Student Spotlight: Tyson Foods F&A Tax Intern – Alexander Schmitt
- Where are you from?
- I am from Louisville, KY.
- What grade are you in/when do you plan to graduate?
- I am a Senior and will graduate this Spring 2024.
- What are you studying? What made you choose that field of study?
- I am studying accounting and finance. I have always had a passion for numbers since I was a little kid. I have found the stock market extremely interesting. I also love patterns.
- What are your post-graduation plans/goals?
- My post-graduation plans are to get a full-time role at Tyson Foods and go to school for my Master’s at the same time, so I can sit for the CPA Exam.
- If applicable, how has your college path changed from your original expectations when you first began studying at the U of A?
- When I first came to the U of A I really did not know what I wanted to do. I was “business” at first and I took all my Intro to Business classes and enjoyed finance and accounting the most. I also really love my internship, so I know that it is the right major for me.
- What company are you currently interning for? What is your position there?
- I am a F&A Tax Intern for Tyson Foods.
- What kind of responsibilities does your position entail?
- The Tax Accounting Intern’s role responsibilities can include assisting with quarterly income tax accounting, reporting related filings required for annual US and state tax compliance, developing trial balances/financials, preparing tax returns, performing tax research, and ad hoc requests along with other development opportunities.
- What made you interested in this specific internship?
- I really enjoyed my tax class and I wanted to experience it in a real-world setting.
- How did you find out about it?
- I found this internship at the Walton Career Fair.
- If anything, what has surprised you about your internship/what have you learned (about yourself) through it?
- I was surprised about how much real work I would be doing. I thought I would just be doing “intern” work, but they treat me like a full-time employee, and I am doing similar work that full-time employees do.
- What do you enjoy most about your internship?
- I enjoy my team, and I can use the knowledge that I learned at the U of A to help me excel in my internship.
- What sort of jobs have you held prior to this one and how have they prepared you to be successful in your current job?
- I was a Team Captain at Chick-fil-A and that taught me how to work fast and efficiently. It prepared me to work hard and learn how to work well under pressure.
- How has Walton College prepared you for success or helped you reach your goals?
- It helped me land the job. Without the Career Fair, I doubt I would have gotten this internship. In my tax class, I also learned a lot of knowledge that I use every day in my internship.
- What are some other ways you’re involved in the University?
- I am a member of the Chess club and a member of APKsi, the business fraternity.
- What kind of things do you enjoy doing outside of school and work?
- I love to hang out with friends, and play basketball, and I have been playing a lot of pickleball recently.
- Do you have a favorite quote or motto?
- Be a doer, not a talker. People can say they are going to do something, but doing it is a whole different story.
- Favorite or most impactful advice you’ve been given?
- Embrace change. Change is a natural part of life. Embracing it rather than resisting it can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
- Any advice you’d want to pass on to incoming students?
- Yes, I actually have someone that I am mentoring, and recently made a list of some things that I wish I would have known before I went to college here is my list below:
- Take Care of Your Health: Physical and mental health are foundational to everything else in life. Eat well, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and seek professional help if needed.
- Set Goals: Having clear, achievable goals gives you direction and purpose. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps.
- Take Responsibility: Accepting responsibility for your actions empowers you to take control of your life and make positive changes.
- Be Authentic: Be true to yourself. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not to fit in or please others.
- Don’t Fear Failure: Failure is a natural part of any journey towards success. Learn from it and use it as a stepping stone to progress.
- Find Your Passion: Pursue what genuinely interests and excites you. Doing what you love often leads to a more fulfilling and successful life.
- Yes, I actually have someone that I am mentoring, and recently made a list of some things that I wish I would have known before I went to college here is my list below:
