You can see three of my main experiences throughout my time as an honors student at IUPUI. Each button has a summary of the project and a reflection on how this project impacted me as a college student and developed my skills for my future career. Find my retrospective below.
3 Artifacts
Explore Casey's General Store!
Discover my master's-level course, "Audit and Corporate Governance" (A575), where I conducted a comprehensive audit project for Casey General Store.
Learn how I analyzed risks and developed an audit program, gaining valuable insights and skills for my future career.
Click the tab or button to explore more!
Innovate, Collaborate, Succeed!
Join me on a journey through our dynamic group project in Finance and Management, where we developed an innovative app for financial advisors. Discover how we integrated ChatGPT, overcame challenges, and presented our work to industry professionals.
Explore our findings and reflections on this transformative experience!
Transformative Summer Internship at Exelon!
During my 2024 internship at Exelon, I worked as an audit intern, testing Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) controls and collaborating with diverse teams to enhance operational efficiency. I gained valuable technical skills in compliance testing and audit procedures while improving my communication and time management abilities. A highlight was collaborating with fellow interns to propose solutions for challenges posed by AI and data centers, including suggesting transcription software to streamline external auditor communication. This experience equipped me with essential analytical and teamwork skills that will be vital in my future career.
Curious to learn more about my journey at Exelon? Click here!
Retrospective
Question 1: With the Honors College Learning Goals in mind, reflect on where you were in H200, how you have grown and changed, and what you have become during your time in the Honors College as represented in your chosen artifacts. The Honors College aspires for all our students: To participate in at least four engaged learning experiences including research, international/cultural experiences, service, and experiential/applied learning. To develop strong communication, problem-solving, innovation, and civic-minded skills. Participants in their intellectual knowledge, and create a connection to the Honors College and their Honors community.
Answer: When I embarked on my journey as an Honors College student in my sophomore year, I faced uncertainty after switching my major from Forensic and Investigative Sciences to Accounting and Finance. This pivotal decision unlocked a wealth of opportunities I had not anticipated. I became actively involved in campus organizations like Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) and Phi Eta Sigma (PES), prestigious national honor societies recognizing academic excellence. These experiences honed my time management and organizational skills, enabling me to maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher while juggling extracurricular commitments.
From September 2021 to May 2022, I participated in the GOAL University program at IU Indianapolis, where I led initiatives promoting healthy lifestyle choices among students. As a team lead, I ensured our objectives were met efficiently each week, refining my leadership, communication, and program planning skills through engaging in educational activities in local elementary schools.
One of my significant early experiences was completing an honors contract focused on researching Taylor Guitars. This project not only sharpened my research skills but also ignited my passion for applied learning, highlighting the value of inquiry in real-world contexts. During the same period, I secured an internship at OnTarget during tax season, where I gained practical experience in taxation. This role deepened my understanding of my major and illuminated the intricacies of financial work.
The summer between my sophomore and junior years, I completed a master’s-level course titled "Audit and Corporate Governance" (A575), which involved a rigorous audit project for Casey General Store. This demanding experience required me to analyze risks, develop an audit program, and prepare a comprehensive report, providing critical insights into audit processes and corporate governance.
I also worked as an electrical apprentice, where I learned the importance of teamwork and communication while collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This exposure broadened my perspective and enhanced my problem-solving abilities, teaching me to approach challenges with creativity and adaptability.
In my junior year, I participated in ICORE, an intensive 12-hour honors coursework experience that further developed my analytical skills and commitment to academic rigor. Following ICORE, I began tutoring in Cost Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Intermediate Accounting II, and Technology & Business Analysis. These roles allowed me to leverage my expertise while enhancing my communication skills and adaptability, crucial for effective collaboration in any professional setting.
The following spring, I managed a demanding course load of 19 hours, including an honors course, J401, where we conducted extensive research on Costco. This experience refined my ability to present complex information clearly and effectively. That summer, I worked in Chicago, navigating the city's public transportation while deepening my understanding of internal audit practices. This role solidified my career aspirations and ultimately led to a job offer upon my graduation in December 2024.
As I approach my final semester, I am preparing a presentation on audit issues in the utility industry, showcasing my cumulative learning and reflecting on my growth throughout this journey. These experiences have significantly shaped me as an honors student, enhancing my critical thinking, effective communication, and community engagement skills.
I have evolved from an uncertain sophomore into a confident individual ready to embrace challenges and take risks. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have shaped my academic and professional journey, and I look forward to continuing this path, empowered by the skills and relationships I have cultivated.
Question 2: What do the artifacts you have chosen tell the audience about your learning, growth, and perspective as an Honors College graduate? How do they connect with your favorite readings, theorists, community leaders, professors, and other experts you’ve studied/worked with during your honors experience?
Answer: The artifacts I have selected to represent my journey through the Honors College highlight a transformative experience that has shaped my learning, growth, and perspective as I approach graduation. My key experiences—including the Taylor Guitars project, the Casey General Store audit, and my involvement in the GOAL University program—demonstrate my commitment to applied learning and community engagement.
Working on the Taylor Guitars project with Professor Yancey was pivotal in developing my research and analytical skills. His mentorship enhanced my understanding of applied learning and encouraged me to think critically about real-world issues in accounting and finance. This project laid the foundation for my ability to tackle complex problems and devise practical solutions.
The rigorous audit project for Casey General Store deepened my insights into audit processes and corporate governance, showcasing my capacity to apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings. This hands-on experience provided me with a robust understanding of auditing standards and practices, essential skills for any future role in finance or accounting.
Professor Yancey’s support extended beyond academics; he nominated me for the Top 100 Students program and encouraged me to apply for a Becker Scholarship through the Indiana CPA Society, which I was honored to receive. This recognition validated my efforts and fueled my motivation to strive for excellence. It reinforced the idea that growth often stems from the encouragement of mentors who recognize our potential.
My involvement with Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD), Phi Eta Sigma (PES), and tutoring has further refined my leadership and communication skills while allowing me to contribute meaningfully to my community. Through the GOAL University program, I learned how to motivate and engage young students in making healthy life choices, broadening my perspective on education and mentorship.
Overall, the artifacts I’ve chosen reflect my accomplishments and the personal growth I have experienced as an Honors College student. They illustrate a journey shaped by exceptional mentorship, valuable lessons from community engagement, and the ongoing development of my skills and perspectives.
As I transition into my professional career, I carry the confidence and knowledge gained from these experiences, ready to make meaningful contributions to my field and community. I am eager to leverage my analytical abilities, leadership experience, and commitment to excellence in a role that will challenge me and allow me to drive positive outcomes.
Question 3: How do the artifacts demonstrate that you have grown and changed in ways that align with the learning goals that the Honors College prioritizes?
Answer: The artifacts I have chosen reflect significant growth and transformation in my academic and personal journey, closely aligning with the learning goals prioritized by the Honors College. Each experience illustrates my engagement in research, service, applied learning, communication, problem-solving, and civic-mindedness.
For example, my project on Taylor Guitars enhanced my research skills and demonstrated my ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world contexts. This experience underscored the importance of rigorous academic inquiry and showcased my commitment to fostering critical thinking and intellectual engagement—qualities that are vital in any professional setting.
The audit project for Casey General Store further exemplifies my alignment with the Honors College’s learning goals. This master’s-level project required me to analyze risks and develop comprehensive audit strategies, showcasing my capacity for applied learning. The insights I gained deepened my understanding of corporate governance and highlighted the importance of integrating academic knowledge with practical applications in my field.
My involvement in the GOAL University program underscores my commitment to service and community engagement. Leading educational activities focused on nutrition and exercise for young students allowed me to develop strong leadership and communication skills while positively impacting my community. This experience reinforced the Honors College’s emphasis on fostering both intellectual and civic responsibility.
Through my tutoring experiences in accounting courses, I refined my problem-solving and communication abilities. Assisting peers solidified my understanding of complex concepts and demonstrated my capability to convey information effectively while adapting my teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles. These experiences align with the Honors College's goal of developing strong communication skills and fostering a collaborative spirit.
Overall, these artifacts illustrate my evolution from an uncertain sophomore into a confident, engaged individual ready to tackle new challenges and make meaningful contributions to my community and profession. Each experience encapsulates my learning journey in the Honors College and has equipped me with the skills and perspectives necessary to embrace my future endeavors with confidence.
As I move forward, I am eager to apply my analytical abilities, leadership experience, and commitment to excellence in a professional role that allows me to drive positive outcomes and contribute to meaningful initiatives in my field.
Question 4: How will this learning set you up for success after graduation (career, grad school, something else)?
Answer: The learning experiences I have undertaken in the Honors College have equipped me with a robust skill set and a versatile perspective that will undoubtedly contribute to my success after graduation, whether in my career or in pursuing graduate studies.
First and foremost, the rigorous academic training I received—through projects like the Taylor Guitars research and the Casey General Store audit—has prepared me to tackle complex problems with analytical rigor. Conducting thorough research and applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios is invaluable in any professional setting, particularly in accounting and finance. This strong foundation will enable me to approach challenges with confidence and creativity as I enter the workforce.
Moreover, my hands-on experiences, such as my internship at OnTarget and my electrical apprenticeship, have provided me with practical skills that are highly sought after by employers. The combination of technical expertise and real-world application gained through these roles ensures that I can contribute effectively from day one in any position I take on after graduation.
Additionally, my leadership roles in the GOAL University program and tutoring have refined my communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to engage diverse audiences and collaborate effectively with teams will be crucial as I navigate professional environments and pursue leadership roles in the future. These experiences have also instilled in me a strong sense of civic-mindedness, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and ethical responsibility in my career.
As I prepare for the next steps—whether entering the job market or considering graduate school—my learning journey in the Honors College has instilled a growth mindset. The resilience and adaptability I developed while managing challenging coursework and balancing multiple commitments will serve me well in any path I choose.
In summary, the diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives I have gained in the Honors College position me for success beyond graduation. I am excited to apply what I have learned to make meaningful contributions in my career while continuing my personal and professional growth in the years to come.