Hope College senior accounting major Erin McIntyre has won the Fred Rugg Scholarship presented by the Grand Rapids Chapters of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).

She won the scholarship for her essay “How Has Social Media Changed the Landscape of the Job Search and Hiring Process?”  The $1,000 award was presented on Thursday, Feb. 9, during a “Student Night” event co-hosted by the IIA and IMA at the University Club in downtown Grand Rapids.

The primary objective of the event was to give accounting students at the seven local colleges and universities, including Hope College, an opportunity to network with representatives from West Michigan companies and members of the Grand Rapids IIA and IMA Chapters.  The companies and professional service organizations represented at the event included Amway, Beene Garter, Ernst & Young, Experis, Gordon Food Service and Stryker.

The scholarship winner was announced following the networking portion of the event.  McIntyre’s composition was judged the best essay of the 36 submitted from the seven schools invited to participate.

It is the second time in four years that a Hope senior has won the competition. Josh Jelenek won the scholarship in 2010.

McIntyre has accepted a full-time audit position with Deloitte, LLP, in Indianapolis, Ind., after graduation.  A 2008 graduate of Munster High School, she is the daughter of Larry and Claire McIntyre of Munster.