St. Ambrose University student Sam Willems ‘26 spent his summer five hours from home, gaining valuable real-world experience as an accounting intern with Caterpillar in Lafayette, Indiana.
Willems, an accounting major from Port Byron, Illinois, said the chance to work in corporate accounting with one of the largest equipment manufacturers in the world not only gave him professional experience but also reinforced the lessons he’s learned in the classroom at St. Ambrose.
“I was on the internal audit team at the Lafayette Engine Center, which produces large-scale engines,” Willems said. “Most of my time was spent doing receiving audits, making sure that the materials we got in were properly accounted for. If that process isn’t correct, everything else down the line is going to be off.”
The internship was full-time, with Willems often logging more than 40 hours a week. He described the experience as strong preparation for life after graduation.
“I didn’t know what to expect when I got there, especially moving five hours away by myself,” Willems said. “But the biggest thing I learned was just showing up, applying myself and having an open mind. You’re already there for a reason – you just have to put forth your best effort and be willing to learn.”
Classroom to career
Willems credits specific courses and professors at St. Ambrose for giving him the foundation to succeed.
“Accounting Information Systems with Janene Finley, PhD, and Accounting 301 with Michael Cipriano, PhD, really prepared me,” Willems said. “The workload and expectations in those classes carried over into my internship. I could put myself in the best place possible because I was already used to that level of accountability.”
He said while the classroom and workplace look different, the expectations overlap.
“The things I learned in class were nothing compared to the work I was doing,” Willems said. “But how I had to hold myself in class – showing up, giving my best effort, treating others well – that's what carried me forward. At Ambrose, it’s not just about GPA or numbers on paper. It’s about who you are as a person, and that’s something I really value.”
Building professional connections
In addition to audit work, Willems collaborated on a project with other Caterpillar interns to streamline inventory reporting across facilities using Power BI, a data visualization software . The project required extensive collaboration and networking across locations.
“We spent weeks just finding the right people to talk to,” Willems said. “You realize how important it is to build relationships, be personable and connect with others – even if you never meet them in person. Everything comes full circle, and those connections matter.”
Looking ahead
Willems received a return offer from Caterpillar but has not yet accepted, as his placement location is still being determined. What he does know, however, is that he plans to pursue a career in private accounting – a path that would include the type of work he experienced at Caterpillar, offering the balance between professional growth and personal interests that he values.
“I really enjoyed being able to understand the equipment we were making because it made the accounting process easier,” Willems said. “I know I want to go the private route, probably in cost or inventory accounting. I love my hobbies and my free time, and private accounting offers that balance.”
For underclassmen considering accounting, Willems offered simple advice: don’t stress about having everything figured out.
“None of us really know what we’re doing,” he said with a laugh. “If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to change course. And apply for internships – even if you’re a first-year. Someone will recognize your capabilities and give you an opportunity.”
As he prepares for graduation, Willems said he is grateful for the path that led him from Port Byron to St. Ambrose and on to Caterpillar.
“The best thing I did was listen to the people who knew more than I did and just do the work,” he said. “Sometimes you don’t have to understand everything – you just have to put your head down and do it. That mindset has made all the difference.”
