Vanessa Rose, Lasell University 2020
Each year, ALL CPAs is joined by a group of impressive interns for tax season. Learn more about the young professionals completing their tax internships with the firm in our ALL CPAs Intern Spotlights. In this spotlight, learn more about Vanessa Rose of Lasell University, who hails originally from Kingson, Jamaica, found a passion for accounting and finance as a sophomore in high school, and has taken an active role on her campus as a leader in Diversity & Inclusion initiatives.
1. Hi Vanessa, can you tell us a little about yourself? Where did you grow up and attend school?
I was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. I moved to the United States a few months before my 16th birthday in 2015. I reside in Windsor, Connecticut and attended Windsor High School in Connecticut for my junior and senior year. Currently, I am a senior at Lasell University.
2. I see that you are studying finance at Lasell (Congratulations on being named to the Dean’s list once again!) and have worked at Northwestern Mutual. Have you always had an interest in finance & accounting? Why did you decide to pursue a degree in finance?
Thank you! I always had an interest in Finance & Accounting. I took my first Accounting class in my sophomore year and I found that it came easy to me. I then heard about investing from one of my Math teachers and immediately became a fan. I would do a lot of reading and research on the stock market and how to invest. I was too young to join the market so I would just watch the market move sometimes for fun. I started investing on my 18th birthday.
3. I see that you take a leadership role on campus with diversity & inclusion initiatives. Can you tell us a little more about the events and initiatives you have been involved with?
I became passionate about Diversity and Inclusion initiatives when I started college because I quickly realized the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive culture. I made it my mission to make everyone and everyone feel like they have a space in their environment. My first year and second, I worked in the school’s diversity office, The Donahue Institute of Ethics, Diversity & Inclusion, as a Program Coordinator. My position allows me to create programs that support the mission and create awareness about the importance. I was the first person to hold the position VP of Diversity Initiatives on the Campus Activities Board. That position allowed me to support clubs of minority groups by assisting them in the planning and execution of their events and bridging the gaps between the small and large organizations on campus.
(Editors note: Vanessa has also served as Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader (OL) and part of the Lasell dance team.)
4. If not a CPA, what’s another career could you see yourself pursuing?
A few things: Financial Analysts, Financial Planner, Fashion Merchandiser, Creative Director of a dance studio. Haha, I know this list is all over the place. I have a lot of passions.
5. What is your favorite social media platform?
My favorite social media platform is definitely Twitter. The comedic content on there is second to none.
6. Favorite book, movie or TV show you would recommend?
A book I love to share is The Alchemist. This is a book I think should be a staple in our lives because of the principles it teaches. It’s a great reassurance to follow your dreams.
7. Any plans for the spring or summer?
I had planned to go back to Jamaica for five days in April and to go to the Olympics this summer because my roommate’s cousin is participating. However, the Coronavirus had other plans and both trips are canceled.
8. Favorite thing about being an ALL CPAs intern?
My favorite things have to be the food (haha), experience and the people. If I had to choose one, it would be the people. So far, I think there is a great culture here and any intern would be lucky to experience it. Also, I believe the people makes the environment what it is, and this is a great environment for learning.
Interested in learning more about an internship at ALL CPAs? Head over to our careers page here.
