Nashawn Presley
(Photo: Karsten Moran)
By Rebecca Maxon
Just a month into freshman year, Nashawn Presley, now a senior accounting major, secured a discovery internship at the Big 4 accounting firm Deloitte — an opportunity usually only offered to juniors and seniors.
He first learned about the company in high school, on a trip to visit its headquarters. “I am majoring in accounting because of that visit,” says Presley.
“My internship at Deloitte opened my eyes a lot,” he adds. “Last summer I was a little shy, but at Deloitte we got to meet interns from all around the world and make connections every day, learning more about the field.”
In the first week, the interns considered two business acquisitions and chose one to present to their manager.
“My main job there was in auditing, and I also did audit tax consulting and advisory.” In auditing, accountants examine records to verify the accuracy of financial statements and to protect businesses from fraud.
On their second project, the interns worked as consultants for a nonprofit. “We had to help them come up with solutions to get more people into the medical field.”
After completing his internship in summer 2024, he went back to Deloitte in summer 2025 and secured a spot at KPMG for winter 2026.
These internships exposed Presley to several areas of accounting. In between his Deloitte internships, Presley worked as a tax accountant for Kenneth P. Alevras, CPA, Inc. “I didn’t realize I would like tax this much. I’m thinking about switching, but I want to go back to Deloitte and learn more about its audit program.”
In the 4+1 BS/MS in accounting program, the ambitious Presley says it will actually be 3+1 for him, since he anticipates finishing his undergraduate classes by spring 2026 and his MS in spring 2027.
Active on campus as well, he is vice president of student affairs for the Student Government Association and a member of the Student Managed Investment Fund, which handles a portfolio of more than $135,000. “Members review the profile and pitch new stocks to buy.”
Of his internships, he says, “I’m doing work, I’m learning and I’m able to grow as I do the work. I learn something new every day.”