Abigail Hesterberg
UC Berkeley, Class of 2027
Major: Economics
Email: [email protected]
As a transfer student, the BCPA program provided the perfect transition during the summer. Throughout this program, I built lasting friendships and invaluable professional connections that have allowed me to gather knowledge and advice for my path into accounting. There are many opportunities to network and learn more about the accounting space through office visits to firms. The classes not only helped me fulfill my CPA credit requirements but also fueled me to pursue accounting. The BCPA program is the perfect connection to accounting at UC Berkeley. I truly recommend this program to any student considering accounting, whether you’re certain about the field or just exploring your options. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or want to chat about the BCPA experience!
Esther Lee
UC Berkeley, Class of 2027
Major: Philosophy
Email: [email protected]
Joining BCPA was one of the biggest blessings of my college journey. As a first-generation immigrant, I often felt lost my freshman year (especially about my future career) due to lack of guidance. That changed when I found BCPA.
The faculty in this program are truly extraordinary. Fani, assistant director, never hesitates to help a student out. Thanks to her mentorship and encouragement, I was able to successfully complete both the introductory and advanced courses. She also has a wealth of knowledge about the accounting field. So do not hesitate to go up to her. What stood out to me was the passion the professors had. Many of them come to teaching after successful careers in accounting, and it’s evident they teach with love.
BCPA provides incredible networking opportunities that allow you to connect directly with professionals. I was surprised to see how each accounting firm had such a unique atmosphere. From the distinct office culture to people, it’s eye-opening and helps you to figure out which firm is the best fit for you. Equally valuable are the connections you build with classmates and alumni. The classes are small, which makes it easy to form close bonds with peers (many of whom could become your future coworkers). I’ve also met numerous BCPA alumni currently working at firms in San Francisco. They are always excited to meet students from this program and are eager to help.
BCPA is designed with the first half of the summer in person and the second half online. This balance was perfect for me to spend time with my family and even travel during the online portion. The in-person sessions during the summer were my highlight. Experiencing Berkeley in the summer is completely different from the busy school years. I was mind-blown by how peaceful and beautiful the city and the campus were.
Do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions about my experience. I’d be happy to share more.
Kevin Curbelo Prieto
UC Berkeley, Class of 2027
Major: B.S. Business Administration, Minor in Spanish
Email: [email protected]
Being a part of the BCPA program was honestly one of the best decisions I could have made. Not only was I able to get ahead and take classes that genuinely interested me, but they also helped fulfill my major requirements. The timing was perfect because it allowed me to work during the day and attend classes online in the evening. Moreover, the opportunity to visit different offices and network with professionals helped me envision myself working at these companies, giving me extra motivation as I work toward becoming CPA eligible. Finally, being in a relatively small cohort allowed me to build meaningful relationships throughout the summer, forming real friendships that have continued into the school year and beyond. I highly recommend this program to anyone. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Olivia Romero
UC Berkeley, Class of 2026
Major: Landscape Architecture
Email: [email protected]
During Freshman year, I’d heard about the BCPA program, but I never applied until the end of my junior year, which became a decision that shaped the way I saw my foreseeable career. When I sat down for the info session with Ms. Fani, I realized how interesting accounting could be while also intersecting with my current interests. The BCPA program connected me with like-minded peers whom I’ve become close friends with and a network of professionals who offer genuine advice. We were able to visit different offices of accounting firms in San Francisco while also getting insight to what the daily life a CPA looks like. The classes had a rigorous curriculum which prepared me to tackle technical work as well as learn about the theory and practical applications of accounting. If it were not for BCPA, I wouldn’t have found an opportunity to explore outside of my major and see that I can find an intersection between a very technical skill and my creative side. It’s never too late to apply even if you’re at the end of your academic career, because there is so much to learn and experience throughout this program. BCPA opened up new pathways I wouldn’t have imagined and I would love to connect more about my time within this program!
Anthony Serven
UC Berkeley, Class of 2027
Major: Applied Mathematics, Minor in Music
Email: [email protected]
I am super grateful to have gotten the opportunity to participate in BCPA since it both challenged me and made me more aware of what an accounting career really looks like. I had the tools to land an accounting internship for the next summer, and I met great people who shared the same interest not just in accounting, but in putting in the work to set themselves up for the future through such an important qualification as a CPA.
Andrea Monique Castillo Vergara
UC Berkeley, Class of 2025
Major: B.S. Business Administration
Email: [email protected]