Poole Accounting Student Travels Abroad with KPMG

September 5, 2023 Sanaa McClendon 2-min. read

Accounting major Abbigail Tucker was one of a handful of students from different universities invited to attend the KPMG Global Programme this summer in Brussels, Belgium. This program welcomes 100 interns from all over the world to learn about important leadership and cultural skills to enhance the workplace before beginning their internships. In a Q&A session, Tucker answers must-know questions about KPMG and the Global Programme experience.

Q&A With Abbigail Tucker

How did you come across the KPMG Global Programme?

In January of 2023, I attended the accounting career night after recently declaring the accounting major a week prior so I was nervous. At this event, I was astonished by a great conversation with a KPMG representative who turned out to be a tax partner in the Raleigh office. After submitting my application for the tax internship, I had an interview with that same partner that went really well. I got an internship offer, and the recruiter also offered me the opportunity to attend the Global Programme in Brussels.

How did you prepare for the program?

I did not know how to prepare, but once I arrived, I felt grateful to have known the technical aspects of tax because of the courses I have taken. NC State has a great program for students interested in tax and I have had great tax professors in Poole College.

Abbigail Tucker (back row, second from right) enjoys the KPMG Brussels Experience with her fellow interns.

What did the program include?

The program lasted five days and covered themes of leadership, culture, self awareness, impact and business exploration. The program also included cultural experiences specific to Brussels. We went to a chocolate factory where we made chocolate and to the Parlamentarium. It reminded me a lot of Washington, D.C., so it was interesting to see the political climate.

What stood out to you the most about the experience?

The cultural and social impact days were my favorite aspect of the program. It inspired and excited me to see and work with people across the country and world who were passionate about business. The perspective of the international students was very special because the approach to work and clients is so different across the various offices.

Would you recommend the program to others?

I definitely would. While it was overwhelming to travel abroad alone, I was very comfortable and met many great people. I will also be attending training in Florida before my internship starts in January with many of the interns that I met in Brussels so I am looking forward to it.