INTERNSHIPS KICKSTART GRADUATE'S CAREER JOURNEY

As an accounting student at Bellevue University, Ellie Bliemeister had an impressive internship experience at Mutual of Omaha, where she worked in the corporate accounting department.

Even after graduating in November 2021, Bliemeister continued to expand her resume with an internship at KPMG – an experience that enabled her to learn more about business tax practice.

“The (KPMG) internship included challenging and rewarding work amidst a busy tax season,” she said. Bliemeister didn’t stop there. Last May, she took on the role as an audit intern at BKD – one of the largest accounting and advisory firms in the United States.

The Bellevue University alumna said the choice to chase multiple internships gave her the opportunity to finetune what she wanted her career to look like.

“There are so many different paths to take with accounting, and I used the transitional period to intern and find out where I wanted to begin my career,” Bliemeister said. Currently, Bliemeister is attending the University of Nebraska Lincoln and pursuing her master’s degree, with plans to take the CPA exam and a role at tax and accounting firm Labenz & Associates.

What she knows for sure, though, is that she’d eventually like to teach accounting courses in addition to working for either a public accounting firm or a private company.

“I want to teach and show students the different opportunities and paths that you can take with accounting,” Bliemeister explained. “I was inspired by my professors to pursue my goals, and I hope to be a mentor for someone else someday.”

She added that because Bellevue University is a relatively small university, she had the opportunity to get to know her professors and learn about their experiences in the field of accounting.

“I think hearing the different routes each of them took with their degree was integral in my experience,” she said.

Another key part of her time at Bellevue University was her role on the university’s softball team.

“I met some of my best friends and had the chance to compete and travel the country while playing my favorite sport,” Bliemeister said. “I was coached by some amazing people who I know will be a part of my life for years to come.”

Bliemeister was also involved with the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and a member of the Institute of Management Accountants. In addition, she served as a peer tutor, helping other students in their math, business and accounting courses.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to play softball and get an education [at Bellevue],” she said. “I enjoyed the relationships I developed with my teammates, coaches, professors and administrators the most.”

Ultimately, the threads of Bliemeister’s experience at Bellevue University will weave their way throughout her entire life.

“Bellevue [University] has provided me with a foundation of skills, knowledge and networks that will provide me with confidence in my future career,” she said.