Adrian Banuelos' Academic Journey

My Journey to the Accounting World - Adrian Banuelos

    Choosing a major is often one of the most difficult and pivotal decisions in one's academic and professional life. For me, deciding to major in accounting was not something that had crossed my mind. In fact, I used to work in the music industry before attending college. While music brought me joy, I felt that I needed a more structured foundation for a long-term career. This is when I decided to return to school and pursue a bachelor's degree. 

    I began my academic journey at Mt. San Antonio College. I wasn't sure what to expect, much less what to major in. Initially, I just wanted to take classes and explore what I liked. As I took my first accounting class, I realized that I enjoyed challenges that involved working with numbers and solving financial problems. What started as a small step forward developed into a huge snowball, which included a strong interest in accounting, and that is when I knew I was in the correct field. 

    Accounting has a logical structure, which appealed to me the same way music did. Both disciplines required attention to detail, precision, and a solid understanding of patterns. In addition, small mistakes in both music and accounting can throw everything off. Minor errors can lead to significant consequences. This bridge between both worlds helped me make a smoother transition in my career. 

After completing my coursework at Mt. SAC and receiving my Associate's Degree, I transferred to Cal Poly Pomona to continue my education. This was a crucial moment for me as it allowed me to delve deeper into the accounting world. Here, I began taking more advanced classes that dealt with accounting principles and concepts. While I still have yet to graduate, the faculty at Cal Poly Pomona, along with the school's signature hands-on approach, has been instrumental in solidifying my decision to pursue an accounting degree.      

Thus far, I have worked in accounting at a mid-sized real estate firm and have been very involved in an educational accounting club. Here, I've been exposed to the world of public accounting. Looking ahead, I plan to continue my education by pursuing a Master's in Taxation and to become a Certified Public Accountant. 

My journey in accounting has been anything but linear, but I'm excited to see where life and this degree will take me. The possibilities seem to be endless, and with graduation approaching, I look forward to taking the steps necessary to have a successful career in public accounting.