When Mya Sheldon first enrolled in an accounting class in high school, she expected it to be another math course. Instead, she discovered something entirely different, a discipline that felt less like solving equations and more like solving puzzles. Today, as a junior at Dickinson State University (DSU), she is continuing to explore that interest while balancing academics, athletics, and an internship at Brady Martz.
After earning her associate degree from Bismarck State College, Sheldon transferred to DSU to pursue a degree in accounting and compete in the javelin for the university’s track and field team.
This semester, Sheldon is gaining hands-on experience as a tax preparation intern at Brady Martz. In her role, she works with real client materials, preparing tax documents such as 1099 forms and individual 1040 returns. The internship has given her valuable insight into the tax preparation process and the day-to-day work within an accounting firm.
Her coursework at DSU has played an important role in preparing her for the position. Sheldon has completed Income Tax I and is currently enrolled in Income Tax II, courses that have allowed her to apply classroom concepts directly to real tax returns.
“Seeing how what we learn in class translates into actual client work has strengthened my understanding and confidence,” Sheldon said.
She credits accounting professor Amy Kass for helping open the door to the opportunity. Kass invited professionals from Brady Martz to speak to the class and helped guide students through the internship application process, connecting classroom learning with real-world experience.
Through her internship, Sheldon has gained a clearer picture of what a career in accounting can look like. While she is still exploring the many career paths available within the field, the experience has helped her better understand the type of work environment she hopes to pursue after graduation.
As she continues her time at DSU, Sheldon is building the knowledge and experience that will support her future career in accounting.