As the summer winds down, we want to recognize the four students who spent it with us at Brinker Simpson & Company.
This year's cohort worked across tax, audit, and client accounting services. They sat in on client work, asked good questions, learned software they had never touched, and figured out what an accounting firm actually looks like from the inside. That is the whole point of the program.
We ask every intern for advice they would give the next group. Three of the four said some version of the same thing: ask questions. That tells us something about the summer they had, and about the people around them who made asking easy.
Investing in the next generation of accountants is not a side project for us. It is how the profession stays healthy, and it is how our firm has built its bench for years.
"Our profession has a pipeline problem, and firms our size are part of the answer," said Michael Simpson, CPA, CVA, Managing Partner. "When a student spends a summer here and leaves knowing this is work worth doing, that matters well beyond our four walls."
We are grateful to Julian, Olivia, Jack, and Lizzie for the work they put in this summer. Meet them below.
Julian Bulovas, Tax Intern
Hometown: Glenolden, PA
School: West Chester University, Accounting
- Julian chose accounting for the range of career paths it opens, and for a longer-term goal of one day owning and operating his own business.
- His favorite part of the summer was learning from experienced professionals and seeing the connection between the classroom and real client work. Also, Bassetts ice cream.
- He describes the internship in three words as growth, experience, and interactive, and his advice to future interns is to ask questions, have meaningful conversations, and do it with a positive outlook.
- Hidden talent: can probably quote Step Brothers word for word.
- Dream job: professional athlete, owner of a Philly sports team, or comedian.
Olivia Giambalvo, Audit Intern
Hometown: Lafayette Hill, PA
School: Widener University, Accounting
- Olivia chose accounting because it is the foundation of business and opens the door to almost anything.
- Her favorite part of the summer was the people she got to meet.
- She describes the internship in three words as analytical, detail-oriented, and compliance, and her advice to future interns is short and correct: ask lots of questions.
- Hidden talent: first-degree black belt in martial arts.
- Dream job: CFO of a company.
Jack Lillard, Client Accounting Services Intern
Hometown: Kennett Square, PA
School: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Accounting
- Jack picked accounting after enjoying a few courses in high school and realizing he had always been good with numbers.
- His favorite part of the summer was learning new concepts and putting his coursework to work in real situations.
- He describes the internship in three words as supportive, enriching, and flexible, and his advice to future interns is to ask questions, work hard, and make connections.
- Hidden talent: can play Billy Joel's Piano Man on the harmonica.
- Dream job: astronaut.
Lizzie Simpson, Tax Intern
Hometown: Springfield, PA
School: Saint Joseph's University, Accounting
- Lizzie chose accounting for the sheer number of directions it can take you.
- Her favorite part of the summer was meeting everyone and seeing how an accounting firm actually operates day to day.
- She describes the internship in three words as welcoming, educational, and supportive, and her advice to future interns is to ask questions, stay open to learning, and get to know the people around you.
- Hidden talent: can make a great playlist for any occasion.
- Dream job: a role where she can keep learning, work with a great team, and help clients solve complex problems.