Name: Parker Doerrer
Major: Accounting & Financial Planning
Campus Affiliations: Financial Planning Student Association: Board Member 2022-2024, NEOAFP Student Liaison 2023-2024; Beta Gamma Delta: Member 2023-Current; Investing Club: Member 2021-2022
1. Why did you choose UA?
I chose UA because they are highly rated in the majors I wanted to pursue, are affordable, and are close to home.
2. What inspired you to declare your major?
I knew I wanted to do financial planning because I wanted to help people and build meaningful long-term relationships throughout my career. While this can be done through other professions, I was drawn to financial planning because of my fascination with learning how to manage money effectively, invest well, and because I don’t have the stomach for the medical field.
3. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is a verse from the Bible: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6, NIV). Throughout college, I’ve grown a lot due to the challenges that have come my way, and this verse has been deeply influential. It reminds me that I don’t need to have all the answers or control everything in my life. I just need to do my best each day and leave the results to God. That mindset has brought me peace in ways I hadn’t experienced before.
4. Which UA/CoB faculty or staff member has been the most influential throughout your journey?
I am very thankful for the impact Dr. Mulholland had on my life. While he is no longer at the University, he made the greatest impact on my career journey. When I spoke with him as a freshman, he encouraged me to double major in accounting and financial planning to set myself apart. That advice shaped much of my success in college. He also helped me understand the financial profession better by recommending conferences and having long, meaningful conversations. He genuinely cared about his students, and I’m grateful for the way he supported me.
5. What experience at UA has changed your life the most?
I'm especially thankful for the ISLA accounting event. It turned out to be the most influential experience in shaping my career. I almost didn’t go to the career fair because of a lack of success at previous ones and because I was only a freshman. But for some reason, I went anyway, and I’m so glad I did. W3 Financial Group gave me a chance to intern with them, and it ended up being one of the best decisions of my life. I’m extremely grateful for the people I’ve met, the opportunities I’ve been given, and the experience I’ve gained.
6. What has been your proudest achievement while at UA?
My proudest achievement at UA has been taking all four CPA exams before graduating. I’ve passed three and am currently waiting on the results for the fourth. Balancing classes, part-time work, and studying for the CPA exams was incredibly challenging, but it pushed me to grow personally and professionally. I’m especially grateful for the sacrifices and support of my family, coworkers, friends, and professors.
7. What’s your favorite thing about being a Zip?
My favorite thing about being a Zip is how connected the University of Akron is with the community. I love being part of something bigger and contributing to the same community that has helped me grow and succeed.
8. What’s your next chapter look like?
I’m excited about the next chapter. I’ll be starting full-time at W3 Financial Group as a Staff Accountant and am looking forward to growing with the firm. I also hope to give back to the communities that have impacted me the most and continue doing the things I love, whether that’s building relationships with family and friends, playing sports, or relaxing outside.