Rider University Student Michael Blake Interns at Office of the State Auditor

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ (10/03/2011)(readMedia)-- Michael Blake '12 of Jackson, N.J., a senior Accounting major at Rider University, recently completed a summer internship, gaining real-world experience as an auditor at the New Jersey Office of the State Auditor from June 6 through August 22. Blake was able to apply the skills he has learned in class through a National Institute of Justice grant obtained by the Center for Business Forensics.

During his internship, Blake worked in the Division of Pensions and the Office of Management and Budget. There, he examined balance sheets and cash flow statements, and conducted interviews of witnesses. In addition, Blake received career advice and tips for taking the CPA exam from his three mentors, all professionals relatively new to the field.

"It definitely was a team environment. I felt like I was part of the group and part of the process," Blake said. "It was a great learning experience."

At Rider, Blake serves as treasurer for the Student Government Association and president of Sigma Phi Epsilon, and is a member of the club lacrosse team. Blake, who participated in last year's mock fraud case, the IRS Adrian Project, said he would like to pursue a career for the state or the federal government. "My goal is to work for the FBI," he said.

Rider student Paola Lopez '12 of Atlantic Highlands, N.J., a senior Accounting major, also interned at the Office of the State Auditor.

"These internships represent what our grant is all about," said Dr. William Amadio, director of the Center for Business Forensics and professor of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management. "The students got invaluable experience, and the state got some help with its busy workload. It was a win for all of us."