Andrea Robateau '03 on the Power of a Mentor
When Andrea Robateau was in high school, she attended a Black student overnight at LMU and fell in love with the university’s beautiful campus and intimate setting. She also met Chanae Jones ’00, an accounting major who would go on to play an instrumental role in Andrea’s life and career.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Andrea is both a first-generation American and a first-generation college student. Her parents are from Barbados and Belize. Andrea’s mom worked in HR/accounts payable, so she was exposed to auditing at an early age. Coupled with her love for math, accounting seemed like a natural career fit.
Andrea was fortunate to attend LMU thanks to scholarships and financial aid. Chanae, a senior when Andrea was a freshman, became her academic advisor and mentor.
After graduating with a B.S. in accounting, Chanae helped Andrea get her foot in the door at the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), where she continues to work to this day as a senior auditor. Chanae, meanwhile, is now a senior executive for the federal government, one of only a few Black women to reach this level.
It was Chanae again who encouraged Andrea to pursue an M.S. in Accounting (MSA). Of course, Andrea had only one school in mind for her graduate studies.
“Online schools weren’t appealing to me,” she said. “I needed to be in-person, I needed flexibility and LMU checked all those boxes. I love being able to do the MSA program at my own pace. I have two sons and a full-time job, so flexibility is key.”
Andrea started the MSA program this fall with one course, “Tax Strategy,” and says she’s on the “five-year plan.”
“I decided to do the MSA because it could open doors I didn’t even know existed,” she said. “I want to do this to better myself and see where it takes me. I also want to make new connections in the accounting industry and help introduce more people to the accounting profession, especially people of color.”
Andrea admits she was apprehensive about going back to school, but LMU has been so supportive through the entire process. All of her concerns have been addressed and questions received with warmth and a personal touch.
“My advice is to surround yourself with supportive, like-minded people,” she said. “Don’t be overwhelmed by the process of getting your graduate degree, especially students who’ve been out of school for a long period of time like me. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. And get yourself a mentor!”
Andrea and Chanae