Category: Speakers

Con Edison: Accounting Careers and Internships for BMCC Students 4/23

Today’s accounting club meeting was packed with valuable information, thanks to our guest speakers from Con Edison: Juliana Markovich, Shivanie Sukhnandan, and Yancy Victoriano. They came to speak with us about what Con Edison does, the roles accountants can play in the company, and the amazing internship opportunities available for students like us.

What is Con Edison?
Con Edison was founded in 1823 as the New York Gas Light Company. Today, it provides gas, electric, and steam services to over 10 million people in New York and is one of the Fortune 500. One of their biggest goals is to keep workers safe, aiming for zero high-hazard injuries.

The company has many different departments to work in, including:

  • Gas, electric, and steam operations
  • Environmental and health & safety
  • Finance/Accounting
  • Supply chain
  • Construction
  • Corporate affairs
  • Emergency preparedness

At Con Edison, the Finance and Accounting departments are more than just numbers, they are a key part of keeping the company running smoothly. The team handles everything from paying employees to making sure the company follows financial laws.

Key Areas in Finance and Accounting:

  • Accounts Receivable (A/R): Making sure the company gets paid by customers and other companies it does business with.
  • Accounts Payable (A/P): Paying bills and making sure the company’s money is spent properly.
  • Payroll: Making sure every employee is paid the right amount on time.
  • Financial Reporting: Creating reports to show how the company is doing financially—like income, expenses, and profits.
  • Tax: Making sure Con Edison follows tax laws and files everything correctly.
  • Audit: Double checking the company’s finances to prevent errors or fraud.
  • Treasury: Managing the company’s cash, investments, and loans.
  • Finance Intelligence Automation: A special team that looks at how to use technology to improve the accounting process. They explore ways to make the work faster, easier, and more accurate using automation.

These areas all work together to help Con Edison plan for the future, manage money wisely, and make sure every dollar is used responsibly.

The Con Edison Co-Op Program with BMCC
One of the most exciting parts of the presentation was learning about the partnership between Con Edison and BMCC. For over 10 years, Con Edison has offered a Co-Op program that gives students real hands-on experience in accounting and other business areas.

Here’s what you get from the program or interning:

  • You’ll be working directly on tasks related to accounting operations and systems. This could include using Excel, Microsoft Office, and other tools to support financial teams.
  • Con Edison understands that school comes first. They are flexible with your school schedule and work with you to make sure you can balance both.
  • Each student is paired with a “buddy” or mentor, someone you can turn to with questions and who will support your professional development throughout the internship.
  • Interns are placed into departments based on their skills and experience, which helps you grow in the areas where you’re strongest while still learning new things.
  • At the end of the internship, you’ll prepare a presentation and write a paper reflecting on what you learned and the projects you worked on. This builds your public speaking and communication skills, which are important for any career.
  • You’ll get help updating your resume with the work you did during the internship. Con Edison also provides mock interviews to help you practice and feel confident for future job opportunities.
  • Interns are walked through assignments step by step so you’re never left confused. Even if your internship doesn’t perfectly match your major, they are willing to teach you everything. No experience? Not a problem! They’re happy to give you a chance.

Even if the internship is not exactly what you study in school, Con Edison is open to teaching you everything you need to know. They welcome students who have no experience and help them build it.

Success Stories
The speakers also shared stories about BMCC students who started as interns at Con Edison and later became full-time employees. For example, John Burzo went through the program and received a Community Partner Recognition Award and a full-time job offer.

Even better, Con Edison is willing to invest in your education. They can pay up to 100% of your master’s degree, 85% while you’re in school and the remaining 15% after you graduate.

Today’s meeting showed us that there are real opportunities for accounting students to grow, even while we’re still in school. If you’re interested in accounting or business, consider applying for the Con Edison Co-Op program or apply directly on there career website for a paid internship. It’s a chance to gain experience, develop new skills, and possibly even land a full-time job in the future.

Big thanks again to our guest speakers for sharing their time and insight with us!

Accounting Club Speaker Recap: Ronyhel Peguero and NABA 4/9/25

Today, our club had the pleasure of hosting Ronyhel Peguero — a licensed CPA, Baruch alum, and current law student — who shared valuable insights into the world of accounting, career growth, and making the most of your college years.

Ronyhel’s journey started at BMCC where he majored in accounting, later transferring to Baruch College, and eventually earning his CPA. With experience across multiple small firms and teaching at Baruch as a lecturer, his perspective gave our members a meaningful look at what lies ahead for aspiring accountants.

Here are some highlights from his talk:

Don’t Stop at the Degree
A degree is just the start. If you’re serious about accounting, aim for your CPA. It opens doors, shows dedication, and sets you apart in a competitive field.

Don’t Rush College
Take your time to explore opportunities, use campus resources, and get involved. Classes are important, but what you do outside the classroom can often matter more when it comes to landing internships and full-time roles.

Do the Work
Accounting is a great career path but it requires real effort. Whether you’re crunching numbers, preparing reports, or analyzing data, the field rewards those who are committed and curious.

Public vs. Corporate Accounting
Public accounting gives you exposure to diverse industries and clients, building a strong foundation. Corporate accounting is more specialized and focused. Both paths have their advantages—find what fits your goals.

AI in Accounting? A Tool, Not a Threat
AI isn’t here to take accounting jobs, it’s here to enhance them. Learning how to use tools and tech to your advantage will make you a more effective and competitive accountant.

Accounting is More Than Math
It’s about using financial data to help companies grow, make better decisions, and stay profitable. It’s analytical, impactful, and constantly evolving.

Huge thanks to Ronyhel for sharing his story and dropping real-world wisdom. His journey is proof that with focus, discipline, and a willingness to keep learning, accounting can open countless doors.

We also had students from NABA (National Association of Black Accountants), a organization that offers career development, mentorship, and networking opportunities for underrepresented students in accounting and finance.

Through events, workshops, and conferences, NABA connects students with professionals and firms, creating a pipeline to internships and jobs. Getting involved in organizations like NABA can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Networking isn’t optional, it’s essential. Building relationships, asking questions, and learning from others is how you grow. Whether it’s through clubs, events, or LinkedIn, every connection matters. Your network is your net worth.

Too many students rely on cold applying, hoping for the best. The truth is, recruiters hire people they recognize, trust, and have connected with. That only happens when you show up at events, at info sessions, or even in a simple LinkedIn DM.

Why Networking Matters:

You gain insider knowledge—things you won’t find in job descriptions.

You get real advice from people already doing the job.

You build relationships with recruiters, alumni, and mentors who can vouch for you.

You can discover roles or firms you’ve never even heard of before.

Networking isn’t just for extroverts. It’s for anyone who wants to build a future that doesn’t depend solely on an application portal.

Tip from the speakers: Talk to recruiters. Ask questions. Be curious. Follow up. People remember effort—and when an opportunity comes up, they’ll remember you.

Big thank you to Ronyhel and the NABA speakers, Jada Johnson and Emmanuel Brou, for taking the time to speak with us. Their insights were a reminder that relationships keep doors open.