Lauren Krueger
Graduation year: 2019
Hometown: Geneva, Ill.
Majors: Accounting and business administration-management
Minor: Spanish
Activities: Phi Rho sorority, Order of Omega honor society
Internship: Audit internship at Deloitte in Chicago
Post-grad plans: Study for the CPA exam and begin working full-time as an audit assistant for Deloitte in the fall of 2019
Why Augustana?
My brother attended Augustana, so it’s been a part of my life since I was in high school. The beautiful campus and the impressive students, faculty and graduates are aspects that drew me, but I knew Augustana was the school that would challenge me. The small class sizes allowed me to build relationships with the faculty. They were able to see my potential and set their expectations high, and I had to work hard to meet those expectations. I am better off because of that.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?
Absolutely not! When I first came to campus, I thought I would struggle with post-graduate plans at the end of my four years here. I thought I had an idea of what I wanted to do, but with the guidance of my family and the professors, I was able to find my passion for accounting and leadership. I am proud to say that I was offered a full-time job before my senior year began.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Many people have helped me during my time at Augustana. My parents have been my biggest supporters throughout college. Making them proud is definitely my motivation to succeed. My brother, who is also an Augustana accounting graduate, helped guide me to my major. I am grateful that I have someone so hard-working in public accounting to look up to.
I owe so much to my professors. Dr. Delaney, Professor Schwartz, Dr. Tapis and Dr. Mahon pushed me academically inside of the classroom and professionally outside of the classroom. I’d like to thank those professors for allowing me to make the most out of my education.
My sorority sisters helped me grow into the woman that I am today. They’ve been there to celebrate the highs and get me through the lows of college, and I will miss being here with them dearly.
Peak experience?
One of my peak experiences was completing my internship with a top accounting firm in Chicago. I was able to live in the city during my internship, so I felt like I got the true experience. It helped build my résumé, and I had a lot of fun doing it.
What surprised you?
I am surprised by how much this school fostered my growth as an individual. As a first-year student, I lacked the courage I needed to reach my fullest potential, and I can confidently say Augustana changed that. I never thought I would have the leadership skills to become president of a sorority. I definitely never thought I would have the technical or social skills to land a job at the top accounting firm in the nation. Augustana’s environment empowers students to step out of their comfort zone, and that’s where growth happens.
How did you use Augie Choice?
I used Augie Choice to live in the West Loop while interning.
What will you miss the most
The people. Living with my best friends, catching a glimpse of a maroon swishy on campus, and just the overall friendliness of all of the students at Augustana are really special. I know that the memories and connections I’ve made here will last a lifetime.
Advice for the Class of 2023?
Make the most out of your four years academically, professionally and socially. Set high goals, work hard and say yes to new opportunities.
“Lauren is an outstanding student who brings the best of her work and dedication into anything she does. She is very intentional about her learning. Her smile and cheerful attitude brighten up any encounter, and she is a delight to be around. No wonder she was selected to intern with Deloitte in Chicago and was offered a full-time job with the firm upon completion of her internship. Big thanks to her family for fostering outstanding personal ethics. I wish Lauren the best on her life adventure!”