Samantha Mae Ceralde

UC Berkeley, Class of 2025

Major: Economics
Email: [email protected]

Through frantic search (and perhaps even sheer luck), I learned about BCPA in my second semester of sophomore year – weeks before the application deadline. Oh, how I wish it had been sooner! Yes, the program helped me accomplish some of my CPA requirements. However, it had so much more in store. BCPA provided me with a myriad of resources I wouldn’t really have access to had I not joined. Courses were taught by respected faculty with prior experience in the industry/firm, which became evident through the stories they use to tie into their teaching. Classes were also small enough to foster a more intimate learning environment. Workload was manageable, especially for those who may have other responsibilities during the day. Networking events and office visits were frequent and allowed me to connect with numerous recruiters and accounting professionals; these were executed in a way that would encourage introverts – such as myself – to participate as well. I even landed an internship position by the end of the first session! Academic and career advice were readily available – an email away, to be precise – and of course, I met peers on a similar path as I am. It was through BCPA that I found a professional support system. Overall, the program exposed me to accounting (both in theory and in practice), expanded my skill set and network, and allowed me to discover my own value. I now have a clearer understanding of the field I’ve always been interested in thanks to BCPA.

Please reach out if you’re unsure about joining, if you have any questions about the program/my experience, or if you simply want to connect!

Yanyu Chan

UC Berkeley, Class of 2024

Major: Operations Research & Management Science, Economics, Data Science
Email: [email protected]

My journey through the BCPA program was truly transformative. Not knowing what profession I wanted to pursue after college, the BCPA program sparked my interest in accounting. I was able to understand financial statements in depth and make decisions about a company as accounting is the language of business. This program helped me be one step closer to being CPA eligible by the time I graduate. In addition, the BCPA program allowed me to meet a whole variety of amazing people. I was able to collaborate with talented students on projects and case studies which utilizes the theory we learn from lectures into real-world applications. The dedicated professors brought a wealth of industry experience into the classroom and helped make the learning experience fun. Most importantly, the BCPA program allowed me to network with campus recruiters and accounting professionals from top accounting firms through office visits, career panels, and other events. Coming out of the BCPA program, I became equipped with the knowledge needed to excel in the world of accounting, but also gained invaluable friendships and connections.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want me to expand on my experience in this incredible program.

 

Sage Kasick

UC Berkeley, Class of 2025

Major: Business Administration & Data Science
Email: [email protected]

The BCPA program is an excellent opportunity to explore your interest in accounting and to pursue your professional aspirations in the field. The courses, which will prepare you for the CPA exam, are taught by experienced professors who are truly invested in your success. Beyond the coursework, the program offers invaluable opportunities to network with industry professionals and recruiters from top accounting firms, giving you an edge before the recruiting season begins. My favorite part of the program was the people: being surrounded by driven and supportive professors, professionals, and students was truly inspiring. I’m beyond grateful for the community and unique opportunities that the BCPA program has given me.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if you would like some insight into what my experience was like in the program!

Isaac Lin

UC Berkeley, Class of 2024

Major: Applied Mathematics, focus on Finance, and Economics
Email: [email protected]

The BCPA program was a memorable experience and was a key stepping stone to learning more about the field of accounting, but other professional aspirations in the field. The program not only offered courses to help me prepare for the CPA exam, but also gave me access to numerous resources such as professors with years of experience in a variety of industries. I was able to take the skills developed throughout the course of the program and apply it to my internship which helped me maximize my internship experience both socially and professionally. The opportunities do not stop at academics, but go beyond that by offering opportunities to network with industry professionals and recruiters from top accounting firms. One thing I will cherish from the summer was the connections I made and being surrounded by driven and supportive individuals who really pushed me to be at my best at all times. In addition, many of these individuals share similar goals as me and some of them happen to be my study buddies as we get ready to take our CPA exam next summer! Several recommendations I have are to take all four classes and be present throughout the program that way you can maximize the amazing opportunity you have!

If you are unsure if the program is right for you, please reach out to me via email to set up a coffee chat to expand on the information I have shared or to ask any follow up questions!

Danny Panina

UC Berkeley, Class of 2026

Major: Economics
Email: [email protected]

Even though Berkeley does not offer a formal accounting major, the BCPA program allows students to supplement their respective undergraduate education with accounting courses offered by the Haas Business School to allow them to become successful accounting practitioners. Coming into my undergraduate education, I had a multitude of degree paths that I wanted to pursue and the BCPA program allowed me to simultaneously explore my academic interests and receive a top-notch education in accounting. My favorite part of the program is probably interacting with professors who have had successful careers in public accounting or the site visits of Bay Area accounting firms. The professors are able to utilize their experience to transcend the traditional textbooks to offer a hands-on experience that mimics work done in the accounting field. This transcendence helps me to have a comprehensive understanding of accounting topics and apply that knowledge to my own career. The program gives the opportunity to interact with accounting firms in the Bay Area by offering field trips to their campuses in San Francisco, which further helps connect the classroom to the professional world. Participation in the program will open doors that you didn’t know existed and help cement a prosperous career in accounting.

Andrea Monique Castillo Vergara

UC Berkeley, Class of 2026

Major: Intended Business Administration
Email: [email protected]

My mom discovering the BCPA program right before applications were due, scrambled to get mine in last minute, and meeting with Fani was such a sudden event that I would never take back. If it weren’t for the BCPA program, I wouldn’t have even discovered my interest in accounting, landed spots in clubs I wouldn’t have last year if it weren’t for my newfound experience, or even been a student assistant for Fani at CFRM writing this message on WordPress right now! Having the opportunity to experience the BCPA program allowed me to solidify my next foundational step toward my career. I got ahold of engaging professors who were just as passionate as I was about accounting. This really honed my skills down to not only a technical level but also a professional level as the experience that the professors held was reflected during their instruction. Not only was I surrounded by wonderful and talented individuals, I got to participate in engaging networking events that truly opened the door to opportunities that I intend to explore during my time here at Berkeley. Being able to gain that early advantage while building on those professional skills with others who are just as driven as you were my highlights from the BCPA program.
Accounting went from an interest to a passion as time went on and I’d love to talk about this experience so feel free to connect!

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