A West Virginia University public administration graduate student is one of four students in the country to be named to a prestigious internship with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

Ashley Helmick will join the Norwalk, Conn.-based nonprofit organization as an intern in its Post-Graduate Technical Assistant program after she graduates in December. The one-year program familiarizes participants with the GASB s standards-setting process used in accounting for preparers, auditors and other users of financial information.

Helmick recently toured GASB s offices in Connecticut.

It was incredible because I was able to witness what we read so much about in textbooks,she said.To be part of that process will be the opportunity of a lifetime.

Helmick is a Buckhannon native who entered the public administration graduate program after earning a degree in accounting from WVU last year. She also earned a minor in communication studies. She wants to work in accounting, budgeting or financial management, in either local or state government.

Being tapped for GASB s exclusive slot means the numbers are definitely in Helmicks favor for future successes, said Dr. Odd Stalebrink, an assistant professor of public administration whose areas of expertise include financial management of public entities.

Its a great career booster for her,Stalebrink said.And given the competitive nature of this internship, it is very exciting to have someone from our Master of Public Administration program receiving and accepting this offer.

The Division of Public Administration is part of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, and is housed in the School of Applied Social Sciences.

For more information, contact Stalebrink at odd.stalebrink@mail.wvu.edu or at 304-293-2614, ext. 3155.