Scholarship program motivates accounting students to follow their goals

By Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer

With a reignited drive to pursue a career in Accounting, three Governors State University (GovState) students are crediting the Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program for its role in taking their career skills to the next level.

Grace Ahouissoussi, Jaylon Garner, and Chance Young join the ranks of 387 alumni to complete the highly competitive program, which saw growth once again this year, making the 13^th cohort its largest to date with 49 scholars. 

“There was not one day that I wasn’t inspired or motivated because the energy was so contagious, and the speaker's stories were so moving,” said Grace. “One of the first speakers was Dr. Kimberly Ellison-Taylor. She was absolutely brilliant and a great way to start the program.”

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. 

Grace, who was originally a biology major minoring in accounting, was already considering switching majors after an eye-opening accounting class and said the program convinced her to switch her major and minor around. 

“One of my biggest takeaways from her [Dr. Ellison-Taylor] had to be when she emphasized that everyone can have their niche, that I could have Accounting AND Biology,” added Grace. “Though it may be different, it would stand out, as plenty of accounting firms are also science conglomerates.” 

Finding a niche in the field also resonated with Jaylon, who is majoring in Accounting. “I'm taking away the idea that no matter where you are in your professional journey you should not compare yourself to others because everyone has a unique experience.”

For Chance, who is double majoring in Business Management and Accounting, one of the standouts of the program was meeting and learning from different business professionals. “I know I need to make meaningful connections with the people around me,” said Chance, who added that it’s important to make good impressions and to keep growing, both as a person and a professional.  

Meeting with diverse accounting students and professionals was just a part of the three-day virtual program that took place early January. The scholars were offered resume guidance, interview coaching, advice on internships and more, as well as a $500 scholarship to support their educational journey.

“One of my favorite things from the program was the professional interviews we did with well-known accounting firms with their recruiters,” said Jaylon. “They provided us with feedback and gave an insight into what recruiters look for when trying to find talent for their firms.”

Leaving with a better idea of what to expect in the accounting field, Grace, Chance, and Jaylon feel encouraged to find their niche that drives their passion in the field.

“This accomplishment means a lot to me. It has taught me that there will always be a support system that will encourage you to reach your goals, no matter what,” said Grace. “I would encourage everyone to find their niche and an environment that facilitates their growth.”

Feeling a similar pull to follow her goals, Chance is thankful for the program. 

“The experience has given me a sense of pride and has helped motivate me to continue pushing myself to become a future CPA.”

Jaylon said the program was more than he imagined and he's grateful for Professor Michael Trendell's encouragement and guidance in the application process.

“This accomplishment shows that I'm one step closer to my goal of becoming a CPA and is a reminder that people who look like me can be successful in the accounting world!”