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Gianna Esquivel is a Class of 2025 Accounting major with an Art History minor from Cypress, Texas.

Think back to your senior year of high school… why did you choose to attend the Cox School of Business at SMU?

I chose to attend the Cox School of Business at ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»úbecause I recognized it as a place where I could grow both academically and professionally. As a high school senior navigating the admissions process, I was unsure about my specific major but knew I wanted to pursue a business degree. The ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»úCox curriculum provided me with exposure to foundational business topics that sparked my interest and ultimately led me to select accounting as my major. Now that I’m a senior here at SMU, I can confidently say that choosing Cox was the best decision for me. The supportive environment, outstanding faculty, and strong alumni network have all played a role in my growth and success, making my time at ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»útruly rewarding.

What has been your favorite Cox class so far? What have you learned that has really stuck with you?

My Intro to Financial Accounting course with Eric Marrs during my freshman year at Cox had a significant impact on my accounting journey, providing foundational principles that I continue to apply in my other classes and internships. This class introduced me to challenging topics I had never encountered before. Yet, the subject's difficulty did not stop Professor Marrs from making this class enjoyable and engaging, ensuring that we thoroughly understood the material discussed. During this time of my freshmen year, many of my peers who were undecided Cox major found themselves torn between finance and accounting. Professor Marrs’ background in finance, along with his experience as an accounting professor, provided valuable insights to my classmates in navigating this decision.

Intermediate Accounting I with Sohail Hamirani and Intermediate Accounting II with Emily Davis were courses that allowed me to build on the foundational knowledge I gained in my Intro to Financial Accounting class. I enjoyed the challenging coursework and complex topics discussed in lectures, as they required critical thinking, pushing me to deepen my understanding of accounting. Professor Hamirani further reinforced class content by drawing on his experience as a Chief Financial Officer, offering real-world examples that directly corresponded to our lectures. This not only solidified my understanding but also provided insight into how the concepts I’m learning will apply in my future career. As a junior, I began to contemplate my future in accounting and the path I wanted to pursue. Professor Davis, with her experience in both audit and tax, provided valuable guidance to me and my fellow accounting students. My overall experience in this class reinforced my belief that I chose the right university to continue my studies, as the professors here genuinely care about our futures and provide the support we need to succeed both at ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»úand beyond.  

Throughout my time in my classes at SMU, I have had the opportunity to work on projects with my peers across various subjects. This allowed me to refine my communication and teamwork skills, which were essential during my recent internship in the Assurance department at Calvetti Ferguson. I am grateful for this experience of working on projects with my peers, as I have learned the value of collaboration and the wealth of knowledge that can be gained from working with others. This has stuck with me throughout college and will continue to guide me in my professional career.

How do you spend your time outside of class? What student organizations have you joined, in Cox or otherwise?

Outside of class, I currently serve as the Director of Financial Appropriations for the Housing Unification Board (HUB). In this role, I collaborate with other directors to enhance the on-campus living experience for students. Managing our $110,000 budget has allowed me to apply the concepts I’ve learned in my Cox classes to real-world applications. This organization, which is outside of Cox, has allowed me to connect with students from various majors and backgrounds that I might not have met otherwise. As a senior, my classes are primarily filled with fellow seniors in my major, so the HUB gives me the opportunity to engage with freshmen and sophomores, providing support and guidance in any way I can.

Additionally, I was part of the Cox BBA 2023 Collegiate Consulting Academy (CCA) cohort, where I explored and learned about the consulting industry. The organization meets weekly for a semester, starting with an introduction to the industry and strategies for succeeding in this field. The CCA prepared me to excel in case interviews while networking with industry professionals. What makes this organization unique is that we had the opportunity to attend exclusive CCA panels and participate in mock interviews with top consulting firms, further preparing me for my future career. Being surrounded by driven individuals, like those admitted into the CCA, inspired me to work harder and pursue new opportunities outside of accounting.

I recently served as a panelist on behalf of Cox for prospective admitted students and freshmen BBA Scholars, where I shared my journey and experiences at SMU. My peers here at ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»úhave played a crucial role in my growth, offering both support and guidance. By sharing what I’ve learned with these students, I can give back in the same way that I have benefited from others. This involvement highlights the endless opportunities Cox offers to help fulfill your academic and professional aspirations. These experiences have shaped my time at SMU, and I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many amazing individuals.

Tell us about how you’ve utilized the CMC – the Cox Career Management Center.

As an accounting student, I participated in the formal accounting recruitment process for internships earlier this year. Although the process seemed daunting and overwhelming at first, working with the CMC helped me approach each interview with confidence. When I started applying to firms, the CMC helped me review my resume and cover letters, ensuring they were error-free and providing recommendations to highlight my strengths as a candidate. As I progressed in the recruitment process, scheduling mock interviews was crucial for my preparation, as it allowed me to receive real-time feedback to improve myself. Thanks to the support of the CMC, I was fortunate to receive offers from each firm I applied to.

Recently, I applied to PwC’s CPA Acceleration Program, a rigorous and selective fellowship partnership with Northeastern University. Once I received an email that I was selected for an interview, I immediately reached out to the CMC as I was on short timeline. Accounting career coach, Yasmin German, responded quickly and provided valuable advice on additional ways to prepare. After a successful interview and with ongoing support from the CMC, I am grateful to have accepted an offer to work in PwC’s audit department while pursuing a master’s from the D’Amore-McKim School of Business.

We have an awesome new building for the Cox School of Business. What is your favorite part of the David B. Miller Business Quadrangle?

My favorite part of the new business school is the central lower area, where the Sclafani’s bagel shop is located. My friends and I often grab coffee or lunch there between lectures on our longer class days. During exam week, I prefer studying in the Ida Family Reading Room, which provides the perfect quiet area for getting work done. When I need a private space for a meeting, I utilize one of the many study rooms throughout the building, as I can reserve these rooms in advance.

What advice would you give to seniors in high school who are in the middle of their college search process?

When I was applying to universities during my senior year of high school, my dad encouraged me to apply to SMU, to which I replied, “What is SMU?” I had never heard of ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»úbefore, so I wasn’t considering it as a potential university to apply to. However, after researching the university and the Cox School of Business, I was convinced to submit my application. When my family and I arrived at the Hilltop for a campus tour, my perspective shifted. Hearing directly from students about their experiences gave me insights into what life at ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»úwould be like. During my tour, I was able to explore the campus and learn about ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»útraditions, such as the Celebration of Lights and Boulevarding. When I left Dallas to head back home to Houston, I knew I wanted to be a Mustang. As you navigate the college search process, I suggest approaching it with an open mind and visiting the campus. Each university is uniquely different, so explore various options. You may find the perfect fit in an unexpected place.

Thank you, Gianna, for sharing your ºÚÁÏÀÏ˾»úCox story! Prospective students will learn so much from your experiences and the way they have prepared you for a successful post-graduation career