Economics and communication studies major explores financial industry through APEX fellowship

An economics and communication studies major on the entrepreneurship pathway at The College of Wooster, Allison Osei-Okrah ’27 knew that she was interested in the finance industry but was unsure what part of the field most appealed to her. She had the opportunity to explore career options through an APEX fellowship at global professional services firm, Ernst & Young. As an insurance intern for the company, Osei-Okrah took part in auditing, financial analysis, and client service, gaining hands-on experience in accounting and business consulting. Through structured mentorship and weekly reflections, Osei-Okrah evaluated her experience to find out what type of financial careers she wished to pursue in the future.

I’m grateful for the reflective aspect of the APEX Fellow process, as it gave me the opportunity to take time each week to deeply reflect on and evaluate what I had worked on. The internship helped me realize that I thrive in a collaborative environment within the field of finance.

—Allison Osei-Okrah ’27

Q: How did you learn about the internship opportunity for your APEX Fellowship? 

Osei-Okrah: A friend told me about the internship opportunity, and it was a great opportunity for me since I’m still unsure about which field of finance I want to pursue after completing my undergraduate degree. It gave me a chance to learn about auditing and see if it’s something I’d like to do long-term. 

Q: What were some of the things you did each day? 

Osei-Okrah: I got to collaborate with my team members on various aspects of audits, and it was fascinating to see how broad the scope of auditing is and how much work goes into it. Daily, I would either review employee tax returns for some of our clients to ensure they were compliant with tax regulations, or I would work on vouching and casting. 

Q: How did your mentor help you to succeed in this position? 

Osei-Okrah: My fellowship mentor was very approachable and communicated assignments and deadlines clearly. He set clear expectations for us and also upheld the expectations we had of him. 

Q: What are some skills you’ve learned that you see yourself carrying forward in your career? 

Osei-Okrah: I learned many useful Excel shortcuts and confidentiality protocols that I can apply to any field of finance I pursue. Communication was another key takeaway, as I gained valuable experience in communicating respectfully with colleagues in the office. 

Q: How has the internship helped you to see what’s next for you? 

Osei-Okrah: I’m grateful for the reflective aspect of the APEX process, as it gave me the opportunity to take time each week to deeply reflect on and evaluate what I had worked on. The internship helped me realize that I thrive in a collaborative environment within the field of finance. I don’t see myself sitting behind a desk for hours; instead, I prefer engaging with others, whether it’s peers, mentors, or working directly as an assistant to a supervisor. 

Posted in Experiential Learning, Showcase Stories 2024 on August 10, 2024.