Abby Meier (‘23), Incoming Audit Associate at EY 

Get to know Abby

Program format: On-campus MAC
Start date: August 2022
Graduation date: May 2023 
Current location: Raleigh, NC

Life before Jenkins

Hometown: Davidson, North Carolina
Undergraduate education: NC State University, BS in Accounting 

Career goals

To prepare for a career in public accounting, Meier participated in a summer internship experience with EY in Melbourne, Australia – both of which helped her expand her network and learn best practices in accounting. “Now that I’ve completed the program and finished out my internship, I’m studying for the CPA exam and preparing to start my career with EY in January. I’m looking forward to seeing where public accounting takes me.”

Why Jenkins? 

Meier heard great things about the Jenkins MAC program as an undergraduate student at NC State, which made the decision to stick around for her master’s degree an easy one. “The MAC program at NC State seemed like a great fit for me, and I was already living in Raleigh, so I didn’t look or apply anywhere else,” Meier says. She also decided to take advantage of the Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s (ABM) program, which allowed her to reduce her course load during her first semester in the MAC program.

Daily life

In preparation for her new role in EY’s Raleigh office starting in January 2024, Meier is studying and sitting for sections of the CPA exam. In her free time, she enjoys baking, spending time with friends, visiting family in Davidson and spending time outside. 

What makes it great

Looking back on her experience in the Jenkins MAC program, Meier says it’s the supportive community that stands out most. “The professors are all approachable and willing to help you with anything – whether it’s a class assignment or something related to your life or career,” she says.

It was also through this community that Meier learned about the opportunity to complete an international internship with EY. Jenkins MAC alumnus Michael Zimmerman (MAC ‘14) worked with staff at Poole College of Management to recruit accounting students who had already completed an audit internship in one of EY’s U.S. offices to come intern in EY’s Melbourne, Australia office.

The professors are all approachable and willing to help you with anything – whether it’s a class assignment or something related to your life or career.”

Career impact 

Of all the aspects of her MAC student experience, Meier’s internship at EY has impacted her career trajectory the most. Interning on a large audit team based in a big urban center was particularly impactful. The experience not only afforded her the opportunity to sharpen her audit skills but also allowed her to gain exposure to international business practices, learn from other seasoned professionals and experience the busy season in another culture.

Additionally, she had the opportunity to meet people from around the world, learn to navigate a big city on her own, visit the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy unique cultural experiences, such as the customary mid-morning coffee break. “Just about every morning in the office, around 10 a.m., we would walk to one of the many coffee shops nearby and grab a coffee together,” she says. “Overall, the internship was a really cool experience. I learned a lot and gained valuable experience in public accounting.”

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Final thoughts

Reflecting on her own experience, Meier has a few words of advice for current and prospective Jenkins MAC students: “Take advantage of every opportunity that’s presented to you. You never know where it may lead you in the future or what kinds of connections it will provide.”

Get in touch

Connect with Abby on LinkedIn or at abbymm765@gmail.com.