Farm to Firm: Argentinian Graduate Roots Career in Austin

Growing up on a multigenerational farm in Neuquén, Argentina, 2026 graduate Micaela Gatica has harbored two dreams for as long as she can remember. She will soon achieve her first goal, to attend a university in the United States, graduating with a Master in Professional Accounting (MPA) degree in May.  

Her other goal — to give back to the family farm where she was raised — is one she kept in mind while progressing through college. Now, as Commencement approaches for the Class of 2026, Gatica is eager to begin her career as a certified public accountant in Austin while simultaneously making new contributions to her family’s agribusiness.  

“My grandpa was an immigrant. He went from Italy to Argentina, and he’s built so much for the family,” Gatica said. “There is this natural calling to give back to the farm and to pay forward everything my grandpa and parents have done for my siblings and me.” 

Even after leaving for college, Gatica remained deeply connected to her family and their business. Those family ties informed her decision to pursue a business degree with a focus on finance, accounting and tax planning.  

After graduating magna cum laude from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Gatica had been determined to get into the McCombs School of Business’ accounting program, which is the top-ranked in the country.  

“If you are scared, do it scared! Starting a new chapter in a different country can often feel overwhelming. That is normal, and you're not alone. You'll soon discover it is all worth it.” 

“It was definitely a goal of mine, and it was the only school I applied to initially,” Gatica said. “UT’s MPA program is a top program in the country for a reason, and it’s because it is taught by the best, and the students are incredibly smart and driven.”  

Gatica added, “Surrounding myself with this community for the last year has only pushed me to learn, be challenged and make long-lasting professional and personal relationships.”  

Her story is a prime example of how an education at UT provides students the skills, experiences and contacts that prepare them to change the world.  

Paying it Forward   

From structural tax planning to mastering the commercialization process, Gatica has spent the last year strengthening her technical toolkit, which she plans to apply to her work in Austin and Argentina.  

“This experience has been a game changer,” Gatica said. “This program has given me a whole new set of tools to lead, and it’s why I am leaving UT much better equipped for my next venture than when I arrived last summer.”  

Gatica added, “I see how I can connect the technical things I’m learning to my family and others. That’s a goal of mine: to work closely with family businesses in areas like financial and tax planning.”  

Building Community  

Beyond academics and career preparation, Gatica found a strong sense of community within the MPA program. Surrounded by ambitious peers navigating the rigors of graduate school together, she built intentional relationships that pushed her to grow personally and professionally.  

Beyond academics and career preparation, Gatica found a strong sense of community within the MPA program. Surrounded by ambitious peers navigating the rigors of graduate school together, she built intentional relationships that pushed her to grow personally and professionally.  

“I have deeply connected with the MPA community as we faced the challenges of adapting to graduate school and the academic excellence expected at McCombs,” Gatica said. “I can tell I have made meaningful connections and great friends.” 

It might come as a surprise that Gatica arrived at UT as a self-described introvert. Growing up in a small town, she had attended the same school with the same 30 classmates from the age of four through high school graduation.  

“I was in these classes with the same people for 14 years,” Gatica said. “Moving out was a huge change, especially going from a smaller city, where there's not much, all the way to Miami.” 

Gatica decided to challenge herself by stepping even further out of her comfort zone after arriving onto a new campus.  

This shift in mindset marked a turning point. What originated as a personal challenge soon became one of her proudest moments: proving to herself that she could adapt, connect and grow in another new environment, this one even more unfamiliar.  

 “I’ve always been kind of introverted,” Gatica acknowledged. “But knowing I only had one year here to make friends and enjoy UT, I told myself, ‘No more. I have to put myself out there.’ I needed to prove to myself that I could do it.”  

‘Do It Scared’  

The transition to Austin didn’t go without its challenges. After spending four years in Miami, where she was afforded a familiarity with the city’s culture and language, Gatica’s relocation to Austin brought a new sense of uncertainty.  

“I did not know what to expect,” Gatica said. “My biggest doubt was about whether I would fit in and feel comfortable. I had heard so many good things about Austin and UT, there was almost this fear that it was too good to be true.” 

Her uncertainty quickly dissipated. Gatica found the city provided a balance that blended a new environment with elements that still reminded her of home.  

“There’s something for everybody here,” Gatica said. “I was able to find my people and the things I enjoy, and that made all the difference. I am still very much in the honeymoon phase with Austin.”  

As Gatica reflects on her journey from Argentina to Austin, she recognizes the uncertainty she arrived with and encourages other international students to embrace the unknown, even when it is uncomfortable.  

“If you are scared, do it scared!” Gatica advised. “Starting a new chapter in a different country can often feel overwhelming. That is normal, and you're not alone. You'll soon discover it is all worth it.” 

She added, “I also want to emphasize that being different can sometimes be uncomfortable. Be proud of your individuality. You bring something valuable to the table, and others can learn from you as much as you learn from them. Growth is waiting for you outside your comfort zone.”