Career Fair Leads to Accounting Internship at RKL

Sometimes all it takes is a quick chat at a campus career fair to set big things in motion. That’s how Accounting major Jared Hostetter ’26 found his way to an internship at RKL LLP—through a conversation that turned into a two-day leadership program, which turned into a part-time internship, and maybe even a future career.

“I connected with RKL during the first-semester career fair the Breen Center hosts,” Hostetter said. “I learned about RKL’s Catalyst program, which often leads to internships.”

RKL’s Catalyst Summer Leadership Academy is designed for first-, second-, and third-year students interested in accounting and finance. It offers an inside look at the firm and opportunities to build professional and leadership skills. Hostetter participated in the two-day program, was interviewed, and landed a part-time internship for the spring of his sophomore year.

“Thanks to the Breen staff looking over my résumé and reading through their interview tips and tricks, I received a part-time internship,” he said.

He made a strong impression from the start.

“Jared was highly regarded for his professionalism and internship performance,” said Casey Shillabeer ’22, a Talent Acquisition Specialist at RKL. “He received positive feedback for asking insightful questions and understanding tasks thoroughly. Recognized as a standout performer, Jared was seen as a valuable asset to any team.”

Hostetter credits his ability to connect with people as one of the reasons he stood out.

“While having a strong résumé and top grades is important, I learned afterwards that I set myself apart from other candidates by my ability to interact with others and my desire to learn,” he said. “RKL stressed during their Catalyst Program that they were looking for eager students. RKL understood that I was still learning the technical part of accounting, but they couldn’t teach me soft skills.”

“By connecting and forming relationships with the interviewers, I was able to set myself apart from the rest of the field.”

During his internship, Hostetter dove into various projects. “I completed duties ranging from computing advanced audit analytics to reconciling client-prepared financial statements to formatting and organizing large amounts data,” he said. “With every task I completed, I did it to the best of my ability and with a positive attitude, and this quickly led to management assigning me more advanced work.”

It also gave him a clearer picture of what he wants to do long-term.

“I plan to pass my CPA exams and work for a public accounting firm as an auditor. I have a clear goal of working toward a manager promotion within five years of graduation,” he said. “After that, my future isn’t nearly as clear… but I know that my Accounting degree and CPA background will serve me well in whatever field I’m in.”

Hostetter said his success wouldn’t have been possible without the people around him at LVC. “I have been able to accomplish a lot at LVC, but that would not be the case if it weren’t for the great mentors I’ve had,” he said. He specifically thanked Dr. Jeff Robbins, his head Tennis coach; Tami Barton, Lindsey Porter, and Andrew Hildebrand, Accounting professors; and Evelyn Colón and Jen Liedtka, Advancement staff. “Each has had a unique impact on me.”

RKL is no stranger to LVC students—in fact, they’ve hired at least 13 alumni with degrees from the College. Shillabeer said it’s a great feeling to return to campus now in a new role.

“Returning to LVC for events such as the Success Expo is rewarding,” she said. “Sharing the insights I’ve gained from my professional journey, which ties back to my education at LVC, allows me to prove to students the link between their college experience and their future careers.”

Shillabeer remembers how important the Breen Center for Career and Professional Development was in her career journey. “During my senior year, the Breen Center staff guided me through a ‘career crisis,’ and the assessments they provided me helped shape the roles I pursued after graduation,” she said. “I’m very thankful for the path it set me on, as I feel fulfilled in the work I do now.”

Thanks to support from faculty, staff, alumni, and resources like the Breen Center, LVC students aren’t just finding internships—they’re finding confidence, clarity, and career connections that last.