When Deanna Drollinger joined the Eccles School as an accounting major, her goal was the same as so many college students — get a good education, study hard and graduate.
Drollinger received scholarships through the Eccles School’s Opportunity Scholars. That scholarship opened the doors she needed to engage in her Eccles experience, which has culminated in an internship offer for PwC in Dallas in the summer of 2016.
The money raised during the one-day Love Utah Give Utah campaign on March 26, 2015 helps fund scholarships like the one Drollinger received.
At the David Eccles School of Business, we are committed to changing lives, but we can’t do it alone. Schedule your donation before March 26 or donate the day of by clicking here. Your support helps students like Drollinger pursue her career dreams.
As a sophomore, Drollinger joined Beta Alpha Psi and took on a leadership role as the VITA officer to help national and international students prepare and file their taxes. She then went with the accounting team on a company visit to Dallas.
“Up to that point, I hadn’t considered a career outside of Utah. But Martha (Eining) encouraged me to expand my opportunities.”
The trip proved pivotal to her career aspirations.
After the trip, Deanna was invited to PwC’s prestigious national Summer Leadership program in Atlanta to represent the North Texas office.
“Everyone was so open,” she said about the program, “We’d come together, all 500 of us, share our personal stories and insights, and grow as one team.”
Her confidence flourished as she continued to open herself up to new possibilities.
“I’m a completely different person going out than I was coming into college,” she said.
Following the program, she attended the national BAP meeting where she was able to build her network, attend compelling breakout sessions and bond with her peers. Today, she’s accepted an internship offer from PwC in Dallas for Spring 2016.
“Pushing myself has helped me build a strong, supportive network,” Drollinger said.
However, she admits she didn’t do it alone.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentorship of Martha Eining, director of accounting, Marci Butterfield, BAP adviser, and professors like Michael Lewis and Shannon Charles who believed in me and challenged me to go further,” she said.
How has your Eccles Experience opened doors, expanded horizons or connected you to a career path?