Internship Spotlight: Kevin Howard, Protiviti

Kevin Howard '23 BSBA (Management Information Systems & Operations and Supply Chain Management) was an Internal Audit & Financial Advisory IT Intern at Protiviti in Phoenix, Arizona.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

My favorite part of this experience was having the opportunity to travel to Austin, Texas, with 323 fellow interns. During our on-boarding training, interns were able to connect with students from different schools and meet industry professionals from the firm. I enjoyed learning about different aspects of consulting and what my career would look like with Protiviti. I am so grateful for this experience and I am glad I was able to see the unique culture that Protiviti has created among their employees, clients, and executives! 

If you worked on a big project, please describe it below:

My first project was with a large supermarket chain based in Phoenix, Arizona. The purpose of this project was to ensure our client was complaint with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), which is necessary for all publicly traded companies. I was responsible for testing IT operations controls within the client's IT environment and summarizing my findings for the external audit review. My favorite part of this project was traveling to the client's headquarters with my team and learning how our services impact the business.  

How did Eller Prepare you for this experience?

Eller prepared me for this experience by teaching skills needed to be successful on a team. At Protiviti, I met many professionals and joined new teams almost every week, so I was comfortable in a fast-paced environment. I am fortunate for my professors who supported me in my courses and my peers who challenged me in the classroom because it made my internship much more fulfilling. 

Did you feel supported by the company or organization you worked with? Please share what they did to help you feel included. 
  
I remember on my first day in the Phoenix office, I was welcomed by all the employees immediately. The manager on my first engagement introduced herself and met with me to review my role on the team, so the transition into the office was great. I was given autonomy on my teams, but I felt comfortable reaching out with questions when I needed support to complete my work.  Each team I joined, I was able to meet employees from different cities and everyone treated me as an equal. Protiviti also offered a hybrid experience, so they were very accommodating to my situation and the flexibility was very beneficial throughout the summer. 

In the image above, I was recognized for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion award at the Intern Challenge in Austin, Texas.