Stationed in the Office of Residential Life, University Housing Services counts on many student employees and interns to help with daily tasks and projects. While reflecting on the impact of the student employees and interns in the department, University Housing Services (UHS) wanted to highlight alumni who have used their experience working in UHS to shape their career paths.
Alum Danny Ellison started working as an Office Assistant for the Office of Residential Life during his sophomore year in February 2022.
“In this role, I primarily handled invoice vouchers, entering data into spreadsheets that tracked the housing department’s financials,” said Ellison, “I also helped out with miscellaneous projects, usually related to organizing or reconciling data in Excel.”
By the end of the year, Ellison had been promoted to accounting intern by his manager, Megan McKinnon, the current associate director of business operations. This role came with increased responsibility and project opportunities. Working closely in this role with McKinnon and Assistant Director of Business Operations Amy Thies, Ellison expanded his knowledge of Microsoft Office, as well as accounting and business operations-specific knowledge.
“I continued to work on financial reconciliations while building and maintaining spreadsheets that tracked separate metrics,” said Ellison.
As a finance major, Ellison said working as an accounting intern was impactful. “I got hands-on experience with basic financial analysis that I could reference in interviews,” said Ellison. “(I spent) tons of time figuring out how things work in Excel, which translated to impressing the more senior analyst I worked with on my first project, and (it gave me) a taste of what it was like to work on a team in an office environment.”
Since July, Ellison has worked full-time at Caterpillar Inc. as a pricing analyst. “My primary function is conducting price reviews for engine attachments, setting new prices, when necessary, based on analysis and our team’s pricing strategy,” Ellison said. “I also support pricing consultants during ‘major price change’ periods.”
Ellison attributes his smooth transition into this role to the skills he acquired at University Housing Services. “My time spent as an accounting intern has carried over very well in terms of skills that I use daily and the confidence that I have while completing tasks. Having basic accounting knowledge is crucial for success in finance.”
Ellison’s journey from a student employee at University Housing Services to a full-time pricing analyst at Caterpillar Inc. showcases the powerful impact of hands-on experience and mentorship in shaping a successful career. By taking on increasingly complex roles and building a solid foundation in finance and accounting, Ellison’s story reflects how UHS equips students with real-world skills that set them apart in the professional world.
Are you interested in gaining practical experience while shaping your own career? Consider joining University Housing Services as a student employee or intern. Visit our website to explore current opportunities and start building your future today.
