Editor's note: This story is part of a series profiling exceptional members of Penn State Schuylkill’s graduating class. For more stories like Clauser's, visit Schuylkill Speaks! The series is written by Renee Paetzell, a fourth-year Penn State Schuylkill student majoring in human resources with a minor in corporate communications.
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Ava Clauser has discovered that building connections is a powerful asset that can lead to unexpected opportunities. As an accounting major with a minor in accounting, Clauser has balanced academics, extracurricular involvement, and multiple internships throughout her college career.
Clauser has been actively engaged in campus life, serving as president of the Blue & White Society, vice president of Future Business Leaders of America, and a tutor in the Learning Center. She is also an embedded tutor for ACCTG 211, a member of the Co-op program and the Honors Program, and was involved in THON during her first two years.
During her second and third years, Clauser collaborated with Professor Angela Brown on a research project analyzing the impact of the embedded tutor model in the classroom. Reflecting on this experience, she shared, “This research project has impacted me during my college time by allowing me to help students understand class concepts and see them grow confidence in themselves. It was such a rewarding experience that I was not expecting.”
Clauser’s Co-op experience reinforced the importance of networking. Her first internship was with Cardinal Systems in Schuylkill Haven, where she worked in the Finance Department. There, she met her mentor, Barbara Miller, who introduced her to RKL’s external auditing team. This connection led to her participation in RKL’s Catalyst Program, an educational opportunity focused on public accounting.
That same summer, through her mother-in-law’s connection, she secured another opportunity at Penske Truck Leasing in the Financial Reporting Department. In January 2024, Clauser began an internship at RKL during the busy season. At the end of her internship, RKL invited her back for the following busy season. She also gained an auditing internship with William G. Koch & Associates, a small public accounting firm, extending her experience through December 2024.
Currently, Clauser is back interning at RKL in Small Business and has accepted a full-time position with RKL’s Small Business Service Group. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized the value of networking: “The biggest skill I learned was making connections with people is such a huge asset. You never know what opportunities it could bring you or the people you will meet.”
Clauser’s interest in accounting began in high school when she managed bookkeeping for her father’s small construction business. Her passion has only grown, she said, confirming that she has chosen the right career path. One of her most memorable experiences at Penn State Schuylkill was in Brown’s managerial accounting class, where engaging projects — such as making cereal necklaces to understand job costing — brought lessons to life.
“She [Brown] has gone out of her way to answer all my questions and become such a close mentor to me," Clauser said. "From helping me to get ready for interviews, reviewing my resume, and talking about how to make hard decisions, she has been incredibly supportive.”
With her full-time role at RKL secured, Clauser said she is excited for what’s next in her accounting career. Her journey at Penn State Schuylkill has been filled with mentorship, professional growth, and lifelong connections — all of which have prepared her for success.
Q: Why did you choose Penn State Schuylkill?
Clauser: I chose Penn State Schuylkill because it was close to home and, in high school, I wasn’t sure where to go. With some guidance, I realized this campus had everything I needed — it was the perfect fit.
Q: What is your favorite Penn State Schuylkill memory?
Clauser: My favorite memory on campus is the people that I have met and the hangouts we would have over lunch and breaks between classes that would then lead to going out to lunch, running errands, or an adventure we never knew where it was going to take us.
Q: What will you miss most about campus?
Clauser: I will miss the community feeling-knowing everyone that walks by and being able to stop and hang out somewhere on campus between classes.
