Hi
Alana! Thanks so much for chatting with us. Why don’t you tell us a little bit
about yourself?
Happy to! I'm in my first semester of
the full-time MBA Program in Accountancy. I have spent the past five years
working at a nonprofit - most of that time in its planned giving department. As
a fundraiser, I was able to cultivate deep relationships with my donors and
foster them towards creating planned gifts. In this role, I also had the
opportunity to share with my donors the tax implications of their
charitable gifts as well as inform my colleagues about how proposed regulatory
changes may impact donors at different giving levels. These experiences
directly led to my interest in accounting, and specifically tax.
Congratulations again on securing multiple offers this fall recruiting season! What do you think
helped you stand out in the application processes?
I think two things helped me standout.
First, networking through events like the virtual career fair and mock
interviews definitely helped to boost my application. Given my
untraditional background, I think that my application and resume does not stand
out as particularly strong in a pile of others with traditional accounting
backgrounds. Networking gave recruiters and staff an opportunity to understand
the linkage between my past experience and my current goals, plus helped to
demonstrate my strong interpersonal skills from my fundraising days.
Second, I think authenticity and being
genuine is the most unique quality to bring to the table because no one else
can be you. I answered every question from my unique perspective and never
tried to speak about something I truly didn't know - I think people can tell
when you are being genuine and they appreciate it.
Great
point on authenticity. Speaking of interviews, how did they go overall? How did you manage?
Anything you wish you’d known going into them all?
The interviews went well! They were
certainly overwhelming and draining at times, but I managed by ensuring I was
well prepared with notes on my interviewers, the firm, and the job description.
One thing I wish I had known going into my interviews was how many of them
would require my driving the conversation. It's a hard thing to prepare for,
but easier to cope with when you see it coming.
That’s
a great learning moment as well. Good reminder that interviewers and their own
style can vary. Any last bits of advice for students and/or recent grads who
might be starting out their own job search?
I know everyone says it, but do not
underestimate the power of networking - both your personal network and the one
you create. If someone offers to help you in anyway - whether it's practicing
for an interview or answering questions about the firm - take them up on it!
They offered for a reason, and you never know how it could help. Plus, you are
developing deep relationships. I'll also add for career switchers: you know
best what past experiences have led you to your current goals, so shape a compelling
story, believe in it, and tell it to everyone you meet.
++++
For assistance with your own
job/internship search, we welcome you to:
- Schedule a 1:1
appointment with a career coach
- Attend drop-in
hours (Mondays through Thursdays, 4-5pm ET)
- View self-paced
resources, including webinars, articles, and templates
- Contact
the GCMC with any questions
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