Finance Internship Puts Business Double Major on Solid Path to a Public Accounting Career Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Meet Bradley Calleja
Internship: Accounting Finance Intern for Flagship Business Plans and Consulting
Majors: Accounting and Business Management with an International Business concentration
Expected graduation: Spring 2019
College activities and internships: Captain for the Cross Country and Track and Field teams, Resident Educator, Community Outreach Member for Not On My Campus, recently served as a host for "Takeover Tuesday" on Point Park's Snapchat account and Development Intern for the Make-A-Wish Foundation (Spring 2016)
Scholarships from Point Park: Vice Presidential and Athletic Scholarship
Hometown: Sharpsville, Pa.
High school: Sharpsville Area High School
Hobbies/interests: Spending time with my family and girlfriend, running and reading
LinkedIn: Bradley Calleja
-- Eddie Brinson, Co-Manager, Flagship Business Plans and Consulting
"Point Park is a dynamic and growing campus with an abundance of internships and job opportunities all around. Even though I came from a small, rural town, I immediately felt comfortable and at home living in the city."
-- Bradley Calleja
Why did you decide to double major?
Point Park accepted all 18 credits I received while in high school (AP courses and community college classes) so I knew I had the ability to pick up a double major without pushing my graduation date back.
I bounced between different options, but ultimately settled on accounting and business management with a focus on international business because of my interest in tax law, both domestic and international. As a double major, I will be able to graduate with 150 credits and take the CPA exam straight out of undergrad while still having graduate or law school as an option for the future.
Tell us about your internship at Flagship Business Plans and Consulting.
When I decided to major in accounting, I knew I wanted to gain experience within the field. I came across an internship posting on LinkedIn for Flagship during my fall semester, applied and was hired to work for the accounting and finance team.
Flagship Business Plans and Consulting writes business plans as well as provides companies with management and financial guidance. I work to put together projected income statements for our clients so that they can obtain a bank loan or attract private investors. We work mainly with small businesses and startups throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area.
What attracted you to Point Park University?
Point Park is a dynamic and growing campus with an abundance of internship and job opportunities all around. My first experience with Point Park was through a recruiting visit from Coach Kelly Parsley. Even though I come from a small, rural town, I immediately felt comfortable and at home living in the city.
How have your classes prepared you for your current internship?
The School of Business at Point Park is very hands-on and every professor I've had is either actively employed in the field they are teaching or has a multitude of experience working in the real world. Within the accounting department, all of my professors have worked in public or tax accounting and are able to translate their work experiences into learning experiences.
What is your favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh?
I enjoy experiencing all of the different events going on in the city at any given time. From ice skating, to sporting and cultural events, there is always something fun to check out Downtown which makes every day interesting and enjoyable.
Where do you see yourself after graduation?
My goal is to first obtain certification as a public accountant so that I have the option of working in either tax or audit for a public firm. Accounting is a flexible field of study with so many career options so I want to be open before settling.
I enjoy studying tax law so I could see myself in a career in forensic accounting or international tax management. Regardless of where I end up, I am looking forward to gaining more experience in a variety of industries and making a career out of helping people and companies in the financial industry.
Photo by Daniel Kelly, freshman cinema production major