PROFILE
SAM WHALEN ’19 BBA | ACCOUNTING
There’s no doubt Sam Whalen ’19 made the most of her time at Mount Mercy. She was a defensive specialist on the volleyball team, an ambassador in the admissions office, and an intern with United Life Insurance. Before graduation, Sam’s internship turned into a full-time job offer. She believes work experience before graduating is the key to finding a fulfilling career.
MMU:
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO MOUNT MERCY. HOW DID YOU KNOW MMU WAS THE RIGHT FIT?
SW:
Looking back now, it’s so hard to even think I looked at other schools. There are so many times I told people how lucky I am to have found MMU and the many things I’ve experienced. I truly thought I was outgoing before I came to MMU, but now I’ve stepped so far out of my comfort zone and can’t imagine ever going back. The first time I walked on campus, there was a doormat at the entrance that said, “Welcome Home.”
MMU:
SW: As much as my mom wanted me to follow my own path,
I look up to her more than any person in my life. She is an accountant—a very successful accountant—and I truly hope to be at her level one day. However, I have to put my own twist on it. My dream is to work for the FBI as a forensic accountant, digging into the deepest cases and solving things others gave up on.
MMU: MMU:
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO GET INVOLVED OUTSIDE OF CLASS?
SW:
Initially, I chose Mount Mercy for volleyball and the bond I instantly built with my coach. We immediately began conversations I would have with someone I have known for years. I wanted nothing more than to be a college athlete my whole life, and I finally got to experience it. I also got involved with Student Ambassadors because I love meeting new people and talking about things I am passionate about. Being able to show prospective students around campus and show my excitement was one of the best things I could have done—even better seeing many of those faces on campus today.
MOUNT MERCY MAGAZINE
YOU’RE AN ACCOUNTING MAJOR—WHAT INTERESTED YOU IN THAT FIELD?
YOU EARNED AN INTERNSHIP WITH UNITED LIFE INSURANCE. WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?
SW:
My internship was the best thing that could have happened, when it happened. It was the end of my junior year—until that point, I put off applying for every internship that came my way. I thought I would be waiting tables all summer (though there’s nothing wrong with waiting tables)! I applied for this internship the week before finals, accepted the job the following week, and started right after Memorial Day. There is a rhyme and a reason for everything you do. I believe in timing, and this internship has shown me that. The people I work with make me laugh and help me grow in my learning, and I have created life-long friendships. I think it helped solidify why I want to be an accountant.
