This summer, undergraduate accounting students from the Bauer College had the opportunity to take part in KPMG LLP’s Leadership Edge Programs.
During the program, students are given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, and also network with professionals in the accounting industry.
Here, the students share how the program has helped them grow, both personally and professionally, this summer.
“During the KPMG Leadership conference, I learned about the diversity and uniqueness each individual brings to the table. One of the most interesting parts of the program I enjoyed was learning about the four different personality types in the work place. The most important part of the program to me was learning about the many different backgrounds and experiences that drove every individual to become the person they are today.
I initially applied to this program after a past Future Diversity Leader participant told me about his experience in this program and how it has helped him grow within the firm and make many connections. Having the prior knowledge and connections I gained from going to this event has put me a step ahead of those that have not searched for these amazing opportunities and looked into their future.
I am officially signed with KPMG for Summer 2020, and I cannot wait to start with this amazing firm that cares so much about the people and our future.”
Sophia Solis
“I had the awesome opportunity to attend the KPMG Future Diversity Leaders conference in Hollywood, California.
There, I was able to network with about 150 students from across the nation and tons of professionals from KPMG who were from different offices across the country. It was truly an honor to be a part of 150 elite students and be recognized on a national level.
We had Q&A’s with the National Partner-In-Charge of University Relations and Recruiting James Powell, along with the Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Michele C. Meyer-Shipp. Along with this, we also had the amazing chance to hear the first-hand testimonies of the co-chairs of KPMG’s Business Resource Groups (BRG’S). The BRG’s are a living testament to the emphasis that KPMG puts forward for inclusion & diversity. The BRG’s range from Pride@KPMG, Hispanic Latino Network, African-American Network, etc.
We also participated in workshops that helped us realize our social and leadership style. We learned how to work with other styles while also trying to enhance our own personal skills. To top off this amazing experience, we went to explore Universal Studios and received an amazing Studio Tour of some famous Hollywood movie sets.
I can’t be more thankful for my student organization (The Accounting Society) and the PPA program for introducing this amazing opportunity to me. The most important takeaway for me is that I too can be at the top a ‘Big 4″ accounting firm while being from a minority background and that the obstacles in life are only a portion of my journey, but I still have a whole story to write.
With that in mind, moving forward with my studies at Bauer and professional life, this experience is truly empowering to be the best professional I know I can be and what others such as KPMG believe I can be.”
Nicholas Martinez
“During KPMG’s Future Diversity Leader program, we participated in several team-building activities and attended leadership workshops held by KPMG professionals.
The most important experience I took away from KPMG’s Future Diversity Leaders program was recognizing my social style and networking with students from across the nation. Knowing yourself, and your social style, is important in order for you to be the best professional you can be. The friends and memories I made during my time at FDL will surely last my entire lifetime.
I first heard of this program when I attended my first Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA) meeting, and met recruiters Jessica Merritt and Natalie Holland who spoke about the program. What pushed me to apply to this program was all the great things past participants had to say about FDL. Going back to Bauer after this wonderful program, I will apply the leadership skills I learned and take a leadership role in a student organization.”
Edgar Mercado
“During KPMG’s Global Advantage Program I met several individuals with diverse and unique backgrounds. The purpose of this program was to focus on cultural awareness. Everyone participated in a cultural activity to learn how to adapt when working with individuals that share different cultures. At the end of the activity, I learned how important it is to be cautious of my actions at all times. In certain occasions, I may have to adapt to different cultures in order to comfort others such as when working abroad.
The most important thing I took away from my experience is that every individual is unique in their own way, and once you combine the skills and talents of everyone the results will be outstanding. Overall, this experience will help throughout the rest of my time at Bauer because I am now more aware of how my actions may affect others. Especially, in a very diverse college such as Bauer. While interacting with several of my teammates I learned of many of the cultural norms and values of several individuals and will use this when communicating with others in the future.”
Angeles Rios
During the KPMG Future Diversity Leaders Conference I was able to network with students and professionals from all across the country. I learned about the opportunities the firm offered and about all the different paths the professionals took to be where they are and their experience at the firm.
Additionally, I attended several workshops in which I learned more about myself and my leadership style and was able to work with my peers in different team building activities. The one that stuck to me the most was the privilege walk. It was a very reflective workshop where I learned that I wasn’t alone in facing challenges that come as being a first generation, a minority and a woman in this field, and that working hard and surpassing these challenges makes the success that much more meaningful.
I applied to this program because I wanted to learn more about the work environment at a Big 4. Throughout the application process and while attending the conference, I did learn about the opportunities and the culture of the firm. Being invited to the conference has helped me because it is a funnel program in which you get amazing opportunities like an internship with KPMG and scholarships as well.
Attending this conference taught me how to be a better leader and that sometimes that will mean stepping out of my comfort zone, but it’s a necessary step to be a great leader at Bauer and moving forward in my career. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned this coming fall as the Managing Director for HBSA and I couldn’t be more thankful for being invited to attend FDL this summer.
Aileen Loera