Firm Fellow – Lauren Montgomery – EY

Lauren Montgomery

Ernst & Young (EY) Firm Fellow
Incoming FSO Assurance Associate at EY

Undergraduate Institution: Clemson University
Undergraduate Major: Accounting 
MSA Focus: Audit 
Firm + Role: EY—Financial Services Audit (FSO Assurance Associate)

“The MSA program pushed me to recognize potential in myself that I hadn’t fully realized before.”

The Path

Lauren began her undergraduate career at Clemson University as a pre-business student, exploring different areas before discovering accounting. The field quickly stood out as a natural fit. “As the ‘language of business,’ accounting opened my eyes to the wide range of possibilities this career path offers.”

With a strong foundation and a clear interest in the field, pursuing a master’s degree became a logical next step—both to meet CPA requirements and to deepen her knowledge. Even beyond the additional credits, she saw the value in further preparation. The MSA offered an opportunity not just to continue her education, but to challenge herself and grow before entering the profession.

The Fellowship Experience

As an EY Fellow, Lauren benefited from both financial support and early connections with the firm. Having a return offer going into the program gave her a unique sense of stability and allowed her to focus fully on growth.

“It gave me a sense of confidence and stability, allowing me to focus on how I could best leverage the opportunities within the MSA program.”

Her connection with EY also strengthened her excitement about her future. Through interactions with professionals and recruiters, she gained insight into the firm’s culture and expectations, reinforcing her confidence in her career path. 

Career Readiness & Growth

Throughout the program, Lauren’s perspective on accounting evolved. While she initially appreciated the structure of “right answers,” her experience at Mendoza expanded that view. “There are often multiple ways to approach a problem—it’s about finding the most thoughtful and effective solution.”

Courses and hands-on projects helped bridge the gap between theory and practice. One standout experience was a semester-long audit project that mirrored real-world scenarios, allowing her to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting.

“The project closely resembled a real-life audit… and helped me understand how to apply what I’ve learned in a more practical way.”

These experiences, combined with a rigorous curriculum, gave her both the technical skills and confidence needed to step into her role in financial services audit.

 

Community & Experience

One of the most surprising aspects of Lauren’s experience was the strength of the community. Coming from a large undergraduate institution, she found the close-knit nature of the MSA program especially meaningful.

“The sense of community exceeded my expectations… the relationships I’ve formed have made my experience even more meaningful.”

Within a short period of time, she built strong friendships and a reliable support system. Shared challenges, from coursework to CPA preparation, brought the cohort closer together and created a collaborative, encouraging environment.

 

 

Looking Ahead

Lauren will be joining EY in New York City as an FSO Assurance Associate, focusing on financial services audit. She is excited to begin her career at a firm that values growth, challenge, and innovation.

“I’m eager to join a firm where I know I will be supported to take risks and think outside the box.”

With a strong academic foundation and meaningful experiences behind her, she feels well prepared for this next chapter.

Advice for Future MSA Students

Lauren encourages prospective students to view the MSA as an investment in themselves.

“It will challenge you in ways you may not have thought possible, but the meaningful education and connections you build make it worthwhile.”

She emphasizes that the program is about more than technical knowledge—it’s about developing confidence, building relationships, and preparing for long-term success.