Katie Sharp '23
As we approach Florida Southern College's Fall Commencement, we are excited to introduce some of our accomplished seniors.
Katie Sharp is set to receive her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Accountancy (MAcc). Her journey at FSC has been filled with academic achievements, including being named to Poets and Quants 2023 Best & Brightest list of Brightest Undergraduate Business Majors, leadership roles, and valuable real-world experiences that paved the way for her successful future.
Currently working towards earning her Certified Public Accountant license, Katie will begin her career as a tax accountant with BDO, the world's fifth-largest accounting network, this January with their Tampa office.
Q&A with Katie Sharp:
Reflecting on your time at FSC, can you share your involvement in different organizations
or programs? How have these extracurricular activities enriched your college experience?
At FSC, I've actively participated in Beta Alpha Psi (accounting honor society), Phi
Eta Sigma (freshman honor society), Beta Gamma Sigma (business honor society), the
Dean's Advisory Council, Delta Sigma Pi (business fraternity), and Omicron Delta Kappa.
Holding various leadership positions has allowed me to collaborate with fellow executives
and honed my leadership skills. These organizations have made FSC feel like home,
allowing me to meet like-minded individuals, make lasting friendships, and create
unforgettable memories during trips to Tennessee and Texas with Delta Sigma Pi, FSC's
professional business fraternity.
Real-world learning is a vital part of the FSC experience. Can you share any lessons
learned through your experiences and how they've impacted your post-graduation path?
I've had two impactful summer internships with BDO in their Tampa office, working
in the tax department. These experiences, from early June to August, exposed me to
various tax specialties and helped me choose my focus for my full-time job. Learning
new software, utilizing Excel, and preparing tax returns for review were essential
aspects of my role. These internships have instilled in me the importance of a strong
work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn, qualities crucial for
success in accounting or any other career.
How did Florida Southern contribute to your preparedness for success in accounting?
While my coursework and internships at FSC were undeniably valuable, what truly set
me apart was the opportunity to participate in the Early MAcc program. Being in this
program not only enabled me to graduate with both my bachelor's and master's degrees
at the same time but also proved to be a pivotal element in preparing me for a successful
career. This early initiation, coupled with hands-on internships, have allowed me
to develop my professional skills, refined my communication abilities, and created
a strong foundation in accounting fundamentals. The focus in these courses on technology
and data analytics has helped me quickly adapt to tax software, a critical skill in
navigating the workplace.
Were there specific pre-professional programs, career services, professors, or resources
that you found particularly valuable? How did they guide your academic, professional,
or personal growth?
Career Services and the accounting professors at FSC have been instrumental in my
development. Career Services provided resources for perfecting my resume, participating
in mock interviews, and attending professional networking events. The accounting professors
guided me through the CPA exam preparation and offered continuous support and mentorship.
It was at Meet the Firms, an event sponsored by Career Services and the accounting
department, that I met a partner at BDO, and she urged me to apply for their summer
internship program.
Looking back on your time as a student at Florida Southern, what will you miss the
most?
I will miss the organizations and the friends I've made most at FSC. The camaraderie
and sense of family in Beta Alpha Psi and Delta Sigma Pi and cherished memories from
trips and late-night study sessions have defined my college experience. FSC has not
just been an academic institution for me; it's been a place where I've grown personally
and professionally, forming bonds that will last a lifetime.
