Emilie Peterson Completes Experiential Learning Project at SUNY Oneonta

Emilie Peterson, of St Johnsville, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Summer Internship" at SUNY Oneonta.

Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success.

These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta.

"I interned at an accounting firm in Albany for the summer in the audit department," said Peterson, who is studying Professional Accounting.

"This is a picture of my internship advisor and professor, Dr. Flynn, and alumni who also works at BST (the firm where I interned). Brianna Muenkel is a senior manager (left of Dr. Flynn), Khallyn LaFond started as an associate, and Jonathan Gibbs is a partner, all of whom graduated from SUNY Oneonta.

"Over the summer, I worked on auditing both governmental entities and commercial businesses, gaining exposure to a variety of industries and accounting practices. I learned to navigate accounting software platforms to prepare testing workpapers, perform substantive and control testing, and document results in compliance with auditing standards. My role required consistent communication with clients to request necessary documentation, clarify information, and discuss findings, which strengthened my professional communication and client relationship skills.

"During this project, I gained hands-on experience auditing both governmental and commercial clients, which exposed me to different accounting frameworks and industry-specific practices. I learned how to communicate with clients and furthered my understanding of accounting. The firm gave me a return offer, so having this experience will help me when I begin working full-time next summer, as I'll have some knowledge of what my responsibilities will be."

Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase.

SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events.

To view these students click here: https://oneonta.meritpages.com/achievements/Emilie-Peterson-Completes-Experiential-Learning-Project-at-SUNY-Oneonta/198973