Highlighting Hounds- Kathie Gonzalez

Hi Hounds! This week on Highlighting Hounds, we are featuring junior Kathie Gonzalez ’26, and her experience as an Admissions Ambassador, swim teacher, commuter student, and how she landed an internship at AAFCPAs. As a commuter student at Assumption University, Kathie has prioritized immersing herself in campus life, despite the challenges of balancing academics, work, and social activities. Majoring in Accounting, she has actively sought out opportunities to get involved, especially through her role as an Admissions Ambassador. In this position, Kathie helps prospective students get to know Assumption University by leading tours, assisting at events like Accept Assumption, and connecting with first-generation students and their families. Being bilingual has also allowed her to bridge communication gaps–creating even more meaningful connections within the community. In addition to her work as an ambassador, Kathie recently landed an internship with AAFCPAs as an Audit Intern Staff Accountant. Read more to learn how through these experiences, Kathie has developed strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills that will serve her well in her future career in accounting.

Give a brief overview of yourself, and your experience at Assumption University.


I am a Junior Accounting Major minoring in Data Analytics. As a commuter, I have sought ways to get involved on campus and make meaningful connections. I have met many new students from all over the state and from other countries as well. It can be hard to juggle all of my responsibilities at once, but I do my best to make it work and attend as many events as I can. One thing that never fails to amaze me is the tight-knit community that has been created on campus. From tailgates to accept-assumption events, I see and feel the true hound spirit. During all of my tours, I always talk about how passionate every professor is. I have seen how they truly want students to succeed. I have attended many office hours, and they are always willing to help!


Describe a typical day as an Admissions Ambassador. What are your day-to-day
tasks and responsibilities?


As an admissions ambassador, I help with any tasks that arise in the admissions
house. There are times when I help the admissions counselors by organizing folders for
school events. Being bilingual has opened many opportunities for me to speak and
connect with first-gen students and families at Accept Assumption and Open House
events. I also give tours to prospective students and highlight what I love about
Assumption and why I chose to study here.


Describe your role at your off-campus job. Were you involved in any major
projects or accomplishments as an employee?


At the Goldfish Swim School, I am trained in all 4 positions which include: Swim Instructor,
Lifeguard, Deck Supervisor, and Front desk. Earlier this year, I was promoted to
Marketing Coordinator. In this new position, I am scheduling and capturing content for
social media. I reach out to local schools to coordinate Water Safety Presentations. The
clear goal is to spread the importance of being safe in and around the water. I have also
been part of many Farmer’s Markets and holiday strolls. I enjoy being able to connect
with local business owners to promote brand awareness. Some establishments I have
built and maintained relationships with include Chick-fil-A Marlborough, Apex
Entertainment Center, and Raising Cane’s Marlborough. Earlier this month I organized
the annual fundraiser for the Swim School where all proceeds will be donated to the
Special Olympics of Marlborough.


What have you learned from your positions?


I have learned to develop strong customer service skills. The ability to engage
with customers positively allows for many seamless conversations whenever
conflicts arise. The importance of networking is another takeaway that I hold all the
time. It can open new opportunities and allow for career growth. Whether it may be with
professors, coworkers, or new families I’ve met along the way, I have learned to value
every connection I’ve made.


What are your career goals? How will your job and admissions ambassador
experience help you reach those goals?


I would like to explore the accounting field and take advantage of every
opportunity that comes my way. I can see myself in a leadership role as I advance my
career in the accounting field. Giving college tours to large groups has allowed me to
work through my fear of public speaking. At first, it was nerve-wracking to speak to large
crowds, but I have slowly overcome that fear. I believe that if you are truly passionate
about something, you will be able to get over any obstacles that arise along the way. As a
deck supervisor at the swim school, I have learned to manage and problem-solve
issues that occur during lessons. I also learned how to navigate tough conversations
with staff members and families.


How did you achieve your upcoming internship at AAFCPAs as an Audit Intern
Staff Accountant? What are you looking forward to most in this internship?


I attended a mock interview that was being held at the CDIC. Through the mock
interview, I was able to meet the firm’s Talent Manager. I made sure to maintain a good
connection with her by speaking with her at the Career and Internship Fair. Shortly after
that, I set up an interview with the firm’s employees, and I received my offer letter in the
following weeks. I look forward to using the knowledge I’ve gained from my courses and
using them in real-world situations. I see this internship as a great opportunity to work
with professionals and learn how they navigate their daily tasks. I also look forward to
learning about the different types of industries and clients that are involved in the
accounting field.


What are your key takeaways from your experiences? What skills did you gain
from these roles, and how will they apply to your future career?


Overall, I believe that I have developed better communication skills. I will apply
this in future situations to form great connections. Being bilingual in English and
Spanish has opened many opportunities for me and has allowed me to get to know
more people and their stories.


Why did you apply to these roles? What aspects of the position/company
interested you?


I wanted to get involved on campus and when I saw that bilingual students were
needed for the admissions role, I applied, and I have enjoyed working there ever since. I
have met great students through my role as an Admissions Ambassador. I have also stayed
at the Swim School because of the growth opportunities that have opened up for me. I
am always open to taking on new responsibilities and broadening my expertise. Since I
will be heading into my senior year next year, I decided it was a good time to explore
accounting-related positions. I am very thankful for having great resources on campus
that have helped me with my first internship.


How has your Assumption career prepared you for these roles, as well as your
career?


The mock interviews at the CDIC helped me get a better understanding of what
qualities employers are looking for during the interview process. By attending the
Career and Internship Fairs hosted on campus, I was able to network with business
professionals and get to know why people chose the accounting field. By putting myself
out there, I have become more confident when networking.


What advice would you give to a student who wants to get involved on campus?


Go for it! Don’t be scared to get involved, Assumption has something for
everyone, you just need to find it. If you don’t know where to begin, start by attending
the clubs and activities fair, or maybe start your own club. If there is a certain topic that
you are passionate about, speak to your professors and they may be able to guide you
in the right direction. They are here to help you and genuinely want to see you succeed.


What has your experience as a commuter student been like?


I experienced some challenges at first with fitting in. I pushed myself to speak to my
classmates and I have been able to build strong friendships by doing so. I learned about
all of the resources that Assumption has for their students, specifically commuter
students. I encourage other students in similar situations to enter college with an open
mind. By being open to new opportunities, you will find what Assumption has to offer
you.

If you are interested in being featured on Highlighting Hounds or know of any students who would be a strong candidate, please email us at careerdevelopment@assumption.edu!

By Audrey Strmiska
Audrey Strmiska Marketing, Communications, and Event Managment Graduate Assistant