Fatima Aguayo Santillan
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Business Administration
As a first-generation, low-income transfer student, I found my passion for accounting at community college. Considering my background, I recognize that accounting offers a stable career path with growth opportunities that will help me succeed and break my generational patterns. Inspired by my own experiences, I aim to make a positive impact on nontraditional students like myself. My career goal is to not only excel in the field of accounting but also to advocate for accessibility and support for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Beyond accounting, I enjoy horseback riding and trying new recipes in the kitchen.
Mohammed Baporia
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Political Economy
I started my journey at Cal in the fall of 2023 as a transfer student. During my first semester, I was short on some units. I started exploring this when I came across VITA, a decal course that caught my eye. Even though I am majoring in political economy, I have always had an interest in accounting. During my time at VITA, I came to find out about the BCPA program. This was great, as I was looking into getting my CPA after graduation. I’m really happy that Berkeley is offering this program, which can help me fulfill units and learn the material from the top faculty. I hope that in the near future, with the help of this program, I can network and secure a job at one of the firms after my graduation next year.
Ian Blanco
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Political Economy
Hello, my name is Ian Blanco. I’ll be graduating in spring 2025. I’m majoring in Political Economy with a concentration in Financial Economics. Ever since I was little, I have always wanted to be an accountant, just like my father, and joining the BCPA program has helped me make my dreams come true. I hope to expand my knowledge and join the CPA world in the nearby future. I hope to secure a full-time position in tax. One fun fact about me is that I was part of the USA Taekwondo Academy.
Sehoon Byun
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics, Data Science
In 2024, I will be advancing into my third year at Berkeley. With experience in various stages of the financial market, including investment banking, hedge funds, and venture capital, I have come to realize the fundamental connection between a company’s core and its accounting practices. This understanding has underscored the importance of having a solid background in accounting, leading me to pursue a CPA license as my next step. The BCPA program serves as an essential stepping stone towards achieving this goal. I am actively seeking opportunities where I can apply my accounting and valuation skills, particularly in financial advisory roles.
Carlos Manuel Castro
Introductory BCPA
University: San Francisco State University
Major: Business Administration
After graduating from San Francisco State University in 2021 with a degree in business administration, I gained valuable experience working in both the construction and retail industries. However, my passion for accounting led me to pursue the CPA license. The BCPA program perfectly aligns with my career goals by offering the opportunity to complete the 30 units required for the CPA licensure. Ultimately, I aspire to join one of the Big 4. On a lighter note, I’m an avid boxer and am currently training for my first amateur bout this year.
Ning Yung (Autumn) Chang
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Intended Business Administration
Hi! My name is Autumn and I will be graduating from UC Berkeley Haas in May 2025. My major is business administration with a concentration in accounting. I was introduced to accounting during high school when I worked as an office assistant and it soon became my favorite subject when I started college. The BCPA program is allowing me to finish the required accounting credits that I need to successfully complete the CPA exam and to network with global firms. I hope to secure a full time position in auditing upon my graduation. One fun fact about me is I love skydiving and would like to achieve my skydiving license after graduation.
Vivian Chang
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics, Data Science
I am a data science and economics double major interested in pursuing a career as an accountant. The BCPA program is allowing me to learn relevant skills alongside my audit internship this summer and ensuring that I finish all the required accounting coursework before I graduate in spring 2025. I am excited to meet peers and mentors who share a similar passion. One fun fact about me is that I can speak 4 languages!
Haoran Chen
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics, Data Science, Economics
Hi, my name is Haoran and I am a rising senior majoring in Data Science, Business Administration, and Economics. I would describe myself as an analytical person who is curious about using data–especially financial data–to tackle complex business challenges. After interning at a private equity firm this past spring, I realized that accounting skills are really important for the kind of work that I want to do. The BCPA Program allows me to gain a deep understanding of accounting principles and financial landscapes, and I look forward to leveraging these skills in my future endeavors. One fun fact about me is that I have a Shiba Inu dog named Tao Tao.
Shreyaansh Chhabra
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Environmental Economics and Policy
I am a junior-year undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, studying Environmental Economics and Policy within the Rausser College of Natural Resources. I work as the sole investment analyst at DCB Sports, a sports and media private equity firm based in La Jolla, California. At DCB, my transaction experience includes a $10M majority investment in the BIG 3 Basketball League’s LA expansion team and a multi-million dollar investment in the National Thoroughbred League.
Prior to that, I interned at Renewable Advisors, a boutique investment bank specializing in renewable energy, climate technology, and sustainable infrastructure. At RA, I mainly worked on private placements and middle-market financing transactions for solar developers and photovoltaic module manufacturers. My other experiences include internships at a lower middle-market private equity firm and an early-stage venture capital firm. Outside of school, my interests include global macro investing, podcasts, Nassim Taleb’s Incerto series, and amateur Texas Hold ’em Poker.
Andrew Chin
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Data Science
In the summer of 2024, I will be working and taking accounting classes at Cal. I hope to earn my CPA licensure and secure a full time job following graduation. The BCPA program is perfect for me because I get to pursue my degree in Data Science while getting my accounting units done. I look forward to participating in the BCPA program and having a great summer.
Natalia Cruz
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Business Administration
In 2023, I entered Cal as a transfer student. My motivation for pursuing a career in accounting stems from my background as a first-generation, low-income student. Being able to give back to my Latinx community through my financial knowledge is part of my reason for studying Business Administration and seeing the growth opportunities in accounting inspired me to participate in the BCPA Program. Once completing the BCPA Program, I will be CPA eligible and my goal is to secure a full-time position in auditing upon my graduation in May 2025. Outside of accounting, I enjoy hiking and reading psychological thrillers.
Artaya Darlana
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Environmental Economics & Policy
Hi! I’m Artaya and a sophomore here at Cal, majoring in Environmental Economics and Policy. My interest lies in the intersection between finance and sustainability, making the BCPA program the perfect platform to integrate my interests. Through this program, I hope to network with professionals and learn from top global firms. With this, I look forward to meeting everyone this summer! Fun fact about me – I am ethnically Cambodian, born in Singapore and raised in Indonesia.
Santiago Popoka Escobedo
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics
I am a UC Berkeley Econ student from Southern California with a Hispanic heritage aiming to become a financial advisor to help hardworking families gain financial freedom. I’m a music fanatic, I love soccer and I write poetry for fun. The BCPA program will help me develop necessary accounting skills and help me in my current job as a bookkeeper for a non-profit company. Coming from a low-income background I aim to look after individuals like me.
Qiumei (Blanca) Fan
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Environmental Science
As an incoming senior at Cal, I’ve spent the past few years immersed in Environmental Science, exploring the complex interconnections between ecosystems and human impact. Despite my major being quite distant from the business world, a pivotal course in financial accounting unveiled a newfound passion and a potential career path in accounting for me. This unexpected turn has led me to the BCPA Program, which is instrumental in providing me with the essential accounting credits required to sit for the CPA exam. Through the program, I am also gaining invaluable opportunities to connect with global firms and broaden my professional horizon. As I look forward to my future in accounting, I am excited about the possibility of integrating my environmental knowledge to foster sustainable practices within the business sector.
David Feng
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics
I am currently a junior and am majoring in Economics at UC Berkeley. Despite being an Economics major, I am aiming to become an accountant as my career for my future and have a deep interest in accounting. Through the BCPA program, I am able to work on completing the requirements for the CPA exam in terms of the accounting credits, aside from having the opportunity to network with accounting firms. I hope to find an accounting internship next summer and gain working experience in the accounting industry.
Jada Fong
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics
Hi! I’m Jada and I am currently an Economics major at UC Berkeley. The BCPA program is allowing me to explore my interest in accounting and meet new people with the same interests as me. I am also very excited to get to know all the professors in the program and be able to visit different companies’ offices. A fun fact about myself is that I love snowboarding and will go any chance I get.
Landon Gil
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Intended Business Administration
This past year I finished my first year at Cal! During this time I explored several different careers in the world of business and found that learning the fundamentals of accounting and getting familiar with the language of business would help me in any endeavor I take on. The BCPA program will allow me to network with other students and professionals in the industry and build valuable connections. In my free time I enjoy watching sports with friends (Lakers and Barcelona) as well as exploring new hiking trails.
Charlie Garcia
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Molecular Environmental Biology B.S., Society and Environment B.S.
In Summer 2024, I will be finishing my 4 year long undergraduate journey at Cal. While I may have started as a Pre Medicine student, double majoring in Biology and Resource Management, I have recently developed a keen interest in Accounting. The BCPA Program has allowed me to continue pursuing this interest and finish the required accounting credits needed to sit for the CPA exam. I am very excited to network with current professionals in this field and striving to secure an internship or full time position in Tax Accounting! One fun fact about me is that I am fluent in 3 different languages (English, Spanish, and Portuguese).
An Ha
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Business Administration
In 2023, I was blessed by the universe and got into my dream school at UC Berkeley Haas with full-ride scholarships. Growing up as a low-income, first-generation college student, I thought going to a prestigious school was impossible for my circumstances. However, I found my opportunities during community college that led me to many successes, including the privilege to study at Berkeley and land my first internship in accounting with Moss Adams. I will be interning this summer and taking classes with the BCPA program. When I graduate in 2025, I plan to sit for the CPA exams and travel a bit before working full-time! Fun fact — I like to explore new coffee shops!
Celine Hidayat
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics
Hi! I’m Celine, and I’m excited to return to BCPA for another summer. Although I majored in economics, I have developed a strong interest in accounting. Through the BCPA program, I’m hoping to fulfill the required accounting units that I need to sit for the CPA exam and to network with global firms. Excited to meet everyone!
Yuk Tak (Douglas) Hui
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics
In 2024, as I pursue my educational journey at Berkeley, I am focused on enhancing my accounting skills to complement my extensive background in finance. With experience as financial planner and senior relationship manager, I am utilizing the BCPA program at Cal to gain essential accounting credentials and connect with leading industry professionals. This program represents a significant opportunity in my academic and professional development. I am an avid traveler and camper, always eager to discover new places and experiences.
Aidan Ipjian
Advanced BCPA
University: University of Southern California
Major: Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance
May of 2024 will culminate my pursuit of a business administration degree from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. Through the continuation of my participation in the BCPA program, I hope to extend my business expertise in the accounting domain while simultaneously satisfying the obligatory credits necessary to qualify for the CPA exam.
Andreas Jackson
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Business Administration
I love traveling and studied abroad in London as a part of the Global Management Program. I am in BCPA because I am interested in learning about accounting as the language of business. This summer I will be working at EY and gearing up for full-time recruitment.
Haeun Jeong
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics & Legal Studies
As an aspiring corporate lawyer, I chose to participate in the BCPA program to not only double up on my future law degree with a CPA license, but also to enhance my understanding in finances in general. Coming from Korea, I really wanted to find a program that could help me network with global firms in the United States and I believe that this program will allow me to achieve this goal by providing me with the opportunities to network with global firms and secure internships for the summers to come. I’m super excited meet everyone who share similar interests with me and I’m looking forward to learn more about the realm of accounting and auditing! One fun fact about me is that I have a fourth-degree black belt in taekwondo.
Priscilla Jou
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Business Administration
Hi, my name is Pricilla Jou and I am a senior at UC Berkeley wrapping up my last year. My time at Haas led me to develop a strong interest in a career in accounting. I hope to use my time in the BCPA Program as a launch pad for my career, enabling me to learn the required coursework at a rigorous level and to network with professionals and firms along the way. Post-graduation, I hope to start my career in auditing in San Francisco.
Taylor Kaczmarek
Advanced BCPA
University: UC San Diego
Major: Real Estate & Development, Accounting
I am currently wrapping up an incredible 4th year at the University of California, San Diego. I have majored in Real Estate & Development, and minored in Accounting. Over the course of my degree program, I have developed a strong interest in a career as an accountant. The BCPA program at UCB is allowing me to finish the required accounting credits I need to sit for the CPA exam and network with global firms. I have secured a full-time position as an audit staff for the fall of 2024 in San Diego where I will continue my career development. One fun fact – I completed my first marathon this past week at San Diego’s Rock N’ Roll Marathon
Phonn Minn Khant
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics
I came across the BCPA program as I was going around the summer opportunities fair. It piqued my interest because I was interested in job opportunities for audit and assurance positions. However, I was taken aback by the CPA exam that I would need to take. I realized the BCPA program would be a good way for me to meet like-minded people while pursuing the credits I need to take the CPA exam.
Will Kieckhafer
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: American Studies
I am currently a senior at UC Berkeley. I play water polo for the Cal team, and I enjoy the competitiveness and teamwork of the game. I am a student majoring in American studies with a focus on technology, accountancy, and ethics. Through the BCPA program, I’m excited to acquire the last few required units to becoming CPA-eligible. It’s wonderful to have this chance to advance my knowledge and positions myself for success in the future.
Eric Donghwan Kim
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics
My name is Eric Donghwan Kim and I am from South Korea. Currently, I am a junior majoring in Economics at UC Berkeley. I have always had a keen interest in accounting, which led me to take the introductory BCPA program back in 2020. The Advanced BCPA program will enable me to earn the remaining 16 of the 30 accounting credits required to sit for the CPA exam, in addition to providing opportunities to network with many professionals in the field. I aim to secure a full-time position in either audit or advisory after Fall 2025. One fun fact about me is that after my sophomore year, I served in the U.S. Army for 18 months in Korea, and I returned as a junior in Spring 2024.
Mitchell Kral
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Business Administration
The BCPA Program is allowing me to finish the required accounting credits that I need to sit for the CPA exam and to network with global firms. Upon graduation in 2025, I hope to secure a full-time position in auditing. A fun fact about me is that I have done the Alcatraz swim.
Rhea Kundamal
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics
Hi! My name is Rhea, and I’m currently in my second year at Cal. Although I’m majoring in Economics, I have gained a strong interest in the field of accounting, more specifically, in audit. I am excited to be part of the BCPA program and be CPA-eligible. I feel this program will perfectly combine my interests learning about how businesses interact with the wider world, and how this drives financial transactions. I also look forward to networking with global firms and learning more from them. One fun fact — I’ve been on the World’s Fastest Rollercoaster!
Olivia Kurtz
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Political Economy
In 2024, I’m concluding my third year at Cal, majoring in political economy. Despite my academic focus, I’ve found a passion for accounting and aspire to pursue it professionally. The BCPA Program is allowing me to develop the necessary skills to succeed in the accounting field while connecting me with global firms. I hope to secure a full-time position in auditing this next year. One fun fact – I spent a year studying abroad in Korea, where I achieved a Level 5 on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (with Level 6 being the highest). I truly enjoy learning languages and hope to incorporate this into my career.
Esther Lee
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Intended Business Administration
I am a freshman at Cal. I have developed an interest in accounting since high school. My career goal is to serve in the US Air Force as a pilot. I am planning on taking the CPA exam right after I graduate. The BCPA program presents an ideal opportunity for me to prepare for this exam and to learn more about the business field through networking with professionals. Fun fact about me: I am a Korean, was raised in Beijing, China, and moved to SoCal 5 years ago.
Gael Lee
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Intended Business Administration
As I am wrapping up my first year at Cal, I am intending to major in Business Administration with a minor in Data Science. I am excited to learn more about accounting as there is a growing need for talent in the field, as well as tax. The BCPA program allows me to fulfill my educational requirements for the CPA exam, network with local firms, and continue my career exploration. I’m hoping to secure a part-time position in auditing this year. One fun fact – I enjoy skiing, swimming, thrifting, and hiking.
Joon Lee
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Political Economy
Hi! My name is Joon and I will be graduating from Berkeley this year! I am so excited and looking forward to the upcoming classes this summer. The BCPA program has provided the opportunity for me to deepen my understanding and fuel my passion for accounting. The BCPA program provides the opportunity to take essential courses and valuable networking opportunities, allowing me to connect with professionals and students across diverse realms within the accounting field. I am thrilled to work as an Audit Staff in San Francisco this fall after graduation!
Emily Lin
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Business Administration and Political Science
I am interested in the intersection between business and law, and hope to combine fields of finance, accounting, and legal affairs in future career endeavors. The BCPA program opens up opportunities for me to delve deeper into accounting academically while working as an Audit Intern at PwC this summer. After graduating from Cal and completing all required accounting credits, I hope to pursue a degree in law, and become an attorney that specializes in finance and intellectual property rights. One fun fact – I have a pet turtle!
Jimmy Liu
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Political Economy
The first time I was introduced to accounting was in high school whena few friends and I decided to take an class together and we choose accounting. My teacher was Daniel Luna, I was impressed that accounting could be my career in the future. He was a humorous person, which makes me excited to learn and feel comfortable in this region. That is why I wanted to move forward with this major and wanted to attend the BCPA program to improve my accounting knowledge.
Samuel Liu
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics
I’m thrilled to be back in BCPA and wrapping my CPA coursework this summer! I’m looking forward to meeting new people in the program and cannot wait to get started. Outside of school, I’m a big baseball and basketball fan. A fun fact about myself is that I am from Taipei, Taiwan!
Mark Lui
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Intended Legal Studies and Business Administration
Hey, I’m Mark! I’ll be a rising sophomore this summer, so any advice on how to spend my best days at Cal are greatly appreciated! I’m currently planning a career in the tax law world! Whether that entails a public or private focused career is up for debate. Career aside, I love to read and hit the gym, so if we ever meet, recommend me a book and come work out with me! See you!
Okalani Luna
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: History, Data Science
As a rising senior at UC Berkeley, I am excited to explore the field of accounting through the BCPA program. Having grown up in the Bay Area, I am hopeful of being able to pursue a career near home. I have a great love for finding new applications of my analytical skills and my interest in history and data science, which has led me to expand this perspective with accounting. My favorite pastime to date is making short films with friends!
Vasaki Mahesan
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Intended Economics
I’m a first year student at Cal planning on majoring in Economics. I’m excited to be a part of the BCPA program to expand my knowledge in the accounting field. I’m passionate about the business/finance industry, and I hope to pursue a career in it in the future. One fun fact about me: I enjoy playing the Carnatic violin, and I’m involved with Laya of Berkeley, a club on campus that creates music with a fusion of Carnatic and Hindustani classical music styles.
Ana Mani
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Intended Economics
In 2024-2025, I will be a second year at Cal and intend to major in economics. I have a strong interest in accounting and am excited to explore the world of accounting through the BCPA program. This summer, I am looking forward to being able to connect and learn from global firms. Additionally, I hope to gain a strong foundation in business through accounting that will aid me in any career I could pursue.
Paola Morón
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics & Data Science
Hi! My name is Paola and I am majoring in Economics and Data Science. My career goal is to merge my analytical skills from data science with the financial acumen gained in economics, targeting roles in financial analysis or consulting. Joining the BCPA Program aligns with my aspirations, offering a platform to gain vital accounting knowledge for future CPA qualifications and connections with industry leaders. Beyond academics, I enjoy exploring new cuisines, reading books, and crocheting!
Tuan Dinh Nguyen
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Legal Studies
In 2024, I am rounding off a fulfilling journey in Legal Studies at the University of California at Berkeley. Despite my major, I’ve been captivated by the intricacies of accounting, aspiring to a career as an accountant or with esteemed organizations like the IRS or US AID. The BCPA Program offers me the chance to complete essential accounting credits and connect with top-tier firms. My goal is to secure a role in auditing next year. An intriguing tidbit about me: I once received sage advice from a Vietnamese economic advisor at the World Bank and US AID, who emphasized the foundational importance of accounting in understanding economics.
Danny Panina
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics
I recently completed my second year here at UC Berkeley. I just declared for the Economics major and currently taking the upper-division classes needed for the major while taking upper-division History classes from my History minor. I have always been interested in accounting and I am excited to develop through the BCPA Program to achieve professional proficiency and mastery in the subject. This program gives me the golden opportunity to take the courses needed to sit for the CPA exam while becoming familiar with the industry in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a San Franciscan native, I hope to become acquainted with the accounting industry in the Bay Area in order to build a career in the area.
John Patrick Reidy
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Political Economy and Business Administration
As a current undergraduate at Berkeley, I am eager to participate in the BCPA program for another summer. Concurrently working at Deloitte, I anticipate that this will enhance my learning through practical application. Over the past year, I served as the Chief Investment Officer for the Associated Students of the University of California, where I honed my skills in financial analysis and valuation, and intend to further explore this passion through the program. I am enthusiastic about leveraging the program’s networking opportunities to secure internships in consulting and banking in the summer of 2025. One fun fact – my passion outside of school is for building and working on vehicles.
Pablo Luis Ricano Villegas
Introductory BCPA
University: Contra Costa College
Major: Business Administration
In 2024, I am in my second semester at Contra Costa College, pursuing my associate degree in Business Administration with the goal of transferring to UC Berkeley to complete my studies as an international student. My longstanding interest in business and accounting has led me to join the BCPA Program. I believe that accounting is essential for anyone deeply interested in the business world. My goal is to work with leading accounting firms and gain as much knowledge and experience as possible. Additionally, I love swimming and have been practicing it since I was a child. I am eager to learn from top professionals and build a successful career in the field of accounting.
Caroline Roberts
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics
I’m a graduating senior participating in the BCPA program as I end my years at Cal. After this summer, I will have the required credits to take the CPA exam. I’m excited to pursue a career in public accounting and learn more about the firms. I hope to start in a full-time auditing position this upcoming year. Outside of schoolwork, I enjoy reading and dance.
Moe Shinkawa
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Astrophysics
As a first year L&S student studying physics at Cal, I never thought I would have a chance to be a part of Haas School this early, joining classes taught by top accounting professors and networking with fellow Haas students. I am very glad that I received the chance to explore Berkeley Business through my path of passion, accounting. Despite my major, I am really into numbers, details, and money, and that’s why after taking a basic accounting class from Haas, I found my potential career path to become an accountant. BCPA program is a perfect fit for me as an open and welcoming opportunity for students interested in accounting to earn units and broaden horizons in this field. Hope I, as a Japanese student, can also bring some new energy and culture vibe to this amazing program!
Ganglin Shu
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Political Economy
Hello! My name is Ganglin Shu and I’m a student from UC Berkeley. I’m interested in pursuing a career in accounting. During my junior year, I interned at two asset management firms where I developed my initial understanding of accounting and finance. I intend to gain more fundamental accounting knowledge and skills as well as participate in networking events in the BCPA program. I love outdoor activities such as exploring nature, skiing, and surfing. I look forward to learning and networking this summer!
Rebekah Song
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Data Science
As I wrap up my junior year, I recently made a switch in my career interests to accounting. Knowing how to prepare for both the CPA exam and landing a successful career out of college is very daunting. With BCPA, I know that I have so much more guidance and the resources to be able to land a career in accounting. With BCPA, I am excited to solidify my accounting knowledge, build a strong network and learn alongside my peers. One fun fact about me – I didn’t learn how to ride a bike until high school.
Diya Sridhar
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Intended Business Administration & Economics
In 2024, I am finishing my first year at Cal and am excited to pursue my interest in accounting, specifically auditing. I am eager to participate in the BCPA program to obtain the required accounting credits that I need to sit for the CPA exam. The BCPA program will enable me to develop skills in financial statement analysis that I will need to employ as an auditor, and I look forward to leveraging the resources offered through the program to establish meaningful connections with global firms. One fun fact about me is I love to collect recipes and have created two websites to demonstrate my passion for cooking and baking.
Julia Tar
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Intended Economics
In 2024, I will be finishing my second year at UC Berkeley. I have been pursuing an economics major and will declare my major this year. Since the start of my journey at Cal I have had a growing interest in becoming an accountant. So I obtained an internship with Renteria Vineyard Management’s accounting department. This internship has helped me understand that accounting is the field for me. The next step was to find a way to further my accounting education. This is where the BCPA program came in. I can’t wait to see where the world of accounting takes me. And a fun fact about me is that I can speak Hungarian.
Prishaa Vala
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Legal Studies, Business, South Asian Studies
Having diverse passions, the BCPA program enables me to explore my interests of accounting while giving me the incredible opportunity to meet with global firms. I am excited to connect with people through the program and learn life-long skills. Wrapping up my first year at Cal, I can’t wait to see how the BCPA program gives me deeper insight to my coursework, and shapes the rest of my time in college. One fun fact about me is that I love poetry and I recently published my first poetry book on Amazon called “Effervescent Thoughts of You.”
Sadhika Vedurmudi
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics and Business Administration
This summer I’ll be wrapping up my senior year at Cal. Last summer, I was on audit intern at Deloitte, which incited my curiosity and interest for accounting. The BCPA program allows me to complete the units I need to attain CPA eligibility and to network with renowned firms. I plan to work as an audit assistant in New York, later this fall!
Andrea Monique Castillo Vergara
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Intended Business Administration
After taking the Introductory BCPA program, I instantly fell in love. This program has helped me secure internships for this and next summer as well as a chair position for one of the business club I’m in. Several students here at Berkeley have asked me about my experience and I have fortunately only been able to share good things. I seek to continue honing my skills in professional development, accounting, and during my pathway to become a Certified Public Accountant.
Michael (Mike) Verna
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Legal Studies
As a Legal Studies major at Cal, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work alongside attorneys at the San Francisco Superior Court House, where I discovered my passion for professional client services, albeit not specifically for law. I’ve always been more interested in finance and this experience has steered me towards a career in auditing, where I can delve into the intricacies of financial reporting and stay close to the numbers. The BCPA Program at Berkeley is enabling me to take classes outside of my major and allowing me to make a late switch from law to accounting.
Elizabeth Vilchik
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Santa Barbara
Major: Economics and Accounting
I am a graduating Senior at the University of California, Santa Barbara majoring in Economics and Accounting. My current employer requires me to have my 225 CPA units to be able to sit for the exam before my offer letter start date. Thankfully, I have found the BCPA program which is allowing me to do so. Additionally, I am excited to network with more professionals to expand my bandwidth on the accounting profession!
Jimmy Wakamoto
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics
As a junior at Cal studying economics, I’m excited to take part in the BCPA program this summer to further my knowledge in accounting as well as fulfill the requirements for the CPA exam. The program is allowing me to focus on my major coursework during the school year all while bringing me closer to my goal of becoming a CPA. I’m currently very interested in pursuing finance roles and have been exploring different options. I look forward to meeting new people and working hard this summer! A fun fact about me is that I love playing basketball.
Xuanliang Wang
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Economics
In my time at university, I focused on economics, but my internships in human resources and financial analysis opened my eyes to the crucial role accounting plays in business. The BCPA Program is a natural progression for me, providing the necessary accounting credits and networking opportunities to pursue a career in this field. On a personal note, I find solace in hiking and have proudly conquered Kilimanjaro, fueling my ambition to summit all the major peaks worldwide. Combining my professional aspirations with my love for adventure keeps me motivated and excited for the future.
Andrew Wierenga
Introductory BCPA
University: San Francisco State University
Major: Accounting
After finishing my Undergraduate in Accounting at San Francisco State University, I went straight into the workforce taking advantage of having a job lined up after school. 4 years later, with established work experience, the CPA exam is my next goal. This program is allowing me to finish my remaining school credits while helping to reinforce my Accounting education. With the privilege of applying my professional experience with the BCPA program, this is exactly what I needed to keep me motivated in getting my CPA License. I am excited to begin this valuable opportunity with everyone!
Kelan Yang
Introductory BCPA
University: UC Irvine
Major: Mathematics
I’m excited to be back to the learning environment and learn accounting during summer. I’m hoping to gain knowledge with connecting with other students. My goal is to become certified an auditor with a leading film after completing the program.
Wei Jing Zhang
Introductory BCPA
University: Cornell University
Major: Operations Research and Informational Engineering
I have received my Masters and Bachelors of Engineering degree at Cornell University in 2022. My previous educational background had a strong emphasis on information engineering, hence, I am hoping that the BCPA program will allow me to bridge the gap between business and technology. With the accounting credits offered in the program, I am intending on sitting for the CPA in the future to make myself a well-rounded person.
Zhangyang Zhou
Advanced BCPA
University: UC Berkeley
Major: Business Administration
In 2024, I am finishing CPA requirement classes through the BCPA Program in order to sit for the CPA exams in time before entering the workforce in 2025. The BCPA Program not only allows me to knock out a high volume of units in just one summer, but also gives me the flexibility to have enough time to study for the exams once I have finished earning the credits early. One fun fact about me is that I have been learning Spanish since I was 9 years old, so I will be studying abroad in Spain before actually committing to work.