Internship prep program offers students career tips

Headshot of a Governors State University student Maricus Shannon wearing a black suit and tie

By Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer

Students looking for a head start in their accounting journey should consider applying to the Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program, says Governors State University (GovState) Accounting student, Maricus Shannon.

“I believe this program can help anyone looking to take a step in the right direction in their accounting career,” said Maricus (pictured left).

Named for a trailblazing South Side Chicagoan who became the first Black female certified public accountant (CPA) in the United States in 1943, the Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program seeks to prepare promising Illinois-based racial and ethnic minority college students with the skills needed to earn their first accounting positions and pursue the CPA credential.

The three-day virtual program connects students with professionals in the field and other students, while also offering resume advice, tips for internship processes, information on accounting careers and more. Each program scholar also receives a $500 scholarship in support of their education.

Maricus is joined by Sinniyah Parks, another Accounting student, as some of the latest students to join the ranks of more than 350 alumni to complete the Illinois CPA Society's highly competitive program.

“I think this program really lit a fire under me in a good way!” shared Sinniyah. “It made me excited to plan my future and all of the different possibilities.” 

She added that the program emphasized the importance of timelines and how eye-opening it was for her. 

“When you start college, picking your major feels like the biggest step, but the program made me realize it's only half the battle," said Sinniyah. “I actually had no idea that you had to apply for an internship sometimes years in advance. If you waited too long, you could lose the eligibility to get an internship in some firms.”

For Maricus, the award-winning program also imparted a valuable lesson.

“One thing I took away from this program was how important confidence is and the ability to soak in important information,” shared Maricus. “Being confident will help you get your foot in the door and likely increase the number of opportunities you receive.”

With the program being so competitive, Sinniyah didn't expect to be accepted, though she hoped for it. It made the acceptance that much more rewarding.

“During the program, the organizers informed us that this year had actually been one of the most competitive applicant pools yet! This surprised me and really gave me a confidence boost that I think I needed and has really motivated me about my chances in the future,” said Sinniyah.

With many bright applicants this year, Maricus is grateful for being selected as part of this year’s cohort.

“This program has been such an honor to be a part of, as it was one of the most competitive applicant pools in the program's history,” said Maricus. “I suggest that anyone who wants to take the next step in their accounting journey apply for this scholarship, as it is a good way to get a head start.”

Interested in applying to GovState's Accounting program? Click here to learn more.

The Mary T. Washington Wylie virtual program runs once a year in January with applications opening in the fall. Any GovState students interested in learning more can click here.