Exploring career pathways through BAP’s Detroit accounting firm tour

Beta Alpha Psi recently organized an accounting firm tour to Detroit, giving students the opportunity to visit both international and regional leaders in the field.

The day began early, with students gathering at Grawn Hall’s entrance at 7 a.m. to board a bus alongside BAP members and graduate and undergraduate students with backgrounds in accounting and finance. The tour included stops at Ernst & Young, PwC, Plante Moran, and Rehmann—an itinerary that Beta Alpha Psi advisor and accounting faculty member Steven Harrast said would give about 40 students the chance to connect with leading firms and explore future career possibilities.

“We look forward to having the students look around, get to know the firms, make connections, and just extend their career possibilities,” Harrast said. “So, it’s a great trip, and I hope everybody enjoys it.”

Starting the day with EY

The first stop was Ernst & Young, headquartered in London, United Kingdom. EY was formed in 1989 through the merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young & Co. Since then, the firm has grown into one of the world’s largest professional services organizations, known for its assurance, tax, consulting, and advisory services.

EY highlighted its focus on technology-driven solutions, sustainability, and deep industry expertise. Dana Jones, EY campus recruiter for Central Michigan University, explained, “We are currently looking for students with a background in accounting and have positions in departments like audit, insurance & tax, tech risk and insurance etc.”

Students learned that EY provides opportunities for both internships and full-time positions, while also supporting professionals in pursuing CPA certification.

Connections at PwC

Next, the group visited PwC, also headquartered in London. PwC was founded in 1989 through the merger of Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand, two firms with roots dating back to the 19th century. Today, PwC operates in more than 150 countries and is recognized as one of the “Big Four” professional services firms.

Nicole Collins, PwC campus recruiter for CMU, emphasized the firm’s recruiting focus, “We are currently looking for students with a background in accounting and have positions in departments like audit, IT audit, etc., and are now looking for 2027 summer internships and a few positions in advisory for spring 2026. Also, we need students who are currently in their CPA track.”

During the visit, alumni shared their experiences at PwC, providing students with a glimpse of the firm’s culture and career pathways. A unique tradition stood out—interns who receive a full-time offer are rewarded with a fully paid trip to Disney World in Orlando. The visit concluded with a hosted lunch, giving students additional time to network and ask questions in an informal setting.

The experience offered students a firsthand look at how major accounting firms operate and how each organization’s culture and career pathways differ. Opportunities like these help participants better understand the diverse possibilities within public accounting and inspire them to explore where their own skills and goals align.

A Michigan-grown leader: Plante Moran

The third stop was Plante Moran, headquartered in Southfield, Mich. Founded in 1924, the firm has grown into one of the largest accounting, consulting, and advisory firms in the United States. Plante Moran is well known for its strong client relationships and its focus on industries like healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, and financial services.

Abby Spickard, campus recruiting senior consultant, shared, “We are currently looking for students with a background in accounting and finance. Having been enrolled in CPA track is a plus.”

Plante Moran offers internships for sophomores through seniors, as well as entry-level roles for graduates. Students appreciated the firm’s supportive environment, hands-on opportunities, and even noticed the detail of its triple-monitor setups for employees.

Wrapping up at Rehmann

The final stop was Rehmann, headquartered in Troy, Mich. Established in 1941, Rehmann has become a trusted provider of accounting, audit, tax, and consulting services. As a member of HLB International, the firm combines regional expertise with a global network.

Laine Garner, senior campus recruiter, explained, “We are currently looking for students with a background in accounting and finance for roles in audit and tax management.”

Rehmann offers internships and full-time roles in accounting, audit, tax, and consulting, with both in-office and remote opportunities. Students enjoyed the firm tour and took in the scenic view from its terrace.

Leland Petelka, vice president of Beta Alpha Psi, described the value of the annual Detroit bus trip.

“We do the Detroit bus trip every year. It’s a great opportunity for our students to come and meet some of the recruiters at different firms, see the offices,” Petelka said. “It’s been a great day, great weather, being able to meet all the firms and get some people some internships.”

Reflecting on his own experience, Petelka shared the direct impact of the trip.

“When I went on the trip last year, I applied for a position with EY immediately after and now I have an internship with EY in the winter,” he said. “I’ve also developed good connections with the other recruiters at the different firms that we visited.”

He concluded, “So, making connections, getting a leg up when you’re applying for different positions, those are the benefits you can expect to receive from coming to BAP and coming to this trip.”

A day of insights and inspiration

Throughout the tour, students engaged with professionals, alumni, and recruiters while gaining a clearer understanding of potential career pathways in accounting. The visits to EY, PwC, Plante Moran, and Rehmann highlighted the variety of opportunities available in both global and regional firms.

The experience offered more than just career information—it gave students a firsthand perspective on workplace culture, industry expectations, and the next steps toward building successful careers in accounting and finance.