Kelly Pankin...
... is a student in SVSU’s Bachelor of Professional Accountancy (B.P.A) program, and is currently completing her second internship with Andrews, Hooper & Pavlick, where she has been offered a full-time position after she graduates.
“CPA firms definitely place a high value on internships,” Kelly explained. “When they get an intern who works out well, they almost always want to keep that person, before anyone else gets a chance to make an offer.”
Kelly’s first semester as an intern started during tax season, and after researching and learning on the job about tax law and filing procedures, Kelly prepared almost 100 tax returns. In her second year as an intern, she prepared over 100 much more complex tax returns.
Kelly was also taking a class on federal tax accounting at the time taught by Professor Marilyn Knight, one of her favorite professors, which she said was a perfect match: “I was able to be much more successful on the job at the accounting firm, because I was so much more knowledgeable because of this class. Everything just gelled perfectly.”
“SVSU’s Accounting degree is very versatile – every business in every sector needs accounting services. With an accounting degree you can work at any size firm, large or small; or you can work in finance, become a controller for a hospital or university or other large organization; or go into management. There is a great need for auditors and accountants who have a strong background in ethics, which SVSU provides.”
When Kelly started college however, she wasn’t so sure about which major to choose.
“I hopped from major to major until Professor McCartney’s introductory accounting class. It was wonderful because we frequently had guest speakers; such as several kinds of CPAs, an auditor from the IRS, and many others who really showed me how many options are out there.”
Professor McCartney also offers independent study classes that let you prepare 1-on-1 for the CPA exam, while earning college credit.
“SVSU’s accounting program offers a really well-rounded balance of all of the various kinds of specialties within accounting. You’re guaranteed to see the discipline from every possible angle, which is especially important because the CPA exam is so intense and detailed.”
“I would recommend SVSU’s Accounting program to anyone. I give it a big thumbs up!”