Adrianna Avila
External Audit Associate – PwC
INCPAS Scholar Indianapolis 2016–17
Attended Purdue University
We have shared several stories about our INCPAS Scholars throughout the years. Since many of them have now graduated college, are beginning to pass the CPA Exam, enter the profession and earn their license, we thought it would be fun to follow up with them and see how they are doing.
Adrianna was part of the 2016–17 INCPAS Scholars program. In the fall of 2016, she was a junior at Westfield High School and just beginning her experience with the program. We asked her what she was looking forward to the most about the program in the
CPA IN Perspective magazine article “
INCPAS Scholars Class of 2016–17” and she was excited to learn new things from her mentor and get a full immersion into the CPA world.
Adrianna recently began working at PwC as an external audit associate. She updated us on how it’s going so far, as well as her plans and future career goals (including taking the CPA Exam!).
INCPAS: In the fall of 2016, you were excited to learn from your mentor what it was like to work as a CPA. What are some of the best takeaways your mentor taught you?
Adrianna: One of the most helpful takeaways I learned from my INCPAS Scholars mentor
was to find the best work environment for oneself. She worked at a mid-size auditing firm and chose to work there because it met her specific criteria.
She also reminded me that to truly succeed in the CPA profession and specifically in the public auditing sector, I should constantly develop my interpersonal skills.
INCPAS: Why is having a mentor so important?
Adrianna: Having a mentor is important for multiple reasons. It is a realistic depiction of the profession. Seeing the actual work being done ensures you won’t be blindsided, and no one can sugar coat or glorify the daily tasks. It’s also important because you will always have someone in your corner who is truly looking out for your best interests.
Having a mentor is important for multiple reasons. It is a realistic depiction of the profession. Seeing the actual work being done ensures you won’t be blindsided, and no one can sugar coat or glorify the daily tasks. It’s also important because you will always have someone in your corner who is truly looking out for your best interests.
INCPAS: You spent the last two summers interning for PwC. What was your favorite part of that experience?
Adrianna: The people and feeling of comradery. My internships with PwC were not the usual, normal internships. I interned during the summers of 2020 and 2021 when COVID-19 precautions were still in place. I was not able to go into the office, but everyone at PwC communicated with and welcomed the interns. For those who were comfortable, in-person activities were offered to get to know one another.
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| Attending a career preview event in 2019 |
INCPAS: How can current students make sure they find the right internship?
Adrianna: I would advise current students to really do their homework on every company under the sun. After doing my research, I fell in love with PwC for the company values and the emphasis on personal development, although it wasn’t the only organization I went through the recruiting process with. Additionally, I would advise students to do internships at multiple companies. Get a feel for as many firms as possible before making the big decision to truly commit.
My favorite part of my job is interacting with my team and clients to solve problems. I am a people person, and it makes the social aspect of my job very enjoyable. My job allows me to work independently while still being part of a greater solution.
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| Celebrating graduation from Purdue University with Darren Henry, managing director of Purdue’s Business Opportunity Program (BOP) |
INCPAS: You graduated from Purdue University this year and just began working full time as an external audit associate at PwC. Congratulations—we’re so proud of you! What is your favorite part about your job?
Adrianna: My favorite part of my job is interacting with my team and clients to solve problems. I am a people person, and it makes the social aspect of my job very enjoyable. My job allows me to work independently while still being part of a greater solution.
INCPAS: Now that you are in the workforce, what are your future career goals? Do you have plans to take the CPA Exam?
Adrianna: Now that I am working full-time, I am studying in preparation for taking the CPA Exam. I hope to have all sections completed by the end of my first year of work. I would also love to work abroad in approximately five years’ time and, eventually, become a PwC partner.
INCPAS: Do you have any final thoughts on your journey from INCPAS Scholar to CPA?
Adrianna: My time participating in the INCPAS Scholars program has led me to where I am today. I made amazing connections while in the program. It helped me determine my university choice and introduced me to my current workplace. I owe a lot to the Scholars program and look forward to staying involved in the future.
INCPAS Scholars is an award-winning, free program that encourages high school students to consider becoming a CPA. The only program of its kind, INCPAS Scholars introduces students to the profession by pairing them with practicing CPAs, touring CPA firms and businesses that employ CPAs, and participating in events to immerse them in the profession. You can support the program at incpas.org/Scholars.
Want to get involved as an INCPAS Scholars mentor?
Contact
Ali Paul, CAE, INCPAS VP – Pipeline & Outreach, for more information.