Life changing decision: BGSU transfer student maximizes comprehensive college experience

As a transfer student and commuter, Madelyn Peterson has embraced her time at BGSU, securing a full-time job ahead of graduation in 2027

By Branden Ferguson

When Madelyn Peterson decided to transfer to a four-year university, she wasn't just looking for a school that would accept her credits – she was looking for a place that would meet her where she was in life.

As a commuter student from nearby Monclova, Ohio, Peterson said she worried about making friends and adjusting to a new campus. However, she found the support she needed at Bowling Green State University, which not only accepted her credits but also provided her with a comprehensive network of resources that has been crucial to her success.

"I have gotten a great education and so much more at BGSU," Peterson said. "I attended career fairs and expos, created friendships and professional connections through student organizations and had the opportunity to study abroad – something I never thought I'd be able to do."

During her first year at BGSU, Peterson secured an internship at Clifton Larson Allen (CLA) accounting firm in Maumee, where she worked as an assurance intern in the nonprofit industry. From this January through April, she applied her classroom knowledge as a business administration student to the internship, working with clients, preparing paperwork and performing all the tasks of an assurance associate.

"I came into Bowling Green not knowing that internships were a thing I was supposed to do," Peterson said, noting that connecting with Life Design was pivotal in setting her on a successful path.

A national leader in Life Design, BGSU integrates design thinking principles into every stage of a student's academic and career journey. Anchored by two centers, including the Geoffrey H. Radbill Center for College and Life Design and the Michael and Sara Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections, Life Design provided Peterson with support from college and career coaches who helped her map out her college and future career journey with confidence and intention.

"My Life Design coach helped me tackle all of my career goals," Peterson said. "With their help, I was able to prepare for and obtain an internship, acquire on-campus jobs and design my future career. I was able to do all of that while maintaining school and work/life balance."

After impressing her employer during her internship, Peterson received a full-time job offer from CLA. Before starting her new role as an assurance associate in January 2027, she will finish her senior year and work on passing her CPA exams.

"I cannot believe the experience I've had at BGSU," Peterson said. "I hope to make the most of my senior year working as a peer mentor with the commuter and transfer student population at BGSU.

"As a commuter and transfer student myself, I find it incredibly rewarding to connect students to the plethora of resources that BGSU provides. I can do something for the people in my community, just as others helped me when I was trying to find my place here."