Ava Raarup ’24

Gustavus Adolphus College: Where Success Stories Begin

Audit Associate, Boulay

Major: Accounting

Tell us more about your accomplishment.

After completing my Summer 2023 Audit Internship with Boulay, I was thrilled to be offered a full-time position as an Audit Associate starting in the upcoming summer of 2024. I will be based at their office in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. In this role, I will be involved in all phases of engagement, assisting in both audits and reviews. Additionally, I will have the opportunity to work directly with clients across various industries. I am eager to start this position and further my career in public accounting.

Why did you choose Gustavus Adolphus College?

I chose Gustavus because of its size and friendly environment. I’ve always preferred the idea of a smaller school, and when I visited Gustavus for the first time, it just felt like the perfect fit for me.

What was your most meaningful experience at Gustavus, and why?

One of the most remarkable experiences I had at Gustavus was being part of the Choir of Christ Chapel. I sang soprano all four years in this ensemble, and it was such a wonderful experience. Through this group, I built lasting friendships and fostered my passion for singing. It was also extremely meaningful to participate in Christmas in Christ Chapel with this ensemble every year.

Tell us about where your journey with your accomplishment began.

My journey with Boulay began when I was awarded the Boulay scholarship in memory of Nick Greve in the spring of 2022. The following summer, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Boulay Bound Summer Program. It was a fantastic one-day event where I got to learn more about Boulay as a company and explore what a career in public accounting looks like. Then, the next summer in 2023, I landed an audit internship with Boulay. I learned so much during this internship and was able to put into practice what I had learned in the classroom. This experience led to me being offered a position at Boulay, which I am really looking forward to starting soon.

What advice would you give to other students or prospective students?

It’s really important to reach out to your professors and start building connections early on. They genuinely want to support you and can offer some fantastic guidance for your future career path.

Why do you think a prospective student should consider Gustavus? 

At Gustavus, you will receive an excellent liberal arts education! The small class sizes ensure that professors are easily accessible for help. Additionally, you will have plenty of chances to take classes outside of your major. This holistic approach to education will broaden your horizons and help shape you into a well-rounded adult.

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By Hector Aguilar
Hector Aguilar Assistant Director for Outcomes and Strategic Initiatives