Shirish Srinivasan wasn’t satisfied with just securing his own internship with a Big Four public accounting firm. He wanted his fellow College of Business students to join in the fun. 

As president of Beta Alpha Psi, he worked throughout the summer to plan a Meet the Firms event to introduce students to internship employers.

“I have received so many benefits from Beta Alpha Psi, in terms of getting ready for the business world,” he said. “I felt that it was important to give back to the organization by trying to provide students with the same opportunities that I received.”

Giving back is a theme that has run throughout Shirish’s college career.

In September 2013, he and his colleague, Alan Mardini, were recognized by the Michigan Association of CPAs as the two outstanding Students of the Year for their extensive service preparing free tax returns for low-income families through the Accounting Aid Society of Detroit.

On campus, Shirish organized College of Business students' participation in the RISE Finance conference at the University of Dayton. With Beta Alpha Psi, he organized a number of community service projects and networking events across southeast Michigan. Under his leadership, the UM-Dearborn chapter earned "Superior" status for a fourth consecutive year.

“Shirish shies away from recognition, however he is clearly an exemplary difference maker among his peers,” said Susan Baker, Richard E Czarnecki Collegiate Professor and lecturer IV in accounting and finance. “I have every confidence that he will continue to be a leader in the community as an alumnus and will represent UM-Dearborn extremely well.”

Already, Shirish has completed several internships. One in particular led to his dream of securing full-time employment with one of the Big Four—he plans to join Ernst & Young after graduating in 2015.