Zach Hernandez

Zachary Hernandez’s journey through Cal Poly’s MST program is a testament to his determination to balance academics and athletics. A native of Bakersfield, CA, Zachary earned an A.S. in Business Administration from Bakersfield College before joining Cal Poly, where he completed an M.S. in Business Administration and later an M.S. in Taxation.

“I chose Cal Poly for its accredited program and the opportunity to continue my football career,” Zachary shared. His athletic journey included playing his final season of collegiate football in 2022.

He also played semi-professional football in Monterrey, Mexico, during the 2023 school year and returned to play a few games while completing the MST program in 2024.

The MST program helped Zachary meet the education requirements for CPA certification while equipping him with hands-on learning experiences, collaborative projects, and professional skills. “The program provided a strong foundation through practical learning and the chance to build a great network with peers and staff,” he noted.

Outside the classroom, Zachary was a member of the Cal Poly football team, balancing the demands of sports and academics. He fondly recalls moments of camaraderie with classmates, including enjoying donuts and coffee sponsored by the Graduate Programs Office—a small but memorable part of his graduate school experience.

Since graduating, Zachary has worked as an Audit Associate in Bakersfield and will be joining Grant Thornton Advisors in San Diego in January 2025. Currently, he is pursuing his CPA certification, with results pending on his first exam.

His advice for incoming students? “Put your best foot forward.” Zachary emphasizes the importance of hard work and taking advantage of the opportunities the program offers.

Looking ahead, Zachary plans to continue advancing his career in taxation while pursuing his passion for football and achieving his goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant.

This profile was published in the Winter of 2024.