San Diego transplant carves path to success at Trulaske

After high school, San Diego native Micaela Nevarez found herself longing for an out-of-state college experience. Though she toured several universities, one felt like home as soon as she stepped on campus: the University of Missouri.

“It had everything I was looking for in terms of school spirit, facilities, sports, Greek life, organizations and a beautiful business school,” Nevarez said.

By her sophomore year at Mizzou, Nevarez was still having a little trouble determining which business path was right for her. Cue Chris Prestigiacomo, an associate teaching professor and Vairam Arunachalam Distinguished Teaching Professor in Mizzou’s Trulaske College of Business.

“Dr. P’s Accounting I class clicked naturally to me,” Nevarez said. “I appreciated the structure, logic, and problem-solving it required. I realized that an accounting background would open a wide range of opportunities and provide the flexibility I wanted in my career.”

The rigorous career path also appealed to Nevarez’s competitive nature, as it would challenge her to grow and develop meaningful skills. Nevarez rose to that challenge, earning a Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) scholarship, a program that targets undergraduate and graduate students who are likely to become auditors.

“Micaela has an incredible work ethic that drives her pursuit of excellence in all she does,” said Elise Bartley, associate teaching professor and Forvis Mazars Teaching Scholar in Trulaske’s School of Accountancy. “This emphasis is one of many reasons she is an excellent candidate for this prestigious award.”

Recipients must be nominated by their university to qualify for the scholarship, which is merit-based. Nevarez was one of two Mizzou students to receive the honor.

“Being recognized by the PCAOB and Trulaske reinforces my commitment to uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and strong work ethic as I begin my career in auditing,” Nevarez said. “This scholarship not only provides me with the resources to continue my education but also inspires me to give back to the profession by supporting the next generation of accountants.”

Nevarez credits Trulaske for offering engaging classes led by knowledgeable faculty, and for providing access to accomplished professionals in her career path. 

“The constant presence of firms throughout the halls and career fairs has also made getting connected with internships and job opportunities so much easier,” she said.

Nevarez landed an internship with Ernst & Young this past summer. After completing her BSAcc/ MAcc of accountancy next spring, she looks forward to returning to the West Coast to work for EY.

“One thing I always have appreciated about Micaela is her willingness to try anything I ask of her for the sake of learning,” Bartley said. “She always trusts that each learning experience will have something to offer her and is willing to work through difficulty to grow and develop.”

Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.