Alumni Spotlight: Haohao Li, MSA 2014

Haohao Li

MSA, 2014

Undergraduate Degree: Accounting

Organizations Involved With: Master of Science in Accounting Association

Interests/Hobbies: Swimming, Yoga, and Piano

Internships: Electronic Knowledge Interchange – Accounting Intern, Crowe Horwath China – Audit Intern, Bureau of Finance of Enshi Autonomous Prefecture – Accounting Intern

Favorite Chicago Places: Millennium Park

Favorite Chicago Restaurants: Too many to list 🙂

Hometown: Enshi, Hubei, China

Tell us about your personal and professional background.

During my undergraduate years in my home country, I received a full scholarship for a one-year English exchange program at SolBridge International School of Business in Korea. Having been exposed to a multi-cultural environment and educated in an American curriculum model, I decided to pursue my Master’s degree in Accounting in the United States.

After I finished my first year of the MSA program at UIC Liautaud, I got an internship opportunity at Crowe Horwath China as an Audit Intern. During the 2014 tax season, I was also certified as a tax preparer at the Center for Economic Progress to work one-on-one with tax site clients and help low-income individuals and families prepare tax returns.

What factor(s) did you consider when choosing a Master’s program and why did you choose UIC Liautaud for your graduate study?

I knew I would pursue my Master’s degree immediately after I finished my undergraduate studies in Accounting because I wanted to step deeper into the Accounting world, seek my Accounting certification, and open up more professional opportunities.

One of the most important factors I considered when choosing the program was to see if it would help better prepare me for professional examinations (CPA or CMA exams). I chose UIC Liautaud because graduates of the MSA program have one of the highest pass rates on the CPA exam in the state and the highest pass rate among public schools.

What was the most unexpected gain the program gave you?

The most unexpected gain the program gave me was my fellow schoolmates. Students here are very dynamic and enthusiastic about learning. They are also dedicated to their studies too, which creates a very inspiring learning environment for others. In particular, when students from diverse backgrounds are working in teams on a project, we can really learn from each other through teamwork and improve our communication skills as well.

Which class/professor has been your favorite thus far and why?

Advanced Financial Accounting (ACTG 417) was one of my favorite classes. Professor Salama is very strict with students and always demands students’ best work. Students are all influenced by his love, passion, and dedication to Accounting, as well as teaching. Thanks to his strict course plan and high requirements for students, I learned a lot from his class.

What is your favorite aspect of the UIC campus and why?

Located just a mile from Chicago’s Loop, the UIC campus not only provides a nice view of downtown Chicago but also makes it accessible and convenient for students since it is near different public transportation stops.

What advice would you provide to incoming UIC Liautaud students?

Try to be proactive and take full advantage of UIC Liautaud’s resources and services to seek advice, network with people, and build connections. Start your job search as early as possible and get yourself prepared.