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This summer, following his graduation from Mount Wachusett Community College, Brandon Ouellet had the opportunity to turn his passion for numbers into a real-world experience in his hometown of Athol. Ouellet was selected to participate in the Massachusetts Local Finance Commonwealth Fellowship Program, an innovative initiative designed to train the next generation of municipal finance professionals.
The Fellowship, open to students in Massachusetts community colleges, provides paid internships in city and town finance offices. During his internship, Ouellet contributed to a variety of municipal finance tasks, including budgeting, payroll, accounts payable, property tax billing, and cash reconciliation.
“Brandon has been shadowing our professional finance officers over the past six weeks following his time training with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue,” said Shaun Suhoski, Athol Town Manager. “It’s so great to see local talent—someone from Athol High School and Mount Wachusett Community College—potentially pursuing a career in municipal finance. He’s been a great summer addition to our team, and I think he will find much success at UMass Amherst in the fall.”
Ouellet was one of two MWCC students and one of 30 statewide selected for this prestigious program, an achievement he attributes to the encouragement of his MWCC accounting professor, Chris Kinney, who first introduced him to the opportunity. After earning his associate degree at MWCC, Ouellet is now set to continue his studies at UMass Amherst as a rising junior, with a strong interest in public service and municipal finance.
For Ouellet, the experience wasn’t just about learning finance, it was about giving back to the community he loves. “Working in Athol Town Hall this summer has been incredible,” Brandon said. “I’ve learned so much, and it’s rewarding to see how the work I’m doing can make a difference for my hometown.”
The Local Finance Commonwealth Fellowship Program continues to support students across Massachusetts by preparing them for careers in municipal finance, helping cities and towns attract and train a skilled, diverse workforce for the future. Learn more at https://www.mass.gov/local-finance-commonwealth-fellowship-program.