Konner Prien
(’17 master of accounting; ’16 accounting)
Hometown: West Des Moines, Iowa
I attended Iowa State University and completed the master of accounting (MAcc) program in 2017. This was an incredible decision for me. I received the technical accounting knowledge that I needed to be successful, as well as an abundance of intangible critical thinking and problem-solving skills through numerous classroom simulations and case studies. The education I received from Iowa State prepared me well to pass the CPA exam and enter the real world of accounting and business.
After graduating, I began working in the assurance division at the public accounting firm RSM in Des Moines. I gained knowledge of a number of different industries through my time in public accounting, and got to work with a variety of experienced accountants, both internally at RSM and externally with my clients. The project management, client interaction, and staff training skills I acquired during my five years in public accounting are attributes I will continue to utilize throughout my career.
I decided to make a career change in the summer of 2022. I moved from public accounting to the private sector. I accepted an accounting manager position at Kemin Industries in Des Moines and am still working there today. I have a fantastic manager and team and enjoy the collaboration with other departments outside of accounting, including sales, R&D, and operations. It is exciting to be part of a family-owned, local company that does business on a global scale. The leadership skills I continue to receive at Kemin are invaluable to my career development.
Without Iowa State, none of my accomplishments would be possible — both professional and personal. I met my wife, Kenzi, there during our junior year, and we now have a junior Cyclone of our own, Parker. I truly enjoyed the engaging and challenging curriculum at the Ivy College of Business. Go Cyclones!
Connect with Konner Prien on LinkedIn.
