We sat down with Romina Mendoza (’22), a Marilyn Davies College of Business (MDCOB) grad who pursued a double major in Accounting and Management Information Systems. A recipient of a Ted Bauer Undergraduate Scholarship, Romina shared the lessons she took with her when she left UHD. Among them: Always strive for more. No surprise she’s determined to pass the CPA exam on her first try.

What brought you to UHD?

I am an immigrant from Cuba, where I did three years of college. For the first few years I was in the U.S., I had to work. My boyfriend graduated from UHD in 2021 with a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS), and I thought UHD was an amazing opportunity with affordable tuition and flexible scheduling.

What about Accounting and Management Info Systems was attractive to you?

My first job was at an apartment complex in the leasing office. I always liked the management side of things, and accounting was part of that. I pursued Accounting at UHD. The MIS was a second thought, but I thought it would really help as I pursue my career goal to be a Texas Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

A CPA license is the gold standard in accounting, and I am focused on promotion and advancement as I begin my career. The CPA exam is four sections, and 200 hours of study are recommended for each section. I want to pass all four sections on my first attempt.

Tell me about your internships. 

The beauty of a paid internship like the one I experienced at Ernst & Young is that it’s like a two-way interview. Internships are a great way to step out of your comfort zone and explore organizations. I was offered a full-time role at Ernst & Young upon graduation. I also interned at TWC/Price Waterhouse Cooper, one of the other Big Four accounting firms.

Internships allowed me to develop my soft skills and relationships with potential future colleagues. I had to learn how to build rapport and trust with clients and colleagues alike. Accounting is definitely a people business, especially public accounting.

Who has inspired you?

I’ve met so many amazing people at UHD. The Accounting professors are all so distinguished and focused on not only teaching us the technical side of accounting but placing importance on practical application. They always told us to “do more with what you have.”

How were you involved on campus?

I am a member of the Professional Accounting Society and spent a year volunteering as a Texas CPA Student Ambassador with the Texas Society of CPAs. I was a student member of the chapter and campus ambassador. I also proudly held a job as an accounting tutor at the Marilyn Davies Center.

How do you see yourself “paying it forward” to future Ted Bauer Scholarship students?

I would be happy to help with events at the Marilyn Davies College of Business. UHD is a rising star as a target school for business recruiting, and the school does great work in Houston. I think especially about the many nontraditional students who might not be able to attend morning events. The flexibility in event timing was something I benefited from and would love to give back.

What’s the biggest lesson you learned at UHD?

My professors always said it was important to do more than just learn concepts “for the exam.” Soft skills are necessary to be a solid professional and progress in your career. You should always be in constant development.

What’s some advice for future Gators?

Leverage your network! I got my internship because an acquaintance knew where to send my résumé. I would also say leverage all the technology that is available. You never know when the opportunity will come, especially in the business world. And always strive for more. Don’t be content with the bare minimum.

For more about Romina, watch her testimonial video.

For more information about the Ted Bauer Undergraduate Business Scholarship and other scholarships available at MDCOB, check the MDCOB Scholarship page.