Kathleen Petchell, '13

Katie PetchellMajor: Economics and Management (emphasis in Accounting, Gerstacker concentration)

Internships: Product Support Intern, Thomson Reuters; Barn Management Intern, Nottawa Paint Horses, LLC

Activities: Equestrian Club, Western Equestrian Team, Tour Guide, Alpha Delta Lambda, Omicron Delta Epsilon, Mortar Board

Carreer:  Tax Associate Plante Moran
Master of Accounting degree, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan

What did you like most about Albion College?

I really enjoyed how personal my education was at Albion. My professors all knew me as a student and as a person, which was really beneficial as they helped me to create my résumé, search for internships, select courses and make decisions about my future. When I first came to visit Albion as a high school student, my tour guide told me Albion offered its students tons of great opportunities, and after graduating last year, I can say confidently that her statement is true.

How did Albion help you get to where you want to be?

Without the guidance of my professors, the wonderful ladies in the Gerstacker and Econ offices, and my advisor, Vicki Baker, I don’t know that I’d be on the path I am. When I came to Albion, I had no clue what I wanted to do, but Gaylord Smith inspired me to pursue accounting my very first semester at Albion. Later on in my college career, I got a little more inspiration from professor John Carlson, who teaches several tax courses at Albion.  Aside from helping me to develop an interest in tax, he challenged me to pursue a Master's degree whenn I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do after Albion.  With a little help from the Gerstacker staff, I was accepted itn the University of Michigan's Master's of Accounting program at the Ross School of Business for the Fall or 2013.  Following my graduation from U of M in May 2014, I completed the CPA.  In August I started at Plante Moran's Ann Arbor office as a Tax Associate.

 

For me, Albion ...

… was one of the best choices I have ever made. I’ve been able to pursue a promising career while also maintaining my passion for horses, and I have created friendships that will last a lifetime.