Bush Vo was drawn the Wichita State University by the reputation of the Barton School of Business, and he has been able to leverage the school’s resources to create opportunities for himself.

Bush is one of more than 2,400 students eligible for spring/summer 2020 graduation. Learn more about his time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad. 

What is your degree in? 

My degree is a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting.

What led you to WSU?

Mainly the Barton School of Business. It has a highly accredited business program and the support of many businesses. I knew the connections I would be able to build would make it a great place to be involved with.  

How are you feeling leading up to graduation? 

A multitude of emotions: I’m excited for graduation and to have my degree. I will miss my professors and the classmates I have gotten to know over the years. I’m also anxious about the unknown of what lies ahead in the future, and I’m eager to prove that I can make it in the business environment. 

What are your career plans? 

I am already working with a CPA firm: Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball here in Wichita. I received a job offer after I had an internship opportunity with the firm. I enjoy public accounting and plan to pursue what lies ahead in this industry. I aspire to make partner level one day and be able to help others the way I have been helped.

How has the COVID-19 crisis altered those plans, if at all?

It definitely has made our tax season more interesting. I hope everyone is staying healthy. If anything, it has helped me strengthen my abilities. In public accounting, you are an advocate for your clients. With intentions to stay ahead of the effects of COVID-19, we had to pivot and determine avenues and resources our business owners should be taking to help them through this time. It has helped me learn new ways to help families and make their day better or maybe just a little easier. 

What advice do you have for other students on how to cope with the uncertainty of these times?

I would say to hang in there. Even though times can be tough at the moment, it helps us appreciate the brighter times much more. Working to achieve your degree is a good thing. Having that accounting degree has offered me job security in a time like now. A Wichita State degree offers graduates a leg up on the competition.  

What has been your most helpful learning experience while a student at WSU?

The most helpful learning experience I have come to realize is to take advantage of the resources you have available to you. Don’t just come to class and leave. Participate in job fairs and extracurricular activities. At the very least it will net you is the memories to look back on. Have meaningful conversations with companies and recruiters at these events. Expand that network of yours. Get to know your professors and possibly they might write you letters of recommendations down the road. The sooner you get out of your shell the sooner you can start working toward your dreams.

What was been your biggest challenge as a student, and how did you overcome it? 

My biggest challenge was probably right before I returned to school after taking some time off of school to start a family. I came to a point where my career in retail sales was stagnant. I realized that a secondary education would help me reach greater heights. The hardest part was leaving that point of comfort and taking a leap of faith and starting a whole new career. Luckily, I have a very supportive fiancé.