Last summer, Devin Grier ’22 landed an internship at Harbin Clinic working in the hospital’s accounting department. Six months later, he’s continuing his work, which was secured through Mark Kozera, director of employer engagement at Berry.
“The personnel staffed for Berry’s Center for Personal and Professional Development do a great job in networking students with future employers around the nation,” Devin says. “Mark Kozera does a splendid job in helping Berry students secure internships in the business industry!”
Q: Why are you majoring in accounting and what are your career plans?
A: I chose to major in accounting because I have high levels of interest in business. Also, I am an extremely detailed person, so accounting was the perfect fit for me. My career plans are to pursue a Master of Finance and my CPA license. I want to start up my own CPA firm one day.
Q: What are your responsibilities in this position and how are you growing your skillset?
A: I process invoices for the company and pay all the invoices using Oracle software. I help my team with month-end procedures by posting journal entries to the general ledger. I send physical checks and reimbursement checks to employees and vendors. Also, I communicate with the materials management department on discrepancies pertaining to invoices.
Q: How has the Campbell School of Business prepared you for your future endeavors?
A: They present real-world challenges that every business professional will encounter throughout their career. Every professor in the Campbell School of Business has incredible experience in their field, so they do a wonderful job in integrating their experiences through their teaching. … My professor, Dr. Carnes, has provided me with many resources and knowledge to prepare myself to be an intelligent accountant. His coursework has provided me with in-depth knowledge in accounting to prepare myself for the CPA exam. He puts emphasis on materials and problems that will show up on the CPA exam.
Q: What advice do you have for students who want to get a significant internship?
A: I advise students to step out of the Berry bubble and network with employers in the Rome community. Continue to work hard in the classroom and remain persistent in your study. I advise any Campbell School of Business students who want to secure a significant internship to contact Mark Kozera.
Story by senior Mary Banks Shelander
