Forging a Bright Career Ahead: Empowering Students Through DRDA
By: Eva Jiang, M.B.A., M.S.
Success Starts Here
Bauer Connect: Bridging Futures – An event Recap
Last week, UH Bauer students had the opportunity of engaging with DRDA leaders from diverse backgrounds at the Bauer Connect event. The attendees experienced a dynamic lineup of presentations, participated in a lively quiz session, and engaged in a thought-provoking panel discussion, providing invaluable insights for their professional journeys.
Connecting with University and Campus:
Connecting with universities and campuses is crucial for companies like DRDA and the accounting industry. It not only allows us to share our knowledge and experience with the next generation of professionals but also provides an opportunity for students to gain real-world insights and build connections within the industry. Through events like Bauer Connect, we aim to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between academia and industry, empowering students to thrive in their future careers.
Opportunities for Growth:
For students considering their career paths, joining DRDA offers more than just a job—it’s an opportunity for growth and advancement. Unlike experienced staff who may have already established their careers, students have the advantage of a blank canvas, ready to be painted with diverse experiences and opportunities.
At DRDA, we recognize and value the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that students bring to the table, offering them a platform to shine and make meaningful contributions from day one. Take, for example, our tax department career path: starting as Staff I, graduates progress to Staff II and then to Senior positions. With dedication and skill development, they can advance to roles such as Tax Manager/Department Manager and ultimately become Partners at twice the industry norm. This advancement is made possible because of the resources DRDA has developed to help our people succeed. The picture below lists some of those resources. If you want to know more about these resources and the opportunity for you, just give us a call or email.
A Bright Future Awaits:
As students embark on their journey with DRDA, they can look forward to a promising future filled with opportunities for personal and professional development and growth. Unlike many CPA firms, where partnership is often restricted to a select few, DRDA offers a rare opportunity for every member of our team to become a partner if they desire. We believe in treating everyone fairly and giving opportunities based on talent and hard work, ensuring that the brightest and most dedicated individuals have the chance to shape the future of our firm.
In conclusion, DRDA is dedicated to empowering students and shaping their bright futures. Join us as we bridge the gap between academia and industry, together forging a path to success.
By: Eva Jiang, M.B.A., M.S.
- Published in Culture, Team Achievement, Team Achievment
My Journey to Success: Becoming the Youngest CPA Candidate at DRDA
By: Eric Vasquez
Hey, everyone! It’s Eric Vasquez, and I’m excited to share my journey of conquering the CPA exams—the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned along the way.
After graduating in 2021, I spent two years gaining practical experience in DRDA, a leading CPA firm, while taking my CPA exam journey. The decision to pursue accounting was a natural one, influenced by both my family and my fascination with numbers.
The motivation behind pursuing the CPA designation was clear—to position myself at the forefront of financial expertise. However, the journey was no cakewalk. Time management was a constant challenge, balancing work, study, and personal life. Yet, self-motivation and patience were my companions throughout this marathon.
I earned my accounting bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UHCL, setting the stage for a promising career. Joining DRDA marked a significant step forward, offering exposure and opportunities that fueled my professional growth.
With accountants in the family, the choice was obvious. What attracted me to audit was the love for investigation, the allure of new projects, and the inherent challenge that each audit brings. There’s a unique sense of fulfillment when an audit is completed—the report finalized, the hard work paying off. It’s these moments of accomplishment that make the journey worthwhile.
Now that I’ve passed the exams, the immediate goal is to gain more practical experience. In five years, I envision myself as an audit manager, with aspirations to become a partner down the line. Working in a team is something I love, and DRDA has been an incredible support system. From study programs to time off on exam days, and the wealth of experience from CPAs within the company, the support has been invaluable. Meanwhile I believe my success aligns seamlessly with our company’s core values. DRDA prioritizes the growth and success of our employees, understanding that their achievements contribute to the overall success of our firm.
Outside of the professional realm, I find solace and joy in music. Playing the piano and guitar is my way of unwinding and expressing creativity.
For those on the CPA journey, I have a few pieces of advice:
- Leave time for yourself. The journey is intense, and self-care is crucial.
- If a subject is challenging, practice, practice, practice. It makes all the difference.
- Stay persistent. The real exam might just surprise you—it could be more manageable than the practice ones.
In wrapping up, the CPA journey is both a personal and professional expedition. It’s about embracing challenges, staying motivated, and finding fulfillment in every milestone achieved. As DRDA celebrates my success, we are reminded of the incredible capabilities and potential that reside within our team. My accomplishment is a testament to the culture of excellence and support that defines DRDA. Looking forward to my continuing career development and contributions to my firm’s growth.
By: Eric Vasquez
- Published in Team Achievment
