Clarence Magee II

When asked what advice he would give a first-year student, Clarence Magee II enthusiastically says, “Hit the ground running.”

“What you do your freshman year sets the mark for the rest of your college career. Do well in your prereqs so it won’t hurt you in the future.”

Clarence’s journey demonstrates the value of early action. He has already completed two internships, with a third on the horizon. In 2022, he embarked on a launch internship with Ernst & Young in Dallas, where he delved into R&D quantitative tax, forensic accounting, and audit service lines. The following summer, he honed his skills at KPMG in Baton Rouge, focusing on internal auditing, partnership tax returns, and healthcare external audits. This summer, he is set to return to Ernst & Young in Dallas for an audit internship.

“You pick a major but don't always know if it is right for you. Having those internships early proved that accounting is the field I want to enter. I always say 'start early.' It’s the best thing you can do. It  lightened the load in my senior year, so I can focus more on my schoolwork.”

In addition to using his time to maintain a high GPA, Clarence is active on campus. He is a student worker at the School of Renewable Natural Resources, assisting with administrative and accounting tasks.

As the president of the LSU chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), Clarence is deeply committed to its mission of developing Black business leaders in accounting, finance, and entrepreneurship. NABA offers its members personal and professional development through networking, internships, and mentoring. Clarence's dedication to NABA’s mission reflects his passion for mentorship and his desire to contribute to the continual growth of the E. J. Ourso College of Business and its students. 

When talking about his plans, which include earning his Master of Accountancy at LSU before launching his career, it’s clear that Clarence has taken NABA’s motto, “Lifting as we climb,” to heart.

Clarence's plans are a testament to his ambition and desire to make a difference in the field of accounting. His ultimate goal is to establish and run his own firm, where he can share knowledge and expertise to elevate the field. This could inspire more students to pursue a career in accounting. As part of his vision, he plans to establish a mentorship division focusing on recruiting and mentoring worthy individuals "whose only shortcoming is a lack of access to success.”

"I'm originally from Jackson, Mississippi. It's a small city; there aren't many opportunities there. I want to be able to go back to Jackson and pour into those students who won't get opportunities like I had to move to Dallas and be set up for a better future. I want them to know that they determine the course of their future. They might have to work a little harder, but it will all pay off in the end."

Given his determination and commitment to excellence, Clarence Magee II’s early successes are just the beginning of his upward trajectory. Guided by his professional prowess and commitment to creating transformation opportunities, we know the best is yet to come for Clarence and those who are fortunate enough to feel his impact.