Summer Intern Spotlight: Ryan Hanley '26
Ryan Hanley ’26 is spending eight weeks at Ernst and Young (EY) in New York, New York and making valuable professional connections in the heart of the financial world.By: Elizabeth Vander Neut ‘26, student correspondent
This summer, Ryan Hanley ’26, shown, is gaining real-world experience at Ernst & Young (EY) in New York City, where he is interning with the FSO Assurance Group. From assisting with auditing a major public company to collaborating with profressionals across the firm, Hanley said each day has brought new and valuable experience. This internship has helped him apply classroom concepts in a practical setting and build connections that go beyond technical skills.
Hanley, of Dumont, New Jersey, is an accounting and finance major at The University of Scranton. He shares how this summer internship has deepened his understanding of the profession, preparing him for life after graduation.
Describe a typical day at work.
"There is no such thing as a truly 'typical' day; each day at work looks a bit different for me, which keeps things interesting and exciting! Even with a variety, I am completing assigned tasks in a client-serving role, that direct support the firm’s audit of a large, well-known public company. Whether it is exploring financials or helping to gather and evaluate documentation, it’s cool to realize that my work has a genuine impact on something much bigger!."
What are some skills you have learned so far?
"Coming off my previous internship at Wiss & Company in Florham Park, New Jersey, I already had a solid foundation of technical skills to build on. This summer’s internship has allowed me to expand and strengthen many of those skills in meaningful ways. Beyond just the technical side, one of the most valuable parts of this experience has been the people; I’ve had the opportunity to connect with an incredible network of fellow interns and professionals, from staff to partners, who have not only offered great advice but also taught me a lot through their own stories and experiences!"
What do you enjoy most about your job?
“There are a lot of aspects of my internship that I’ve really enjoyed. First, being able to gain real-world experience while still actively studying accounting has been incredibly valuable. It’s helped me take what I’ve learned in the classroom at Scranton and actually apply it in a meaningful way, which has deepened my understanding of the material. I’ve also really appreciated the chance to work with a wide range of people across a large organization - everyone brings different experiences and advice, and I’ve learned a lot just from talking with them. On top of that, getting to work in New York City has been an exciting part of the experience.”
What were your expectations going into the internship and how do they compare to the reality?
“To be honest, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect going into this internship but I’ve been extremely happy with how it’s turned out. In such a short amount of time, I’ve learned a tremendous amount. Getting hands-on experience with topics we cover in class and seeing how they actually come together in the real world has been incredibly rewarding. It's made everything click in a way that the classroom alone just can’t replicate.”
How do you feel this internship has prepared you for the real world?
"It’s given me hands-on experience and practical knowledge that I know will be incredibly valuable as I move forward in my career."
