By Michael Thiele
President, Beta Alpha Psi, James Madison University
Editor's note: This is the first in a series of guest posts from members of the James Madison University (JMU) chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an honors fraternity for accounting students. These posts will cover topics of interest to accounting students.
The first and foremost item I look for when firms
visit campus is a solid presentation. When a firm comes and gives a
well-planned, well-rehearsed, engaging presentation it shows that they are
serious about hiring and are really aiming to impress. At some point during the
presentation I am also looking for the firm to provide a cultural overview of
their company. This may be the most important area that the firm can cover. If
we as students are going to be spending the next chapter of our lives at this
company, we want to know that the culture there will coagulate with our own.
Immediately following that should be what sets their firm apart from other
similar firms. It is no mystery that many public accounting firms do very
similar work, but what we really want to know is, “what makes your firm so
special?” Many of the firms that visit highlight their financial success and
awards they have won which is nice, but what we are really looking for is that
special trait that sets their firm apart from the rest. Whether it be jean
Fridays or paid time for community service, certain attributes attract
different people and highlighting them is critical to picking the right future
employees. Another area where firms can set themselves apart from the others is
highlighting their work-life balance initiatives. We have all heard by now that
public accounting may not be the most stress free profession at times so
hearing what firms do to balance out the work can be a deciding factor. Aside from the general overview of the firm, students also like hearing certain specific key details such as the types of clients the firm deals with. While none of us have experienced firsthand what it is like to deal with different types of clients, some people may be particularly interested in working with federal or non-profit clients as opposed to huge public companies and vice versa. Thus, it is important to showcase what industries the firm is associated with.
Other key details that must be conveyed to student include credentials needed for hiring as well as the general interview process. Firms need to let students know what criteria they must meet for employment for the student’s sake as well as their own. This can save a tremendous amount of time on both ends as students won’t apply for a position where they clearly don’t meet the requirements. An overview of the interview process is also important so that students have time to rearrange their class schedules and such. This is especially important if the firm conducts office visits at locations far away from campus. Giving the students a heads up about the process can also take some of the anxiety away which allows the interviewer to get a better assessment of the interviewee.
Finally, in my opinion, the most critical question that a recruiter can answer is, “why did you choose to work there?” The answer to this question reveals more than you can imagine because it puts the recruiter on the spot and often forces them to give a genuine, sincere answer. Many recruiters will say they chose their firm because of the people. While this is a good answer, a better answer would be to go into detail as to why the people at your firm are different from others.
All in all, it is important to be thorough while still keeping the audience engaged. The recruiters should act in a professional manner but be approachable at the same time. Putting all these elements together fits the description of a perfect visit to campus.
Michael Thiele is a senior accounting major at James Madison University and president of the Eta Delta chapter of Beta Alpha Psi. He is a student member of the VSCPA and the New Jersey Society of CPAs (NJSCPA). He has interned at Fannie Mae and KPMG.
I agree because I always ask the people from the firm their reasons for choosing the specific firm over the rest, it also helps me make the decision as to where I want to start my career.
ReplyDeleteI too agree that hearing the response of 'why you chose' to work there is the most telling question. It helps me view the recruiter as when they were in my shoes.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly! A great guideline for firms who want to grab the attention of serious students looking for their "firm of best fit".
ReplyDeleteI agree. Most companies just give the basics but those that stand out most to me are the ones that talk about why they chose the firm and what the like most and least.
ReplyDeleteThese are great points. In the search for employment we sometimes forget that as Accountants we are the companies assets. Seeking a balance between the company recruiting us and the applicant determining what best fits his needs is important. When companies address their culture and how they deal with problems like work/life balance it really attracts potential employees to those firms.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Everyone says the reason why they chose a firm was because of the people, but the people are different to everyone. The culture of a firm really affected my decision in choosing the firm I am working for next year.
ReplyDeleteThis is spot on. By answering the personal questions, it allows the students to relate to the presenter. Therefore students can better visualize working for the firm they are representing.
ReplyDeleteGreat points, culture maybe the most important criteria when deciding where to start your career. Hard to be successful or efficient in a work environment that doesn't suit you.
ReplyDeleteFirst impressions lasts; and for me, these presentations by hiring firms are the first glimpses that one will get into how the whole firm operates. For me, application processes and target clients come second in choosing the company I work for. My first priority is knowing the general work environment of the company. Work might be great and fulfilling and have rigorous but fair recruitment policy, but if I don’t like the overall feel of the company, do not expect me to last there for years. Grueling hours, I can take; unruly office behavior, not so much.
ReplyDeleteSansone Conti
Mike-
ReplyDeleteYou definitely articulate what students want from a firm visit well. I agree that it is important for firms to talk about what makes sets them apart from their competitors, and to make hiring credentials well known to the students. Additionally, I think it is important for firms to choose the professionals they send to do presentations wisely. Firms should send someone they feel embodies their culture and values, while also being able to relate to students.
Good points! Beta Alpha Psi brings firms in to speak to us every semester. I found that the firms that got students' interests all have one thing in common: they show through their presentation that they are passionate about us and their firm. I especially like the firms that spend time talking about what differentiate their firm from the other accounting firms.
ReplyDeleteHaving gone to many of these types of presentations and as a graduate student who has been in school for quite some time, I agree with Mike. It's important to draw out honest answers from the recruiters/employers because their responses are naturally going to be geared towards placing their firm in a positive light.
ReplyDeleteVery true indeed. The point everyone continues to stress is their corporate culture and each state the people are the reasons why they joined, however it is difficult to gauge this through meetings where we don't get one on on time or a peek into what its really like to be a part of the culture. Beta Alpha Psi, engages each individual by providing these opportunities and its fantastic as a student to already have a leg up and understand what is waiting for us in teh future.
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