Dedication Rewarded: Alumna Quyen Gaete Achieves CPA Milestone
When Quyen Gaete transferred to East Texas A&M University from Richland College in 2018, she knew she wanted more than just a degree — she wanted a foundation strong enough to build a lifelong career in accounting. Five years later, after earning both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Accounting from the College of Business, she recently obtained her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License, making her journey stand out as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the power of mentorship.
“I first chose the College of Business at ETAMU because of its location, affordable tuition, and history,” Quyen shared. “But I decided to stay for my graduate program because I really liked the education and the faculty. The professors truly care about their students.”
For Quyen, accounting has always been about more than numbers. “A modern accounting major isn't simply about crunching numbers,” she explained. “It's about interpreting the health of a business or personal finance, making strategic decisions, and identifying risks and opportunities. Accounting offers the versatility to work in any industry, anywhere in the world.”
That global perspective is something Quyen lives every day in her career. As a Tax Associate at ERB CPA, a boutique cross-border public accounting firm in Rockwall, she handles both domestic taxation and complex international cases. “I regularly deal with foreign trust structures and U.S. reporting obligations like the streamlined offshore program and estate tax filings,” she said. “It's challenging but deeply rewarding work.”
Her professional success is rooted in the skills and experiences she gained at the College of Business. During her time as a Graduate Assistant, Quyen honed her research and analytical abilities while assisting faculty on academic projects. She also received a scholarship from the Texas Society of CPAs, nominated by Dr. Hartmann, and served as a Becker Campus Ambassador, which provided her access to a CPA review course that helped her prepare for the exam. “I'm fortunate to have had such a strong support system,” she said. “My professors gave me a good foundation in accounting and taxation, and ETAMU gave me opportunities to grow.”
Quyen credits several mentors for shaping her path — including Dr. James Hamill, who inspired her passion for taxation, and Dr. Daniel Hsiao, who motivated her to pursue the CPA exams. She also expressed deep gratitude for Ms. Denise Rater for her friendship and encouragement throughout the journey.
To students currently working toward their business degrees, Quyen offers thoughtful advice: “There will be hard work and sacrifice, but once you pass the CPA exams, you never have to do it again. Take advantage of your time in college to prepare early. You don't need a perfect GPA — just make the most of every opportunity and do as many internships as you can.”
For those considering where to begin that journey, her recommendation is clear: “If you're looking for a good business school with accreditation, diverse programs, great value, and a supportive career-services structure, ETAMU's College of Business is a compelling choice.”
Through her commitment to learning and excellence, Quyen Gaete embodies ETAMU's mission to prepare students for professional success and lifelong impact. From her first accounting class to her CPA certification, her story reflects how the College of Business continues to transform determination into achievement — one student at a time.