Interning at Feniks & Company
Ryne Olson is graduating in December 2014 with a degree in accounting. She is the owner of Ryno Kennel and a 2012 Iditarod finisher. After graduation, she will continue working for Feniks & Company while studying for the CPA exam.
Choosing an Accounting Degree
Originally I was majoring in mathematics, but after taking a few higher-level math courses, I realized I enjoyed "practical math" and not theoretical math. Accounting is the perfect balance between mathematics and business theory with lots of real life applications. As a small business owner of Ryno Sled Dog Kennel, accounting seemed like a great major that would apply to my current situation as well as open new opportunities. Plus, the accounting program has the BEST professors.
Choosing Feniks & Company
Feniks & Company is a local accounting firm that gave me the chance to dive right in and experience a variety projects from tax prep to nonprofit returns to payroll to bookkeeping. It's a small, close knit community of people that LOVE accounting. Not to mention, Friday is "Bring Your Dog to Work Day."
First-Hand Learning
I've learned that being an accountant isn't just crunching numbers. A great accountant is also a financial advisor, professional developer, tax planner, therapist, and life counselor. At Feniks & Company, the motto is "Accounting as a Healing Art," and I've been provided a glimpse at how influential and helpful an accountant can be to each client.
Advice for Students
My advice to students looking for internships is to take advantage of every opportunity, even if your initial reaction is I have no idea how to do that. The benefit of a good internship isn't the paycheck at the end, but the experience, knowledge, and connections. Don't be afraid to fail. Just jump in and internalize everything you can.
Best Thing About Interning at Feniks & Company
The best aspects about my internship are the team atmosphere and the incredible opportunities. Feniks & Company has an extremely supportive work environment that is flexible and encourages each person to excel at both professional and personal goals. When I raced in the Quest 300 Sled Dog Race in February (a busy time at an accounting firm), the office came to the race start to cheer on my Ryno Team.
