Campus Connection

Beta Alpha Psi students explore careers, connect with alumni at KPMG International

A visit to KPMG International gave UW-La Crosse students the chance to explore accounting professions while connecting with alumni who once stood in their shoes. 

Members of UWL’s Beta Alpha Psi accounting honor society visited KPMG’s Minneapolis office this fall, which included a facility tour, conversations with professionals in various roles and an overview of career pathways within one of the world’s leading professional services firms. 

Erin Dingrando, teaching associate professor in accountancy and the lead faculty member for the trip, emphasized the importance of experiential learning opportunities like site visits.

“A significant part of the learning process is finding ways to apply textbook and classroom concepts to the real world,” Dingrando says. “That’s why site visits like ours to KPMG are so wonderful. Students can see first-hand how what they’re learning in their curriculum is applied by professionals in the field.” 

During the visit, students connected with KPMG professionals and alumni, gaining insight into how technology, collaboration and innovation shape modern accounting and consulting work. 

“I think students really enjoyed seeing how firms today are deploying various technologies to solve incredibly complex problems for their clients,” Dingrando says. “Additionally, it was encouraging for students to hear young professionals and UWL alumni articulate that if they study hard, they too can be solving those complex problems in the not-so-distant future.” 

For sophomore accounting major Isidoro Muniz, the visit encouraged him to prioritize networking and push himself academically, while also reaffirming his goal of pursuing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. 

“The visit connected classroom concepts directly to real-world practice, especially in professionalism, networking and adapting to new technology,” Muniz says. “It also reflected the career preparation and professional standards emphasized in classes.” 

Chris Ottesen, ’86, director of KPMG International’s Solution Design Team, helped host the visit, which carried personal significance. As a senior at UWL, Ottesen took part in a site visit organized by Professor Bill Cress (now professor emeritus), an experience he says changed his life and helped shape his career path. 

Ottesen credits UWL with launching his global career that has spanned audit, tax and management consulting.

“I wanted students to see that accounting opens doors. It’s not just about audit or passing the CPA exam; it’s the language of business,” Ottesen says. “KPMG and other ‘Big Four’ firms offer incredible opportunities under one roof, and we’re leading the way in applying AI to business in a trusted, innovative manner.” 

KPMG’s approach to using AI stood out to Muniz. 

“I was especially impressed by their use of AI agents to improve efficiency,” Muniz says. “I was also surprised by the firm’s culture and the priority they place on employee well-being through benefits and support — it showed a genuine commitment to their employees.” 

Dingrando says experiences like this are invaluable for students as they envision their futures.  

“This trip was such a privilege for me and for our students,” she says. “It’s not every day that you get to see classroom content come alive. I’m so thankful to KPMG, and hope that we can continue these immersive experiences with our students and firm partnerships.” 

As he looks ahead to retirement, Ottesen remains committed to mentoring the next generation.  

“I’m grateful to UW-La Crosse for preparing me so well,” he says, “and hope to keep helping young professionals launch their careers for years to come.”