First-Generation Accounting and Finance Double Major Sets Sights on Future as Business Leader – Chico State Today

Not everyone has a life plan figured out by the time they’re in college.  

Joana Camarena is a great exception. Now a senior in the business administration program, she found her calling in an early accounting class at Yuba College and hasn’t looked back since.   

“I just fell in love with it,” she said, laughing. “My professor, Martin Gutierrez, was great. He encouraged  the students a lot, and he is also a first-generation Mexican American, like me.”  

From the beginning, Camarena approached her education with intention. She planned to pursue a business degree to gain the financial literacy her parents didn’t have. Today, her long-term goals reflect that same focus: becoming a chief financial officer while also owning her own business. 

When she was exploring transfer options, a personal phone call from Chico State’s College of Business about the accounting program, student support, and internship opportunities made a lasting impression. 

“I wanted to go to college to get a good job,” she explained. “Hearing how much Chico State supports students in getting internships really stood out to me.” 

Since arriving on campus in 2024, she wasted no time getting involved—including adding a second major in finance to her academic plate. Within her first few weeks, she had joined the Accounting Society and began exploring other student organizations. 

“All the students, staff, and faculty at the Accounting Society were super welcoming,” Camarena said. “I was also able to join Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting honor society, and became the treasurer within a semester.” 

In class, she has impressed faculty with her dedication and initiative. Associate professor Angela Casler, who taught Camarena in her “Survey of Management” class, said her drive to learn “everything and anything about business, how to begin her career in accounting, and create career goals to achieve,” was highly noteworthy.   

“She immediately took the initiative to attend the Career Center’s career fairs and landed her first internship! She excitedly contacted me to let me know. I really felt honored that she took the time to let me know her exciting news. . . . She exemplifies the Chico Wildcat spirit, and I am proud to be a small part of her journey.”  

Camarena says one of the reasons she has been successful in class is because of the smaller faculty-student ratio and class sizes. 

“I learn better in a smaller group, where I can ask questions and won’t be worried about shouting over a hundred other people,” she said. “It feels welcoming, and it’s easy to make friends and connections.” 

Beyond academics, Camarena has found a strong community on campus through El Centro. 

“As soon as I walked in, I saw people who looked like me, and they’re super welcoming,” she said, noting the positive difference this made to her experience. “The directors are super welcoming and offer snacks, coffee, or just a place to hang out.” 

Resources, like the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Association of Latino Professionals for America, also played a role in helping her navigate campus life and build essential connections. 

For Camarena, these spaces are reminders that she belongs. 

As she progressed through her program, she began developing one of the most important and challenging professional skills: networking. 

Through Beta Alpha Psi, she attended recruiting events and dinners with industry professionals, learning how to introduce herself, ask questions, and build relationships. 

It wasn’t always easy. Like many students, she initially worried about saying the wrong thing or not knowing how to start conversations. But with practice and support from her peers, she grew more confident. 

In addition to a previous internship, Camarena secured a highly competitive opportunity with global accounting firm KPMG during the winter break and early spring 2026. Leaping at the opportunity, she relocated to Los Angeles for the experience and put her training to work in a fast-paced environment during audit season.  

“It was definitely interesting being right in the middle of busy season, and I think I was kind of surprised, as well as how much work we were actually doing as interns,” she said. “I feel like Chico really prepared me for that. My professors in the College of Business always encourage us to ask questions, and I think that made a huge difference for me.”  

In addition to successfully completing the internship and gaining invaluable experience, Camarena also received a job offer at KPMG, which she has accepted and will begin in 2027.   

Now on the cusp of graduating with employment, the self-described coffee lover and former barista is continuing to enjoy exploring local coffee shops around Chico, looking for that elusive perfect lavender latte. 

She also finds creative outlets in thrifting and making floral bouquets, small but meaningful ways to unwind and express herself. 

Spending time with friends helps her stay grounded, but when she can, she heads home to Yuba City to be with family. 

While Chico State has played a major role in her success, Camarena is quick to point out that her journey is also rooted in the support she receives outside of campus. 

Her sister’s constant encouragement and her father’s unyielding support are driving forces behind her efforts.  

“It’s the small things,” she said. “They mean everything.” 

For Camarena, success is as much about chasing her dreams as it is honoring the people who helped her get there.