From CSE to EY

Meaghan Petrie

Assurance Staff, EY

Class of 2022
BBA/MBA in Public Accounting

Pronouns: She/Her

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For many Public Accounting students, landing an internship at a Big Four firm is a dream. Lubin School of Business student Meaghan Petrie turned that dream into a reality after attending a Career Services event. Now, she's planning on graduating early this December in order to kickstart her career as soon as possible.

How has the Lubin School of Business helped you prepare for your current internship?

My experience at the Lubin School of Business has prepared me in many ways for my current internship. Lubin offers so many opportunities for students to get involved and get real-world experience while learning from the best professors. Two resources that I think are the most impactful are the Center for Student Enterprise (CSE) and the audit simulation in Advanced Auditing Practices with Professor Ray Reisig. During my sophomore year, I was the Chief Financial Officer of Pace Delivers. Through this experience, I learned how to run a business, prepare financial statements on QuickBooks, and present at board meetings. In my Advanced Auditing class, we spent the entire semester completing a mock audit simulation as the continuing auditor of a shed manufacturing company. We applied the concepts we learned to create workpapers based on supporting evidence to make an opinion on the financial statements. I learned an invaluable amount from both experiences.

What attracted you to this internship?

Career Services held an informal coffee chat with a partner from EY during my sophomore year when I started looking at internships with public accounting firms. I enjoyed the conversation so much that I left knowing EY is where I wanted to end up. Even during the interview process with the Big Four accounting firms, I enjoyed every conversation I had with everyone at EY. The employees and the culture set the Big Four accounting firms apart and I knew EY was the right fit.

Describe what a typical day looks like as an intern at EY.

At EY, every day is different. One day we could be in the Stamford, Connecticut office and the next we could be in the NYC office—or even at a client's office. I work on different tasks that include internal controls, walkthrough evidence, and independence documentation. On top of the audit work, we go through trainings and webcasts and meet with various employees.

What has been the highlight or most enjoyable aspect of your internship so far?

I don't think I could pinpoint one specific aspect that has been the highlight of my internship so far. I have really enjoyed my engagement team. They're incredibly fun, knowledgeable, and helpful. Additionally, the Stamford office has organized many events for the interns to get to know one another and other employees in the office. For example, we've had a scavenger hunt, an ice cream social, a pasta making class, and even workout classes. Also, at EY, they make the interns feel at home and like an integral part of the team. Through the various fun events, counselors, and buddies, there are so many people to help, support, and guide you—not only through EY, but through your career and personal goals, too. They want the best for you, whether EY is in your future or not.

On top of interning at EY, you are also taking four summer courses. What motivates you to work hard?

My friends and family motivate me to work hard. They support me in everything that I do, and I want to continue to make them proud. Additionally, I like to stay busy and push myself. I know I can accomplish anything that I put my mind to. Continuously moving forward and putting in the effort will allow me to reach my goals.

What motivated you to enroll in summer courses?

I decided to enroll in summer courses because I want to graduate early in order to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and start my career. I am excited for what lies ahead, and I want to push myself to get there.

How has your internship experience shaped or impacted your career goals?

My internship experience has pushed me to make a plan for studying and taking the CPA exam. Before my internship, I knew I wanted to take the CPA exam after graduation but didn't think about it any further. Now I know I want to be done with it by August 2023. Additionally, the internship has confirmed that I want to start my career at EY. Their staff has made the internship a really enjoyable experience and I would like to stick with them.

How will this experience impact your next semester at Lubin?

Even though I'm going into my last semester at Lubin, I'm still going to try to take advantage of all the workshops and learning experiences available. I'm going to continue to work hard in my courses and apply what I've learned at EY.

My advice for other Lubin students that are looking for an internship would be to put yourself out there and take advantage of the opportunities that the Lubin School of Business creates for you. The events and workshops at Career Services with Jim Davis helped me tremendously.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students who would like to pursue an internship in the future?

My advice for other Lubin students that are looking for an internship would be to put yourself out there and take advantage of the opportunities that the Lubin School of Business creates for you. The events and workshops at Career Services with Jim Davis helped me tremendously. Career Services helped me develop my resume and enhance my interview skills. They constantly have firms coming in for formal or informal chats and events that allow you to get to know the recruiters and the firms.

Connect with Meaghan:

LinkedIn: Meaghan Petrie
Instagram: @meaghanpetrie