Imagine yourself on a tropical island from January until May. Imagine working for a large international company on this tropical island. Imagine hopping from island to island on the weekends or just relaxing on the beach. One of our accounting students did exactly that for one of his co-op experiences. George Karmelich (2012) worked for Deloitte and Touche, LLP in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. He arrived in late December and got right to work the next month. “Since I was working in a small office on an island, I didn’t think we would have the same resources as someone working in Boston or New York, but we did.” George also liked the more personalized experience that a small office provides. “You really get to know everyone, and you routinely see your co-workers outside the office.”
He also got to work directly with clients on real business issues. Because the office is small, he had the freedom to come up with solutions on his own. He analyzed financial reports for 5 hedge fund clients to determine taxable income owed by individual hedge fund partners. In addition, he prepared federal and state income tax returns for 9 hedge fund partnerships. Throughout his experience, George conducted research on tax legislation and IRS code to assist clients in minimizing their tax exposure.
“We worked really hard during the week, but were free to explore the Caribbean. I went to Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, as well as other islands in the BVI at my leisure.” His favorite trip was to White Bay on the island of Jost Van Dyke, where he took an ATV tour. After graduation, George is interested in pursuing his Masters in Accounting degree and CPA license. He also will be returning to Deloitte for his third co-op this spring in their New York City office, and he hopes to be able to stay on full-time upon graduation.