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Elizabeth Shwiff

Senior Founding Partner
Shwiff, Levy & Polo LLP
San Francisco, CA

 

Theme park ride operator. Bartender. Waitress. Teacher. US State Department. CPA.

What do these things have in common? They’re all on Elizabeth Shwiff’s resume. “I’m glad I was able to experience each of those careers on my way to becoming a CPA,” she says. “I learned things in each career.”

As an immigrant to the United States whose parents never spoke English, Elizabeth has always welcomed the opportunity to learn from challenges. “You have to step into a zone of discomfort in order to grow,” she says. “Throughout my career, I tried to identify skill sets I didn’t have and then worked to acquire those skills however I could.”

When it comes to identifying new challenges, being a CPA helps. “Each and every day is different,” Elizabeth says. “And each day is interesting and challenging.” For someone mapping out career plans, she has some pretty compelling advice. “If you want the opportunity to earn lots of money and have a stimulating, challenging career, becoming a CPA is the way to go.”

Of course, becoming a theme park ride operator or teacher along the way is purely optional.

Got questions of your own? Ask a CPA.