Path to Schneider Downs

My first set of difficult decisions came when I was a senior in high school; I needed to choose a college and a field of study that I wished to pursue.  At this time, I looked to my family for guidance and ultimately chose to attend Washington and Jefferson College where my older sister had graduated from. I knew I did not want to study anything healthcare or science related, like my two older sisters and my mom, or engineering, like my dad. Instead, I chose to go into accounting, like my uncle Mark VanBenschoten. He has worked in public accounting for the entirety of his career and I was inspired by the contributions he has made to the field. During my time at Washington and Jefferson College, the accounting department faculty members were encouraging and supportive. They were always looking to aid me in achieving my accounting career goals. Come my junior year at W&J, I looked to Schneider Downs for a summer internship position to gain skills and knowledge about what it would be like to work in public accounting.

During the eight weeks that I have been working for Schneider Downs, I have come to understand what my uncle and parents have taught to me my whole life. They had said, “You need to always be a hard worker, learn as much as you can in each opportunity you are given, and most importantly enjoy what you do.” I am already getting field work experience and I learn something new on the job every day. However, my favorite part about working at Schneider Downs is all of the people that I have met. Everyone has welcomed me as a Schneider Downs employee and they are happy to help me whenever I have questions. They have all made my time at Schneider Downs worthwhile and I thank those who have guided me throughout this valuble work experience.

Contact us if you have questions regarding the Schneider Downs internship opportunities.

Visit the Our Thoughts On blog to read more about Schneider Downs internships.