Co-Op program adds up for accounting major
Allie Smith has discovered her enjoyment for accounting at 51ĀŅĀ× thanks to numerous work world opportunities that complement her classroom learning.
This fall, the junior accounting major from Manitowoc, Wis., is in her fourth hands-on learning experience as an accounting intern at Curt G. Joa, Inc.
By the end of this semester, she will have earned 12 academic credits through a variety of work experiences through Lakelandās Cooperative Education program, including:
Smith said the collective experiences help her see various career paths while she builds the skills needed for post-graduation success.
āThis isnāt just a job, itās so much more,ā said Smith, who is on track to graduate in May of 2027. āIām getting hands-on experience, and I can put this experience together to choose a field. I can take the hypothetical and put it into the real world.ā
In her role at Curt G. Joa this fall, sheās performing a variety of tasks including completing month-end reports and revenue recognition meeting workbooks, working with orders and invoices and learning a variety of industry software programs.
āI take the burden off some of my coworkers and, with what Iām do as an intern, I feel like Iām making a difference,ā Smith said. āI appreciate the faith theyāre putting in me. I recently got assigned a new project and Iām the only one doing it.ā
Smith, a Manitowoc Lutheran High School graduate, toured several schools and selected Lakeland since it was close to home and her family. She explored accounting thanks to a suggestion from her father.
Sheās completing a forensic/fraud emphasis as part of her accounting degree, and while sheās still exploring career paths, she plans to earn Certified Public Accountant credentials. The various work experiences will also help her complete the 150-credit requirement to sit for the CPA exam.
Smith, who is also part of Lakelandās Accounting Club, participated last fall in the 10th Annual Internship Draft Day at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. She was one of more than 250 students participating in interviews, showcasing their skills and building professional connections.
āThe numbers (in accounting) will always make sense, eventually,ā Smith said. āYou must have determination to make things make sense, to have that āah haā moment.ā
