Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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James O'Brien

Novi, Michigan, United States

Summary

James is a highly motivated college student pursuing a double major in finance and accounting, aiming to blend hands-on operations with informed financial decision-making. Alongside his academic journey, James tapped into his lifelong passion for cars and gained hands-on experience as a mechanic at Vettestorations, a company specializing in restoring Corvettes. This helped him gain skills such as creative problem-solving and adaptability. With a track record of success, he climbed his way to the role of shift manager at three local Tropical Smoothie Café locations while excelling academically in high school. His experience in food services not only shaped his financial management skills but also created a wide variety of skills including customer relationships, management, financial stewardship, and leadership. Eager to further develop his leadership capabilities, James is inspired to make a valuable contribution to his future endeavors. 

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Embark Scholar Intern

KPMG
06.2025 - Current
  • Gained first‑hand operational knowledge in audit, advisory, and tax methodologies, tools, and client-facing practices
  • Contributed to a Capstone project in a team setting, developing leadership, teamwork, and project management capabilities, and presenting outcomes to senior stakeholders
  • Collaborated with cross‑functional KPMG professionals and Business Resource Groups, building a robust internal network and enhancing professional relationship skills

Mechanic

Vettestorations Inc
05.2023 - 08.2023
  • Collaborated with colleagues to diagnose a wide range of issues across Corvettes of a variety of ages and conditions and created innovative solutions for more efficient Corvette repairs.

Shift Manager

Tropical Smoothie Cafe
05.2021 - 05.2023
  • Documented daily cash revenue, ensuring accuracy and making bank deposits while maintaining adequate registered funds for the next day's operations.
  • Organized weekly shift schedules using dedicated software, enhancing team visibility and efficiency in work assignments.
  • Managed daily operations, keeping coworkers motivated while managing how much time a person will spend in each shift allowing for a more positive and healthy work environment.

Education

Accounting and Finance

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan
04-2027

High School Diploma -

Detroit Catholic Central High School
Novi, MI
05-2023

Skills

  • Spanish-Speaking
  • Bicultural
  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Leadership
  • Adaptability

Languages

English
Advanced (C1)
Spanish
Advanced (C1)

Timeline

Embark Scholar Intern

KPMG
06.2025 - Current

Mechanic

Vettestorations Inc
05.2023 - 08.2023

Shift Manager

Tropical Smoothie Cafe
05.2021 - 05.2023

Accounting and Finance

Grand Valley State University

High School Diploma -

Detroit Catholic Central High School
James O'Brien