When Kha Han Trieu immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in 2019, she was uncertain of the career opportunities available to her. Encouraged by her aunt, who had been living in the United States for many years, she decided to give accounting a try. Trieu soon found that it was indeed the right fit. “I realized that I really like accounting because it suits my personality, like it has ethics standards and then the detailed attention and problem solving,” she says.
As Trieu explored the subject more, she discovered many different appealing career routes that she could take. Through discipline, persistence, and active engagement, she has positioned herself for a successful career in tax accounting, though she’s open to other areas of accounting. Recently, her academic accomplishments were recognized as she was awarded the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholarship.
Ever so humble, Trieu nearly rejected the scholarship nomination since it typically goes to students pursuing the CPA, and she had yet not planned when she would complete it. However, after discussions with Long Chen, Costello College of Business accounting area chair, and Peggy Tsirigotis, Costello assistant accounting area chair, and further reflection into her career ambitions, she accepted. “The PCAOB Scholars Program is an outstanding opportunity for accounting students,” says Chen. “It recognizes academic excellence, supports students as they pursue their professional goals, and enhances their visibility with employers. Kha Han ultimately realized the scholarship aligned with her long-term career aspirations.”
“I usually spend many times at night reading the e-textbook, then practice problems, going over and over again until I understand the chapter.”
— Kha Han Trieu, PCAOB Scholar
Trieu dedicates as much time to her studies as she can, even bringing her laptop to her job at the nail salon to study whenever she’s not attending to clients. “I usually spend many times at night reading the e-textbook, then practice problems, going over and over again until I understand the chapter,” she says.
When Trieu faces difficulties with problem-solving questions in her studies, she shoots an email to her professors, whom she knows will respond quickly and steer her in the right direction. She has been especially inspired in Intermediate Accounting with Mark Ingram, senior instructor in accounting, and Accounting Analytics with June Woo Park, instructional assistant professor in accounting.
Working persistently toward her future career, Trieu actively pursues opportunities at Costello by attending career fairs and workshops that she learns about through LinkedIn, helping her build connections, gain experience, and position herself for success.
Kha Han Trieu has remained laser-focused on her education, work, and long-term career goals. After arriving to the United States without a clear sense of direction, she has found a career track that not only offers tremendous opportunity but one that she enjoys and aligns with her personality. With the support and guidance of dedicated faculty at Costello, Trieu is excited to explore new resources and opportunities that will help her continue to build toward the career of her dreams.