Professor connection leads to big opportunities for student with Big Four firm

Daniel Tripicchio '17 set his goals high during his freshman year at Saint John's University — he wanted to work for a Big Four public accounting firm.

Little did he know a mentorship with accounting and financial associate professor Boz Bostrom not only would help him reach his goal, but gain a once-in-a-lifetime experience along the way.

Tripicchio's curiosity in accounting and passion for hockey (he is a defenseman for the Johnnie hockey team) led him to SJU from his home in Hudson, Wisconsin. After his first-year financial accounting class with Bostrom, Tripicchio was certain he had found his calling and a mentor.

"The relationships students develop with professors at CSB/SJU give them opportunities that aren't possible anywhere else in the country," Tripicchio said.

During a regular conversation about Tripicchio's career goals, Bostrom mentioned his work in international tax at Deloitte before coming to Saint John's. "The more I learned about international tax, the more it intrigued me," Tripicchio said.

Bostrom was impressed with Tripicchio and, during his sophomore year, recommended him for an internship with Deloitte, a Big Four accounting firm. It was an offer Tripicchio couldn't turn down.  

"Daniel possesses an exceptional work ethic and determination," Bostrom said. "He loves a challenge and is a consummate team player — he is up for anything and always willing to help out."

Following his first summer internship with Deloitte in 2015, Tripicchio agreed to a summer 2016 internship, along with a full-time position in international tax following his graduation in May. It was during the summer 2016 internship that Tripicchio was given a life-changing international opportunity.

"This opportunity is just one of the many ways God has blessed me throughout my life, and I owe every success to him," Tripicchio said.

Tripicchio was one of 31 U.S. interns (out of approximately 2,300 who applied) selected to participate in Deloitte's Global Internship Program. The month-long program took Tripicchio to Brazil, where he was able to work, live and build connections with international professionals. Tripicchio completed a rotation with Deloitte's tax department where he learned about Brazilian tax legislation specific to several service lines.

"I developed a better understanding of the Brazilian business environment and specifically Brazilian tax planning opportunities," Tripicchio said. "All while building relationships with professionals from across all service lines."

Looking back, Tripicchio says the single best experience of the trip was the people he met. Not only did he develop connections with international Deloitte employees across all service lines, he made lifelong Brazilian friends.

"It is so rare to have an experience that is so valuable professionally, but at the same time a truly memorable personal experience," Tripicchio said. "The way the Brazilians took me in reminded me of the community you find at CSB/SJU, and perhaps that is why the experience was so extraordinary."