Women in Accounting: Brown Plus Interns
March is Women’s History Month. Throughout the month, Brown Plus will be featuring insights from our female accounting team members at all levels, highlighting their many different paths through the accounting profession.
There are countless different paths for women through the accounting profession, including specializations in different service lines, as well as different industries. However, every path starts with the decision to pursue a career in accounting.
To start off our Women’s History Month interview series, we’ve asked the women of our 2024 Spring Intern Class about their experiences choosing accounting as a career path, as well as any advice they may have for incoming college accounting students.
What motivated you to pursue a career in accounting?
“I have always had a passion for science and math, and I originally wanted to work in the medical field to help people and serve my community. I soon learned that accounting better fits my personality, and through my classes, I learned how I can still make a positive impact on my community through my work in the business world.”
Bethany Francis, Audit Intern
“My Principles of Accounting professor encouraged me to consider a career in accounting. I knew I wanted to do something under the business umbrella, but I was stuck between a few different options. When I took my accounting courses, the subject made so much sense to me. Everything was clicking and the numbers were falling into place. I also really connected with my professor. The way she taught the course is probably why I was able to do so well. I’m still in contact with her because of the impact she had on me.”
Genesis Santana, Tax Intern
“I always loved math and knew that was something I wanted to work with when I grew up. Once I started college, I was between finance and accounting, but I knew I wanted to work with numbers. A required class for both majors was Intro to Accounting. I took that class the fall of my second year with a lovely professor. You could tell she was passionate about accounting and that made me excited to go to class. Since then, I knew I wanted to go into accounting. Although the classes have gotten progressively harder, I know it is what I want to do.”
Valeria Estrada, Tax Intern
What advice would you give a graduating high school senior or college freshman who is pursuing a degree in accounting?
“The advice I would give is to be patient. The numbers don’t always match up and statements sometimes don’t balance. Be persistent and don’t give up. Make sure you know your debits and credits.”
Genesis Santana, Tax Intern