This year, HBE welcomed five college students to our firm for a comprehensive, paid internship program. These individuals have been working alongside our professional staff to gain real-world experiences in tax, audit, and business advisory and related services.
To help you learn a little bit more about each of our interns, what lead them to public accounting, and what they have enjoyed so far about their intern experience, please check out their profiles below.
JARED ABRAHAMSON
Hometown: Omaha, NE
College: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Degree/Major: Bachelors, Accounting
Graduation Date: August 2016
Jared’s HBE internship began with the 2016 tax season and will continue through the summer. Jared has accepted a position as a full-time accountant with HBE, which will begin upon the completion of his internship in August 2016. Throughout his time with HBE, Jared has had the opportunity to work on many tax returns and serve on the engagement teams for several audits, compilations, and reviews.
What lead you to public accounting?
When I was a kid, my dad always talked about his job in public accounting. From a young age, I was interested in accounting. In high school, I took as many accounting classes as I could and knew I could see myself enjoying it in the future.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I enjoy going hunting or fishing. I also enjoy working on the fields and grounds at the Keystone Little League fields.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
My favorite restaurant from back home in Omaha is Fuddruckers. Can’t miss out on a great burger and milkshake!
What is your favorite movie or television show?
My favorite movie has to be the Back to the Future trilogy! My favorite television show is the old Dukes of Hazard series.
What about working at HBE is most exciting to you?
Each day I get something different to work on. Every project I work on has a new and challenging set of problems that I work through. I have learned so much through the diversity of the work that I have done.
How has HBE’s internship program helped you prepare for your full time job?
This internship has introduced me to all of the software programs and how to apply them to various projects that were assigned to me. I was able to see a variety of different projects in a way that allowed me to learn the basics and build off of them. Through this internship, I feel prepared and confident to start full time.
KENDRA SCHLAUTMAN
Hometown: West Point, NE
College: Nebraska Wesleyan University
Degree/Major: Bachelors, Accounting
Graduation Date: December 2016
Kendra interned for us during the 2016 tax season and is currently participating in a five-week Partner Shadow Program. She will begin her position with HBE as a full-time accountant in January 2017. Kendra will continue studying to get her Masters through Wesleyan. During tax season, Kendra served in the verifier role and has since helped on audits, tax returns, and filing extensions on tax returns.
Why did you choose accounting for your major?
Ever since I was little, I’ve had an interest in math. After taking a high school accounting class, I decided I liked the concepts and being able to see how money flows through an organization.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
My favorite thing to do on a day off is hang out with friends and family. During the summer, I love to go out to the lake and relax in the sun.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Lazlos! My favorite dish is lahvosh.
If you could have dinner with one famous person, who would it be with and why?
I would choose Thomas Rhett! He is my favorite country singer.
What about working at HBE is most exciting to you?
The most exciting thing about working at HBE is putting what I learned in the classroom to use in real-life situations. I have enjoyed meeting each and every person who works at HBE. The culture of HBE makes coming to work exciting–it’s all about teamwork. HBE’s internship program stands apart from other programs because of how diverse it is. I’ve been able to shadow partners from both the tax and audit sides of the firm, allowing me to see what being an accountant could look like down the road for me.
EMILY PFEIFER
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
College: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Degree/Major: Bachelors, Business
Graduation Date: May 2019
Emily worked with us over the 2016 tax season as a verifier. She currently works on various projects including extending tax returns, trial balances, and special projects related to marketing and employee engagement, such as event planning, social media, website updates, and assistance with recruitment campaigns.
How has this internship benefited you?
I have learned so much through this internship. From software programs to taxes and marketing projects, I have gotten a full scope. The diversity of the many different projects I have worked on has helped me start to figure out which field of business suites me best. I have developed more professional skills, been challenged to reach my full potential, and gained confidence in my abilities.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I love relaxing at the lake, fishing, and hanging out with friends. I try to keep as busy as I can!
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Las Margaritas is my favorite! I love their steak fajitas.
If you could travel to one place, where would it be and why?
I would take a trip to Spain. I love their culture! I hope to be able to study abroad in Spain to become fluent in Spanish.
What about working at HBE is most exciting to you?
I enjoy working in the professional setting here at HBE. All of the employees are welcoming and very helpful. I have enjoyed being able to work with a wide array of people in different sections of the firm. Everyday at HBE I get to learn and experience something new, preparing me for the future.
JACKSON LOVE
Hometown: Norfolk, NE
College: Doane University
Degree/Major: Bachelors, Accounting & Finance
Graduation Date: May 2018
Jackson joined us this summer and is interning with both HBE Becker Meyer Love LLP and HBE Wealth Management LLC. His blended internship will provide him with the opportunity to assist with various tax projects, as well as tasks related to financial and retirement plans.
What lead you to choose Accounting and Finance as your majors?
I have always loved math. In my first year of college, my major was Mechanical Engineering. I didn’t love it, so I took an accounting class. The accounting class challenged me to think in a different way. I excelled in the class and knew that Finance and Accounting would be perfect for me.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, heading out to the lake, going to the gym, or going to a movie.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Bison Witches. My favorite is the Reuben sandwich with a side of broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I’d go to Europe because I have always wanted to go and I love studying history.
What about working at HBE is most exciting to you?
Every day that I come into work, I am constantly learning new things with the help of those around me. Gaining experience in both accounting and finance has confirmed my career choice. HBE has given me so many opportunities to experience accounting and finance beyond the classroom. Plus, the employees at HBE make coming to work enjoyable.
CODY MCCAIN
Hometown: DeWitt, NE
College: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Degree/Major: Bachelors, Accounting & Finance
Graduation Date: May 2019
Cody worked with us over the 2016 tax season as a verifier. During his internship, he has gained experience working on tax returns, extensions, and in QuickBooks. Cody will be participating in a five week Partner Shadow Program at the end of the Summer.
What lead you to public accounting?
What I like about public accounting is that it allows me work in a variety of different accounting areas. I like being able to learn and improve my skills in each area. In addition, I enjoy being able to work on projects for numerous clients instead of working for one corporation.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
On days off, I like to hang out with my friends and participate in a variety of activities such as a pickup basketball game, running, and watching TV.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
My favorite local restaurant is Parker’s Smokehouse.
What is your favorite book?
My favorite is the Harry Potter series–they are my favorite movies too!
What about working at HBE is most exciting to you?
There are many things that I find exciting about working at HBE. First, I enjoy that the work environment is open, friendly, and that everyone is helpful. Working at a smaller firm like HBE gives me the opportunity to work on variety of different projects.
To learn more about HBE’s internship opportunities, click here.