Abdou Allah Camara

High school: Brookfield Academy

Hometown: Conakry, Guinea

Majors: Accounting, business administration – finance, data analytics

Activities: Global Engagement Team, African Students Association

Internships: Audit and assurance Intern at Deloitte; summer assistant at Brookfield Academy Summer Days

Post-grad plans: Work as an audit assistant at Deloitte

Why Augustana?

I was looking for a small- or medium-sized college where one-on-one interactions with professors would be easier. Having a smaller class size would also allow me to form meaningful relationships with my classmates. Additionally, I felt attracted towards Augustana's accounting and business curriculum.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

When I started at Augie, I was not expecting to be a triple major. It was not easy to keep track of all three majors' requirements, but I am glad to have had amazing advisors, and I don't regret having chosen to triple major.

As I reflect over my years at Augie, I would say that I have grown considerably as a person and have also learned to be more open to new experiences. I used to be fairly introverted but after expanding my friend group, I have become much more outgoing.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

I would have to first give my thanks to my dear family. My parents and sibling have always been there when I needed them most. They have made sure to push me to try new things and be the best version of myself.

My professors have also been a huge part of my overall growth so far. Dr. Delaney has been a great professor and a great mentor for all his students. He always makes sure that his students are doing well and helps with our job search.

Professor Marmé has helped me and many other students navigate our way through college by being someone we could always rely on when we needed help or just to talk.

Finally, Professor Schwartz has been an outstanding advisor. She made sure that I was on track academically and pretty much set up my whole four-year schedule. She has been a great support and mentor.

Lastly, I would like to thank all of my friends for being there to support me.

Peak experience?

My peak experience would have to be my internship with Deloitte as it was an eye-opening experience. I was exposed to some of the many different aspects of auditing and that just made me excited to join the workforce.

A close second place would be having my business simulation group make it in the top 10% worldwide of everyone who has competed in the marketplace simulation. Good job y'all! We proved Brandon wrong!

What surprised you?

I was surprised by the diversity of activities there is at Augie. I was not expecting that I would be joining any clubs on campus, but here I am treasurer of the Global Engagement Team. Additionally, most people here are very friendly and that helped me get out of my comfort zone and try new things.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the connections and friendships I have made during my four years at Augie. Hopefully, I will get to carry those connections as I go onto the next stage of my life.

Advice for the Class of 2027?

I have come to learn this year that you should try to be as nice and understanding as you can with others. It doesn't matter if they are a close friend of yours or a random person out there. If you see someone struggling, extend a helping hand, and most importantly, don't expect anything in return.