To some students, working overseas sounds like a lot of fun, until they think about the logistics of moving for six months to a foreign country. How will I get there? Where am I going to live? Will I be able to communicate with people in work? Of course it is much easier to do a co-op here in Boston versus travelling more than 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.
But that is exactly what one of our outstanding accounting seniors did last year. David Angel (’10) wanted a challenge. He worked locally for his first two Co-ops and really enjoyed his experience. However, he realized during those first jobs that business is a global endeavor.
He inquired with the International Co-op Office about overseas assignments, hoping to land a position in an English speaking country. What he found was much different. Paris, France! How exciting, exhilarating, and scary all at the same time. David did not even know how to say “yes.” Oui! “The language issue is really scary at first. However, you realize once you are there that you can adapt and succeed.”
David worked for BNP Paribas, a global banking and financial services firm in the center of Paris. He shared an apartment with fellow NU student in the city and commuted to work on public transit. “The first couple of weeks I really didn’t understand the monetary system and got cheated. The people at the company were great and they really helped me, especially early on. When I committed to learning French, my co-workers were really pleased. They helped me along throughout the process. It was very challenging, but really rewarding.”
David’s boss, NU alum Peter Philbrick (‘98), was happy to have David come to Europe and show what Northeastern Co-op students can do. “As an alum, I am intensely proud of our University. I recommend that more accounting students like David try to do as many co-ops as possible in various parts of the world, regardless of the language differences. It is normally easier to work internationally as a co-op student than waiting till graduation.”
David spent his time in Paris researching and writing position papers on exposure drafts issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. These standards comprise what will ultimately be International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted in the United States. “The experience to compare and contrast IFRS and United States standards was so valuable for me. Most graduates at other institutions wouldn’t get to do what I did, and I was just a co-op student.” His boss, Peter Philbrick agrees. “Since most other countries are using IFRS, learning those accounting standards will be very helpful when the U.S. transitions to IFRS. Bottom line, GO and don’t look back! You’ll never regret an international co-op.”
During the weekends, David traveled to several European countries. “This experience convinced me that I want to work in public accounting for an international firm. What is going to happen in the next five to ten years to financial reporting and accounting is pretty exciting.”
Northeastern is committed to increasing the international opportunities for our students, including international co-op. If you are interested in getting information about international co-op at Northeastern, call Ketty Rosenfeld, Director of International Co-op, at (617) 373-3466.