Graduating Senior Set  for Success with Career-Making Internship

Reginald Paul, a member of the York College Class of 2026, will step into a career-defining internship just days after graduating. The Accounting and Finance major completed the required 150 credits for his degree and CPA licensure by taking 18 credits per semester, along with winter and summer courses, while pursuing external opportunities to strengthen his academic and professional profile.

In spring 2025, Paul, through his connection to the Office of Career Services at York, attended the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)/Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) Leadership event for HBCU students, where participants meet and interview with major employers.

Having submitted his résumé in advance, Paul saw strong early interest. “I started receiving emails from companies before I got there,” he said. He accepted an offer from M&T Bank’s Management Development Program (MDP) in the Controller’s Office, which also includes support for CPA exam preparation during the one-year program.

According to the offer letter, the non-rotational program is “designed to strengthen leadership skills such as the ability to create vision, build alliances, and drive results.” It also provides “direct positioning, intensive training in communication and leadership, and exposure to banking operations, along with networking opportunities and peer support.”

The extended internship will give Paul meaningful experience to launch his career. “The MDP can become permanent if the company and I wish,” he said. “Controllers manage the financial health of an organization by supervising accounting operations and ensuring accurate financial reporting. In this role, I will mainly work on SEC filings for quarterly reports and yearly reports.”

While grateful for this exciting opportunity, Paul also credits York College for his success. “I am very thankful to the Accelerate, Complete, Engage (ACE) program for their support throughout this experience,” he said, while highlighting the HBCU/PBI initiative, which helps Black and African-American students prepare for careers and connect with top companies.

Asked what advice he would give current and incoming students, Paul emphasized initiative: “Use all your available resources and be proactive in your journey,” he said. “Many students don’t take advantage of the free opportunities for career advancement. Pay attention to emails about opportunities to further your development -- it’s a great way to take initiative in your education. Personalize your academic journey to what works best for you.”

He took his own advice. Paul balanced two jobs while completing his degree in four years – with honors. And York’s Career Services couldn’t be more pleased that he took advantage of the opportunity to connect to the TMCF.

“By proactively utilizing the Career Services resource of participating in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute, Reginald received the professional readiness skills and developed the self-efficacy needed to navigate the job market,” said Ms. Mondell Sealy, manager of Career Services. “Through frequent engagement with TMCF, he was made aware of many internships and job opportunities that are offered.  I am so pleased that Reginald was able to leverage this Career Services resource for a seamless transition into his chosen field.”