process:

• Panels with Top Firms
  • Professionals from the Big Four firms to boutique accounting companies and government agencies shared insights alongside representatives from other prominent firms like PG&E, Andersen and EisnerAmper. These sessions offered invaluable advice on what firms are looking for in candidates and how to stand out.
     
• Elevator Pitch Practice
  • Students and two Professors dedicated a day to helping us perfect our elevator pitch by working in small groups. We presented our pitches and received detailed feedback. This exercise refined our 30-second introduction—and how to confidently present ourselves in a professional setting.
     
• Resume and Cover Letter Support
  • Personalized guidance from the admissions and student services team ensured we had a polished resume and tailored cover letter, which are essential tools for making a strong first impression.
     
• Diversity and Equity Group Sessions
  • These discussions fostered an inclusive environment, helping us connect on a deeper level and build meaningful relationships within the program. They also emphasized the value of diverse perspectives in the accounting industry.

These workshops prepared us well for recruitment—and for building connections with practitioners in the field. Through these events, I was able to connect with multiple firms and ultimately secure a tax associate role in the asset management sector at KPMG starting later this year. My interactions with the partner and recruiter at KPMG played a significant role in my decision, as their insights and support reinforced my confidence in choosing the firm.

This broader network enhances your professional and personal growth, making the UC Davis experience unlike any other.

From UCLA to UC Davis: My Unexpected Journey to Accounting

My path to UC Davis wasn’t straightforward, but it was intentional. I graduated from UCLA with plans to go to law school, but something was pulling me in a different direction.

During my undergraduate years, I took accounting courses and discovered a deep interest in the field. After graduating, I decided to gain work experience and complete the additional courses I needed to apply to master’s programs.

When it came time to choose a program, I visited several campuses, and UC Davis stood out. The welcoming people, the close-knit community, and the proximity to major economic hubs like San Francisco and Sacramento made it the perfect fit.

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Why Choose the UC Davis MPAc?

The UC Davis MPAc program is about more than just academics. It’s about preparing you for real-world success through networking events, workshops and the support of a collaborative community.

What I cherish the most are the friendships I’ve formed. The bonds we’ve built, both in and out of the classroom, are ones I’ll carry with me for a lifetime. These are not just colleagues—they are lifelong friends who have made this experience truly unforgettable.