Program: M. S. in Accounting, entering fall 2020
Hometown: Los Angeles
Undergrad Experience: California Lutheran University | B.S. in Accounting
Through persistence, hard work and networking, Emilio Lazaro landed his dream internship at a Big 4 accounting firm before starting graduate school at LMU, his top choice.
What was the aha moment that led you to apply to the LMU M.S. in Accounting program?
LMU was my first choice coming out of high school. After being accepted and vising the campus, I knew that I wanted to go to school at LMU. However, it was not feasible for my family and me at the time.
At the end of college, I was on pace to graduate one semester early but was still short of the 150 units required for CPA licensure. Rather than taking classes at a community college or staying the full four years at my current university, I concluded that the best path for me was to pursue a master’s in accounting. Getting my master’s degree is something that I have always wanted, and the timing just happened to work out perfectly. I jumped with joy when I realized I had a second chance at attending LMU.
Why the LMU M.S. in Accounting program?
One of my professors during undergrad, who I have become close with over the last couple of years, is an LMU alum. As soon as I told him I wanted to apply to the LMU M.S. in Accounting program, he encouraged me and praised the program. Also, LMU has a very established network and is viewed as a prestigious university around the country. I want to be challenged in the classroom and continue to develop professionally and I feel that LMU would give me both.
Even though LMU is more expensive for me to attend than other programs in Southern California, I chose to attend LMU because it has a homey and cozy feel as well as connections with Silicon Beach and the Big 4. Coming from a small undergraduate university, I liked making personal connections with professors and wanted that in a graduate program. Dr. Terry Wang, the program director, was always there to answer questions through my research and application process.
What do you hope to achieve professionally with your LMU graduate education?
I look forward to expanding my accounting acumen, fulfilling the education requirements to obtain a CPA license in California, and networking with faculty, alumni, classmates and companies to create future career opportunities.
What are you most excited about as you enter the program?
I’m looking forward to a new start, getting back into the classroom and forging my own path. It will be exciting to have a new experience to enjoy, even though there will be a lot of work to do. Exploring the area around LMU’s campus will be a fun adventure too. I am ready for new challenges and look forward to what comes next.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Los Angeles?
I enjoy discovering and experiencing new places to eat. My preferred places to explore are hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the San Fernando Valley and my favorite food is Italian.
