Michael Hickey
Graduation year: 2018
Majors: Accounting, economics, business administration-finance
Activities: Student Investment Fund, Wings Athletics, club basketball, varsity track & field, Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
Internships: Credit intern–HON Company; Human Resources Information Systems intern–HNI Corporation; Bids intern–HON Company; Cost Accounting intern–HON Oak Laminate Plant
Post-grad plans: Finance & Accounting Development Program at HNI Corporation
Why Augustana?
Augustana was on my radar because I wanted to go to a school where I would be taught by the professors themselves rather than graduate assistants. After visiting the campus and learning about all of the opportunities Augustana had to offer, I decided it was the right fit for me.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?
I came to Augustana with a plan to triple major in accounting, finance and economics, which I am doing. However, I had no idea that I would have the opportunity to participate in three summer internships and multiple professional and athletic clubs. Since I had not participated in track and field before, I certainly did not think that I would be throwing javelin for the track team my senior year.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I have had the privilege to work with and learn from many great professors in the classroom, co-workers during my internships, and other students in my activities. I would like to specifically thank Dr. John Delaney, Dr. Tristan Coughlin and Mrs. Mamata Marmé for being patient and flexible advisors and helping me realize my goal of triple majoring. I would also like to thank Professor Pamela Druger, Dr. Greg Tapis and Professor Nadia Schwartz for helping me figure out a way to take the CMA exam while I was still in school.
Peak experience?
Presenting stock information to Augustana’s Board of Trustees’ Finance Committee the fall of my senior year for the Student Investment Fund. It was a great real-world learning experience to have the opportunity to present in front of investment professionals, learn what types of questions we should be asking when considering investments, and receive feedback on how to improve our investment analysis for the future.
What surprised you?
I learned the power of setting extremely high goals. You would be amazed at how much you can accomplish if you manage your time wisely and work hard every day to achieve your goals.
How did you use Augie Choice?
I used Augie Choice to cover expenses related to my internship with HON Oak Laminate.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss seeing the friends that I made at Augustana every day.
Advice for the Class of 2022?
Get involved in as many activities that interest you as you can. I have learned just as much, if not more, from my activities as I have in the classroom. Don’t be afraid to try something new later on in your college career either. I joined the track team two days before starting my last term. I have no doubt that experience will be great, just like all of my other experiences at Augustana.
“Michael is our Outstanding Accounting Student award winner this year, and he is one of the brightest students I have had the honor to work with. He has had an amazing run at Augustana—completing multiple internships, leading the Student Investment Fund and receiving awards for his performance in the classroom. Michael is one of our ‘go to’ students to represent the accounting department at recruiting activities. The thing that strikes me about Michael is that with all his accomplishments, he goes about his business in a very humble way. He is without a doubt destined for greatness in business and life in general.”