Student Ambassadors
Connect with UsWe encourage you to connect with our ambassadors via email, LinkedIn, or a 1:1 Zoom meeting to answer your questions about school culture, why they selected The Merage School, academic pathways, the path to UC Irvine from across the U.S. or another country, and much more. Take advantage of this great opportunity!
Sunny Cao
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Irvine
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Administration, Concentration in Accounting
Hometown: China 
Language(s): Mandarin
Specialization/Career Path: Data Analytics and Auditing
Before moving to the U.S., I worked in the entertainment industry in China, where I managed marketing and public relations for celebrities and TV shows. Part of my work involved developing budgets and tracking project expenses, which inspired my interest in accounting. I explored this passion further through my undergraduate studies at UC Irvine, where I majored in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting. I also volunteered with the VITA program, helping individuals file their taxes to gain hands-on experience. The one-on-one meetings, mock interviews, and career workshops offered through the Merage School's career services were a huge factor in my decision to choose UC Irvine. After graduation, I’m excited to pursue a career in auditing where I can apply my analytical skills and continue learning about different industries.
Bo Koh
Undergraduate Institution: Seoul National University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Sociology
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea 
Language(s): Korean
Specialization/Career Path: Data Analytics
I first worked at an accounting firm, where I supported tax compliance and preparation processes and began developing automation tools to improve workflow efficiency. Motivated by this realization, I pursued further experience as a software developer and later decided to deepen my accounting knowledge through the MPAc program at UC Irvine, with the goal of integrating my technical background into the accounting profession. I chose the UC Irvine Merage School because of its strong reputation and extensive recruiting network. My career goal is to work in IT Audit at a public accounting firm, where I can combine the technical skills from my software development background with the accounting knowledge I am gaining through the MPAc program.
Michael Lucci
Undergraduate Institution: Arizona State University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Accountancy; Minor in Economics
Hometown: La Mirada, California 
Specialization/Career Path: Data Analytics
My name is Mike, and I’m a non-traditional student who decided to return to school after serving 14 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. After completing my undergraduate degree last year, I chose to pursue a Master of Professional Accountancy to support my transition into a new career path in accounting. I chose the UC Irvine Merage School of Business because of the personalized attention and support I received even before submitting my application. The level of care and community set UC Irvine apart from the other programs I was accepted to, and it confirmed that this was the right place for me to grow both academically and professionally. I’m currently preparing for the CPA exam and plan to pursue a career in audit and forensic accounting.
Steven Rios-Gomez
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Irvine
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Administration; Emphasis in Accounting
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Language(s): English, Spanish
Specialization/Career Path: Data Analytics
Hi everyone! My name is Steven Rios-Gomez, and I am a first-generation Latino paving a career in accounting. I attended UC Irvine during my undergraduate studies and knew that I wanted to come back to become a “Double Anteater.” Outside from academia, I gained experience working as an assistant auditor for the state of California. What attracted me to this master's program was having the privilege to work with the brilliant professors as well as the supportive and dedicated community at Merage. I aspire to work in audit for a public accounting firm once I graduate. Beyond the job search, I aim to study for and pass my CPA exams so that I can develop the foundation for proficiency in accounting.
Reyna Rodriguez
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Riverside
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Administration; Concentration in Accounting & Auditing
Hometown: Bell Gardens, California
Language(s): Spanish
Specialization/Career Path: Taxation
Hi everyone! My name is Reyna. During my undergraduate career, I interned at PricewaterhouseCoopers as an Audit Intern and at Los Angeles City Hall as an accounting intern. Those experiences helped me realize my passion for accounting and inspired me to pursue my CPA and a MPAc degree. I chose the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business because it offers a strong network with accounting firms in Orange County and provides classes that help prepare for the CPA exams. I was also drawn to the program’s taxation track, since I plan to start my career in tax at a public accounting firm. My career goal is to work at an accounting firm as a tax associate, where I can continue building my experience in tax. As I work toward graduation, I’m looking forward to studying for and completing my CPA exams, and taking the next step toward becoming a licensed CPA.
Lesly Silva
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Irvine
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Administration with an Emphasis in Accounting
Hometown: Escondido, California
Language(s): Spanish
Specialization/Career Path: Data Analytics
Hello everyone! At the beginning of my academic journey, I was unsure of what career path to take. However, after taking my first accounting courses at UC Irvine, I found a deep passion for accounting. I recently interned at Frank, Rimerman + Co., and have accepted to work with them full-time next fall! The decision to complete my master's at UC Irvine was easy for me, as the support from professors, advisors, and all of their faculty is so special. They have not only built, but also made me feel confident toward excelling in the accounting world as a first-generation student. My current career goal is to attain my CPA license and begin my position at Frank, Rimerman + Co. Their work culture has fostered a supportive and collaborative environment, which has played a role in my growing passion for their VC audit department.
Nicholas Whatley
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Irvine
Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Administration, Emphasis in Accounting and Finance
Hometown: Granite Bay, California
Specialization/Career Path: Taxation
Hi, my name is Nick! I'm originally from the greater Sacramento area, where I attended junior college before transferring and finding a second home at UC Irvine. Outside of the classroom, I stay busy through extracurricular involvement such as serving as the president of our school's chapter of Beta Alpha Psi. Coming from the undergraduate program, I was already aware of the amazing faculty that the Paul Merage School of Business offers. The school has put together an all-star cast of people like professors and career advisors, ready to help you advance academically and professionally. I'm currently working toward taking the CPA exams and expanding my network through the various opportunities here at UC Irvine.
CONNECT WITH US
Have a Question?
Our advisors are here to guide you through the process. Connect with us today and discover how UC Irvine's MPAc program can be the catalyst for your accounting career.
Want to hear more about scholarships, programs, and updates?
Connect With Us
