Cynthya Nunez doesn’t remember a time when she was not determined to excel in school but, during high school, she did not have a clear idea of where that drive and determination would lead her.
Cynthya Nunez’s remaining time at UNCG’s Bryan School will be focused on her studies as well as preparation for the CPA exam, a strong component of the MSA program.After taking a series of online career tests to help highlight her aptitudes and interests and exploring those recommendations with her guidance counselor and parents, she chose to pursue the field of accounting, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, mother, and aunt.
Cynthya’s family settled in High Point, North Carolina, after spending her early childhood in Brooklyn, New York, and the Dominican Republic. With a desire to attend college locally, Cynthya began researching area universities with highly-regarded accounting programs and found her way to UNC Greensboro. During a campus tour where she was able to meet with staff, faculty, and students, Cynthya felt very much at home and was so impressed with the accounting program that she knew her search was complete.
A strong work ethic opened many opportunities for Cynthya during her undergraduate years. Her achievements in the classroom led her induction into the Beta Alpha Psi accounting honor society. Networking and recruiting events helped Cynthya enhance her professionalism while gaining knowledge about accounting careers and served as the catalyst for obtaining internships with two accounting firms. Working in the NEAR program at DHG provided experience with the audit and tax engagement teams, while a further opportunity with KPMG gave her a strong foundation in auditing. As a BAP member, Cynthya provided tutoring for students in entry-level accounting classes and also found great satisfaction taking part in community service with the Out of the Garden Project, a local organization providing food to low-income families.
Cynthya’s determination and pursuit of excellence both in and out of the classroom was recognized by the Department of Accounting and Finance with her nomination for the prestigious PCAOB scholarship. When the recipients were announced, she was very honored and grateful to be awarded one of only 234 scholarships given nationally for 2020-2021. Among her honors, she graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a proud recipient of the Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key and Bryan School Medal for Academic Excellence.
Following graduation, Cynthya’s work as an Audit Intern with KPMG in the summer of 2020 was different than expected because of the pandemic but still allowed her to gain valuable knowledge as part of their Virtual Internship Experience. Upon completion of her internship, she was pleased and excited to accept a full-time offer as an Audit Associate beginning in the fall of 2021.
For the present, Cynthya’s remaining time at UNCG will be focused on her studies as well as preparation for the CPA exam, a strong component of the MSA program. She plans to take three sections of the exam while pursuing her degree and the final section following graduation in May 2021. She strongly encourages future students to work toward completion of the exams prior to starting a full-time job and is committed to achieving that goal herself.
Cynthya’s keys to success are centered around the fact that she is doing what she loves and giving it her all. Her emphasis on time management and organization continues to help her reach her goals and find balance in the many areas of her life, whether it be studying, working as a graduate assistant, or spending time with friends and family. Throughout her time at UNCG, her path has been made easier by utilizing the resources and opportunities available from the Bryan School and university.
Her early impressions of UNCG are confirmed in her recent words of praise for those in the Bryan School that have helped her on this journey: “The faculty and staff are always there to help you and push you to become the best version of yourself. I would not be where I am right now if it were not for the help of all my professors and advisors.”
Needless to say, Cynthya’s determination, focus, and pursuit of excellence are the true keys to her present and future success.
