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.
