Essay for University of Texas at Austin

"Explain how obtaining a master's degree at the McCombs School of Business will assist you in further defining your primary personal and/or professional life goals. Why is now the best time for you to pursue this degree? Your explanation should include, but not necessarily be limited to, a description of both your intermediate and longer-term career goals, as well as a current vision of your desired employment upon graduation."

The Department of Economics and Management, Beijing XXX University, where I am currently studying, by entering a cooperative agreement with the U.K.-based The Association of International Accountants (AIA), has introduced a standard undergraduate program in accounting officially recognized by AIA. This unique program has well prepared me for a more advanced academic program and for my short- and long-term goals. In my proposed program, I would like to acquire in-depth accounting concepts and knowledge in financial reporting and analysis, auditing and assurance, advanced financial accounting, advanced management accounting, cost management systems. Through your program, I would also like to examine how accounting and auditing are practiced in real-world situations, which will further shed light on China’s own industries which I enter upon the completion of your program.

My short-term goal is to complete your Master’s program in Public Accounting (MPA) according to the schedule and obtain my degree. I will spend the following two years gaining tentative practical experiences at public accounting firms, financial services organizations, corporate business organizations or consulting firms either through internships or formal employment. This knowledge about the financial market will further give me perspectives about the global financial market and how standard accounting and auditing procedures are taken in the mature financial industry of the United States.

However, my long-term goals will definitely unfold in China, my home country. It is not all surprising that, considering the fact that China promulgated its first “Accounting Principles of Corporate Organizations” in 1992 and that the stock market has only a limited history of less than three decades, the country has a long way to go in perfecting its accounting system. On the other hand, with the economic integration gathering momentum, China is to open its financial industry to foreign financial institutions on a comprehensive basis in the very near future. To meet the rapidly changing circumstances and to keep pace with the country’s vibrant economic growth, the Chinese accounting industry has yet to improve its institutional management, conformity to international conventions, professional standards, and to broaden areas of service. I wish to become a well-trained accounting professional with both international academic training and practical professional experience who can meet this immense demand.

With my international backgrounds, I will return to China to work at leading multinational accounting and auditing firms based in China like PriceWaterCoopers. My international experiences and my vast knowledge of China will set me apart from average Chinese employees in those organizations because I am well equipped to think globally and act locally. In five years time, I expect to become a senior manager. My long-term goal is to work in a leading Chinese investment bank where I expect to become a department manager or a CFO in the top management. Another long-tern alternative is to launch my own accounting and auditing firm to offer consulting services to China’s medium and small enterprises that engage in international trade or seek to become listed companies on the international stock market.

In choosing your MPA program, I am fully convinced of its ability to help me achieve those professional objectives. Your program is internationally recognized for its enduring quality and reputation for excellence. Your faculty are well-known for cutting-edge research, curriculum innovation, and outstanding skills and your student organizations provide rich opportunities for extracurricular development and interaction. Your program also emphasizes the skills needed to succeed in the business community, including teamwork, leadership and the ability to communicate effectively. Students are further provided with the opportunity to interact with the professional world through speaker programs, receptions, team competitions, workshops and internships. I am especially encouraged that through its various sponsored events, your program gives students the opportunity to interact with prominent members of the business community. Through its internship program, it allows them to gain "hands on" experience at the most reputable of firms. Above all, the MPA gives its students a strong sense of professionalism, responsibility, and achievement. Considering the fact that my ultimate career is to unfold in China where top-notch accounting and auditing professionals are most sought after, it is all the more facile for me to achieve a fulfilling and high-flying career.