Tatanya Bailey’s summer internships at EY in both 2023 and 2024 have led to a full-time job offer after she graduates with her bachelor’s in accounting this May. After graduation, she also plans to begin the Barney School’s Master of Science in Accounting and Taxation program to complete the 150 credits required to begin working at EY. This program will make Tatanya eligible to sit for the CPA exam, which is a key step in advancing her career in accounting.
She chose to pursue a career in accounting not only because she has a passion for numbers, but also because both of her parents were accountants. Growing up, Tatanya was inspired by their ability to analyze complex financial data and make decisions that positively impact businesses. This exposure sparked her interest in the field from an early age. Accounting offers the perfect blend of challenge and opportunity, allowing Tatanya to contribute to the success of organizations, while following a clear path for professional growth, including obtaining her CPA license. The dynamic nature of accounting keeps her motivated and excited for the future.
Tatanya explains that UHart has provided her with a strong foundation in accounting through the challenging coursework and learning opportunities. “The faculty’s expertise and dedication has been cherished, offering valuable knowledge and real-world insights that have prepared me for the complexities of the accounting profession.” More specifically, Barney has played a crucial role in Tatanya’s development by offering personalized support and resources tailored to her career goals.
“The school’s strong industry connections have provided me with internship opportunities, like my time at EY, which was pivotal in securing a job offer,” she says. “Barney’s focus on professional development, including résumé workshops, mock interviews, and career fairs, has helped me refine my skills and confidently navigate the job market. The collaborative environment and emphasis on real-world applications have been instrumental in shaping my career path.”
Outside of the classroom, Tatanya has flourished as a Barney student ambassador and student preceptor for the World of Business course. What she enjoys most about being a student at UHart is the sense of community and support on campus. “The faculty genuinely care about our success,” she emphasizes, “providing personalized guidance and mentorship that helps us reach our academic and professional goals. Additionally, the diverse student body and collaborative environment make it a place where different perspectives are valued and lifelong connections are formed.”
At EY, Tatanya worked as both a Launch Intern and an Audit Intern in the Audit and Tax departments, where she was involved in a variety of tasks that included analyzing financial statements, assisting with audit procedures, and preparing tax documents. Her role provided her with hands-on experience in the accounting field and allowed her to work closely with experienced professionals.“ My favorite part of the internship was the business trip to Boston,” she says. It was an incredible opportunity to engage with my fellow interns in a new setting, exploring Boston and seeing the Boston office, meeting the interns from other offices, and hearing the experiences of the seniors above me. This enriched my professional experience and broadened my perspective.”
Tatanya says that her internship at EY has been instrumental in preparing her for a future career by providing practical experience and insights into the accounting profession. The hands-on work allowed her to apply knowledge from her courses into real-world scenarios, develop technical skills, and understand industry practices. The experience also helped her build a strong professional network, refine her communication and problem-solving skills, and gain a clearer perspective of her career goals and aspirations.
Recently retired Assistant Dean Celia Lofink was an incredibly supportive figure throughout Tatanya’s time on campus. “She organized career-ready events that were instrumental in preparing me for the professional world, including headshot sessions, résumé-building workshops, and etiquette dinners,” Tatanya notes. She cites these opportunities as being invaluable in enhancing her career readiness and professional presentation.
Outside of campus, Tatanya enjoys exploring new places and traveling whenever she can. “I find that traveling broadens my perspectives,” she says. “I also engage in various leisure activities and hobbies that help me balance my studies and personal life. Additionally, I have my own painting business, where I work on commission.
“I would like to acknowledge the incredible support that I’ve received from the UHart community, especially during a challenging period when I experienced a brain aneurysm on campus last semester. Overcoming this hardship was incredibly difficult, but the encouragement and assistance from faculty and my peers were instrumental in my recovery and academic progress. This experience has strengthened my resilience and determination, and I am deeply grateful for the support I have received throughout this journey.”
Tatanya Bailey '25, Barney School of BusinessThe school’s strong industry connections have provided me with internship opportunities, like my time at EY, which was pivotal in securing a job offer. Barney’s focus on professional development, including résumé workshops, mock interviews, and career fairs, has helped me refine my skills and confidently navigate the job market. The collaborative environment and emphasis on real-world applications have been instrumental in shaping my career path.