Student Ambassador Spotlight: Jia Luo, MSA Candidate 2012

Jia Luo
MSA Candidate 2012
Full-time student

• Program:  Master of Science in Accounting
• Industry/ Field of work: Food service, restaurant management
• Undergraduate degree in: Computer Science
• Undergraduate School: Beijing Normal University
• Career Goal: Auditor
• Organizations involved with:Beta Gamma Sigma, UIC Accounting Club
• Linkedin Profile

What prompted you to return to school to achieve your Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)?
Career change

What was the most important factor for you in choosing an MSA program (or factors you considered)?
My career interest, my previous education stage, the program design

Why did you choose UIC Liautaud for your MSA?
The background coursework, the location of UIC

We all know that people pursue a graduate business degree to increase their business knowledge, but since you have started the program, what has been the most unexpected gain the MSA has given you?
To my surprise, besides what the program coursework offers, I also obtained lifetime knowledge and skills outside of Accounting in public speaking, communication, teamwork and time-management. Other experiences such as networking, being a student ambassador and a teaching assistant, working with professors and staff, initiating activities have also been far beyond what I expected to get from UIC before I started the MSA program.

The UIC Liautaud professors are continuously involved in researching new business trends and innovations. How have you felt the professors have been able to integrate their theoretical knowledge into practical applications? Do you have any examples?

• Managerial Accounting (ACTG506): Professor Peter Chalos integrated his working experiences and research into his teaching.
• Corporate Valuation and Accounting Information (ACTG 585): Professor Michael Kirschenheiter integrated his research in how to measure companies’ abnormal earnings into this class.
• Accounting Research (ACTG593): Professor Ram Ramakrishnan integrated his research in accounting into this class.
• Negotiations (MGMT564): Professor Shelley Brickson integrated her research in what role commitment plays in negotiations into this class

Which class/professor has been your favorite thus far and why?
Professor Peter Chalos has been my favorite professor thus far because he was not only very clear in his teaching, but he didn’t overwhelm us with too much information. He led us to do projects, designed perfectly fit to the teaching, to learn and internalize knowledge and skills quickly. He pointed out crucial weaknesses in our solutions of projects, asked us questions rather than dictating a solution, wrote encouraging comments on our homework, all motivating us to study proactively. When I was taking the class, although I felt it was easy and enjoyable, I learned a lot. Especially after I started being the teaching assistant for the Managerial Accounting course Managerial, I realized more clearly of how solid my knowledge is with how little “pain” I went through. Professor Peter Chalos also related his working experiences with our study very often, which was very entertaining.

What is your favorite aspect of the UIC campus and why?
Professor’s and staff’s openness to students and the attitude of being always willing and ready to help with whichever issue students would have.

How would you define the Liautaud student?
Liautaud students are hardworking, committed to study, friendly and sweet.

What advice would you provide to incoming UIC Liautaud MSA students?
I felt it has been extremely helpful to speak with the professors as much as possible.  Always keep in mind that professors are here to help, and they appreciate when you study hard and appreciate the work they have put into their courses.  I’d say always smile and try to help whoever  comes to you. It pays back. Also, rather than focusing primarily on your GPA, focus on internalizing the knowledge and valuable information that you gain from your professors.

To meet with a Student Ambassador or schedule a class visit, click here to send your request to our Admissions team.