Spotlights
Student Spotlight - Geoffrey Kohlhase
B.S. Accounting, December '15
Hometown: Bloomington-Normal, IL
What attracted to you to the accounting major at USF?
Accounting teaches you all aspects of business through multiple angles. When I go to work for a CPA firm or run a business, I will be able to better understand the logistics and recognize how everything should work together. With a strong accounting background, I will know both what to expect from internal operations and what I will need to communicate to the external public--an advantage not everyone will have. The accounting major at USF also puts students in contact with a huge network of business professionals. In the future, I will have connections that assist in expanding my company's reach.
What makes the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy different from other schools?
The Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy is special because it is a school whose graduates give back. As a result, we have the chance to network with other USF alumni and have so many recruitment opportunities within the Tampa Bay area. It is great to see where people from our school go in life, and all of the things they have since achieved. It is also obvious how much they care and support us. During the School's renaming, our alumni filled the business atrium to capacity. It was incredible.
Describe a rewarding learning experience through the Lynn Pippenger School.
I had a great opportunity to participate in the Deloitte FanTAXtic Case Competition in Miami, FL. With a team of four other students, and guidance from a professor, we had to solve an expansion proposal for a company and figure out the best way to put the expansion into place. The case offered details on where to go and how to go about it, and we had to make a decision under pressure. This was a great experience in that it allowed me to see some aspects of my future profession and how much I would actually enjoy doing the work.
Who is your favorite accounting professor?
Professor Cainas was the first accounting professor I had at USF. She takes the time to answer any and all questions and explains the material in simple, easy-to-understand terms. I came in to college with no accounting background and she showed me how much I can do with this degree. She gives students the tools to excel in the future.
What advice do you have for incoming accounting majors?
Get involved and take advantage of the opportunities the School offers. Ask questions, get to know your professors – they are here to help. Lastly, keep your grades up join Beta Alpha Psi because it offers so many unique networking opportunities.