'Real Responsibilities'
Ohio Wesleyan Student's Accounting Internship Helps Shape Career Path
Name: Ryan McGinley '27
Hometown: Marysville, Ohio
High School: Marysville Early College High School
Majors: Accounting and Finance
Minor: Economics
OWU Connection Experience: In-person internship with Columbus-based Worthington Steel, a metals processor that operates in seven states and 10 countries
During his fall semester internship, McGinley worked as an accounting intern with Worthington Steel's accounts payable area. His primary responsibilities included "processing invoices for a joint venture, collaborating with vendors and internal teams to resolve discrepancies, and reconciling vendor statements to improve accurate accounts payable records."
'Real-World Setting'
"I wanted to gain hands-on experience in a corporate accounting environment. Learning concepts in the classroom is important, but applying them in a real-world setting provides a much deeper understanding. This internship allowed me to see how accounting functions day-to-day within a large organization."
My favorite moment of the internship was being trusted with real responsibilities and contributing to the company in a meaningful way.
My Favorite Moments
"My favorite moment of the internship was being trusted with real responsibilities and contributing to the company in a meaningful way. It was rewarding to see my work play a role in the accounting process, and the hands-on experience allowed me to provide real value to Worthington Steel."
Lessons Learned
"It's one thing to read about accounting in class, but having the opportunity to apply it firsthand makes a big difference. Through this experience, I learned that I really enjoy working with numbers and financials and how those numbers affect how companies operate. Experiences like this help students discover what they enjoy and shape the path of their future careers."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"I chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan because of its smaller campus environment and close proximity to home. During my time here, I've built strong relationships with my professors, something I feel is made possible by the smaller university setting."
My Plans After Graduation
"I plan to pursue a career in corporate finance or accounting, or an analyst role within a corporation. Ohio Wesleyan is preparing me to reach these goals by providing a strong educational foundation and expanding my understanding of how businesses operate. Many of my professors have offered valuable advice and feedback that have helped guide my academic and career development."