Seniors Devin Joshi and Marcos Rodriguez will graduate this May with more than classroom achievements—they’re leaving with hands-on experience gained through the school’s Work-Based Learning Program as interns at Blue & Co.

Blue & Co., a full-service accounting and consulting firm, has partnered with the Carmel High School Work-Based Learning program for the past three years. Mentor Kimberly Burke works directly with students, providing them with guidance and support throughout their internships. As a locally based Carmel business, Blue & Co. is deeply invested in helping Carmel students grow and succeed.

Throughout their internships, Devin and Marcos have connected what they’ve learned in accounting and business classes to real projects and responsibilities within Blue & Co. “At Blue & Co., I get to apply what I learned from Mrs. Phillips about QuickBooks and business taxes,” says Marcos, highlighting how the school has prepared him for daily operations. 

Devin adds, “My classes gave me a strong foundation, but here at Blue and Co. I actually see how accounting works day to day.”

Both students credit the internship for boosting their college and career prospects. Marcos has developed skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and time management, while Devin has become proficient in presenting to advisors and collaborating with teams. Their mentors describe them as positive and curious—qualities that have energized Blue & Co. and enriched ongoing projects.

Mentor Kimberly’s advice sticks with them: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Get diverse experiences, because the accounting profession keeps creating new opportunities.”

Kevin Umberger, who directly mentors Devin and Marcos, created a system to ensure that the students participate in a variety of experiences throughout the business. Umberger said: “We developed a bingo card that helps interns engage with colleagues across the company, giving them exposure to a broad range of experiences.”

Thanks to their time at Blue & Co., Devin and Marcos are ready to face their futures with the confidence and perspective gained from practical experience in the professional world.