Keren Li

2014 Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting Recipient

Biography: Eric is a fourth-year student at UCLA, majoring in Economics as well as double-minoring in Accounting. During his time at UCLA, he has developed a great interest in the study of accounting. He is determined to pursue his career goal of public accounting; also in order to obtain the CPA credential, he has already accumulated over 225 quarter units, therefore eligible to sit for the exam by graduation day. Additionally, because of his prior internships in investment banks and other investment advisory firms, he doesn’t rule out the possibility of working for other financial services sectors.

Future Plans: Eric is expecting to finish his undergraduate study at UCLA in June 2015. Eric is currently interviewing with the Big Four accounting firms for full-time job opportunities in the area of auditing. Upon graduation and securing a full-time job offer, Eric hopes to start his career in a well reputable accounting firm, and learn from those professionals with unparalleled expertise. In the future, he plans to go back to school to pursue graduate study, likely an MBA degree, after three to five years’ working onsite.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I would like to take this opportunity to thank the donor for her generosity in funding the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting. I am beyond grateful and honored to be selected as the recipient this year. Like many students, I have had barriers and challenges to need to overcome; by awarding me this accounting scholarship, not only is my financial burden lightened, but I am also inspired to help others and give back to the community by the spirit behind this scholarship. I hope one day I will be able to help more students achieve their goals just as the scholarship committee has helped me.