Seizing Opportunities at Lubin and a Big Four

Joe Esner

Audit and Assurance Associate, Deloitte

Class of 2024
BBA/MBA in Public Accounting

Internship: Audit and Assurance Discovery Intern, Deloitte

Pronouns: He/Him

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Joe Esner is all about finding and capitalizing on opportunities to make his dreams come true. When he saw the opportunity to apply for an internship with Deloitte, he capitalized on it by taking advantage of the Lubin School of Business's resources to eventually land the position. He is also one of just 250 students nationwide selected to receive a prestigious scholarship. Joe's advice to other Public Accounting majors at Lubin? Don't wait to work towards your dreams.

How has the Lubin School of Business helped you prepare for your current internship?

The Lubin School of Business has helped me realize that there are opportunities out there and that your dreams can come true when you capitalize on those opportunities. Lubin has helped shape me into a professional through developmental classes and strong business connections. Lubin has opened me to connections that I wouldn't have been able to achieve without being a Pace University student. I have gained a lot of experience from leadership roles to student employment opportunities and Lubin helped me formulate these experiences into a professional resume, which helped get my foot in the door at my internship.

Lubin has opened me to connections that I wouldn't have been able to achieve without being a Pace University student. I have gained a lot of experience from leadership roles to student employment opportunities and Lubin helped me formulate these experiences into a professional resume, which helped get my foot in the door at my internship.

What attracted you to this internship?

Deloitte, being the largest financial services company in the world and a Big Four accounting firm, holds high prestige. The opportunities at Deloitte are huge, and being surrounded by so many business professionals has helped me learn and grow into the person I am.

Describe what a typical day looks like as an intern at Deloitte.

My day typically starts at 9:00 a.m. I log on, check my emails, and get organized for the day. After getting situated, I conduct a meeting with my team to discuss the agenda for the day. Then we begin working on assigned projects and any client engagements there may be. Before I know it, 5:00 p.m. is near, and the day is over. During the first two weeks of my internship, my team and I worked on a cross business case simulation where we consulted on a client merger and acquisition. The rest of the internship is real business exposure through client assignments and business specific projects.

What has been the highlight or most enjoyable aspect of your internship so far?

I was flown out to Texas to attend an intern conference at what is called 'Deloitte University,' which is basically a five-star professional resort with all-inclusive food and activities. It was a great experience and a super fun opportunity to network and meet fellow interns.

How has this experience shaped or impacted your career goals?

This internship is the steppingstone to securing a great career in accounting. The opportunity to learn from so many different business professionals across the country is really making an impact on where I want to be in the future. Hearing and seeing so many success stories firsthand really motivates me to push further and keep striving for more.

How will this experience impact your next semester at Lubin?

This experience showcases my hard work and ability to accomplish anything, even when hardships are thrown my way. My next semester will be more focused on learning and retaining information from my major courses, rather than worrying about securing my next internship. I will soon be preparing for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, so my classes are super important to me.

You are one of only 250 students nationwide to be named as a Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholar for the 2022-2023 academic year. What does this achievement mean to you? What motivates you to work hard?

Being a recipient of the PCAOB scholarship is one of my greatest academic achievements. It showcases my hard work and dedication to learning in the accounting field. It motivates me because it highlights the fact that others notice my diligence, including peers, professors, and family. This award is proof that I am heading in the right direction and that my work does not go unseen. I stay motivated by surrounding myself with successful people who give off positive energy and enthusiasm. I am beyond grateful to have received this award and it only further motivates me to keep striving for more. Greatness is near and I couldn't have done it without the help of my Pace professors and friends.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students who would like to pursue an internship in the future?

My advice would be to get involved and take advantage of any opportunity you see because Pace and Lubin are full of them. There are so many student organizations and positions to take on in order develop your leadership and professional skills. Start the search for internships as soon as possible, especially as an accounting major, because the firms recruit early.

Connect With Joe:

LinkedIn: Joseph-Esner2020
Instagram: @joe_esner