Paving the Way

Going through the interview process can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. But Faith Janaszak ’24 was confident, relaxed, and—most importantly—herself!

“I’m setting the expectations. I want to leave them with a positive intern experience."

“I was sent a questionnaire where I had to choose words that described me,” said Faith. “Accounting can be really structured and routine, so I really asked myself, ʽDoes this truly describe me, or does it describe what I’m perceived to be?ʼ I wanted to be honest about who I was.”

Honesty and being true to herself landed Faith the job as the accounting and finance intern at Rinderknecht Associates—the first intern the department has ever had.

“It’s nerve-wracking being the first intern,” said Faith. “I’m setting the expectations. I want to leave them with a positive intern experience."

Although this is their first time with an intern, this isn’t the first time Rinderknecht and Mount Mercy have connected. Rinderknecht Associates constructed the Rinderknecht Athletic Center and Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex, in addition to other campus buildings and improvements. Now, as a Mount Mercy student, Faith is getting exposed to real-world experiences with Rinderknecht’s accounting department.

“Accounting in the working world is different than in the classroom. We learn the fundamentals in the classroom, then I apply them at Rinderknecht.”

“I’ve documented invoices and reimbursement statements, and worked with paychecks,” said Faith. “Accounting in the working world is different than in the classroom. We learn the fundamentals in the classroom, then I apply them at Rinderknecht.”

Faith has developed a strong appreciation for the company, and looking ahead, she’d love to work at Rinderknecht Associates as a full-time employee.

“I appreciate how I was given the opportunity to meet people from other departments,” said Faith. “I even met with the president.”

When she talked with Rinderknecht Associates President Scott Friauf, he had Faith deliver a
message to Mount Mercy President Todd Olson.

“When I met with Scott, he told me to tell President Olson about my internship at Rinderknecht. I told President Olson and it was just so cool since Rinderknecht is so closely tied to Mount Mercy.”