Student Accounting Society

Fall 2025

Melissa Linares

Junior
Major – Accounting
Hometown – Oceanside, CA
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-linares1/ 

The first member to be nominated as a Member of the Week for the Fall 2025 semester is Melissa Linares! Melissa has been nominated for her outstanding dedication to the Student Accounting Society. She has shown consistent commitment by attending every meeting, participating in the Resume Workshop, joining fellow members at our first social event by the turtle pond, and attending Meet the Firms. Throughout the semester, Melissa has worked diligently toward her goals by actively networking with both her peers and professional firms. She has also taken the initiative to connect with the executive board, further demonstrating her drive to grow professionally and her willingness to be involved with the organization. Her dedication and involvement serve as an excellent example for other members, and it is clear that she is making the most of every opportunity SAS provides to her. We are excited to recognize Melissa as the first member of the week and celebrate the hard work, enthusiasm and accomplishments she continues to bring to our organization. 

Which accounting specialty would you like to go into?

Audit/Assurance

What do you like to do for fun? 

I love watching soccer and I’m a “Founding Member” for SDFC (I’m listed in the names on the wall at Snapdragon Stadium). I also like to spend time with my family, whether we meet for brunch, go on a new hiking trail, take camping trips across California, or travel to a different state/country. I think it’s important to spend time with your loved ones. I like to go try new brunch spots around SD, grab ice cream from Handel’s any chance I get, and hit the beach a few times a year.

Why did you choose accounting?

I found that accounting is interesting to me because it works with my ability to be organized. I like making things work. Accounting is very straightforward on processes and organization of accounts and numbers. Knowing where to place those accounts and tying numbers at the end gives me a dopamine hit that keeps me going!

Any future aspirations/career goals you would like to share?

After I complete my undergrad, I want to pursue my MSA, and maybe jump right into my CPA after that. It will all depend on what career path I’m in at that time. I’m leaning into Audit/Internal Audit a bit more as of now, but I will continue to keep my options open and take any opportunity that presents itself to me.

Any insights about what you have learned throughout your membership in SAS you would like to share with other members?

Through my membership with SAS I have learned to be more open to having conversations with my peers. The workshops, weekly meetings, and club activities create a community of other people with the same interests and goals as myself. Showing up is half the work and SAS has shown me support each time!

Anything else you would like to share?

I’m grateful for this nomination and excited to continue as a member of SAS!