HOW TO LA

ND A JOB OR

INTERNSHIP AT T

HE FIRM

OF YOUR CHOICE

R E B E C C A TR E S , P

A R T N E R , WE L L S C O L E M A N

“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up

someplace else.”Yogi Berra

RESEARCH What are the firm’s core values? What types of work does this firm specialize in? What types of industries and clients (e.g., small business)

do they work with?

NETWORKINGDid you know that, according to research, at least 70 percent of jobs are not published? (Matt Youngquist, present of Career Horizons)

A 2012 study conducted by Right Management of more than 46,000 out of work individuals revealed that networking was 46% effective at helping job seekers find new employment.

NETWORKING

NETWORKING

NETWORKING LOG Who? Where? What? Next steps:

I am currently a junior at Virginia Tech in the Pamplin College of Business. I will be graduating in May 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Accounting and plan to further my education by completing the Master’s in Accounting  program (and fulfilling my 150 hour CPA requirement) by May 2017

In my three years at VT, I have been involved with Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA), an international leadership and service organization that gives service-minded students opportunities to volunteer. This past year I was elected Treasurer.

Looking forward the summer of 2016, I am interested in working as an intern at a public accounting firm that focuses on small businesses and individuals of high net worth. This type of internship most closely aligns with my career goals after I finish my Master’s degree.

UNIVERSITY RESOURCES

UNIVERSITY RESOURCES Professors

May be able to link you with alumni working at the prospective employer – a “warm” introduction is the best introduction

Visit the Career Center Effective resume writing Mock interviews Information regarding where recent graduates are working

Alumni Network Attend Job Fairs – if you school doesn’t have one specifically for

accounting, consider volunteering to create one. Have clean copies of your resume ready well in advance of

the interview Professional presentation

WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?

WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU? Interpersonal Skill or “soft” skills matter – just as much as

technical ability! Decision Making Teamwork Critical Thinking Conflict Resolution Giving and receiving feedback

WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU? Why do you want to work here? What can you contribute? Do you have any previous experience that provides you with

an advantage? Be prepared to clearly articulate how your previous experience, either work or school, can translate to valuable skills in this firm.

What attributes truly separate you from your peers?

ASK THOUGHTFUL QUESTIONS

ASK THOUGHTFUL QUESTIONS Go to the firm’s website and do a Google search to see what

you can learn on your own. This is helpful formulating your questions. Make sure you work into the conversation that you’ve done so. Example “I see you’ve won the “Best Places to Work” award

four years in a row; that’s great! What do you think your firm does particular to win year-over-year?”

HAVE QUESTIONS READY Job-specific questions are not off limits and demonstrate to

the interviewer that you are thinking ahead Would I be required to choose a niche area (e.g. audit or

tax), or would I be a generalist? What are the hours that are required? Will I be expected to travel (NOTE: this is not always as

glamourous as it may seem…)? What types of training does the firm provide?

READING Hello, Old Friend, A Resource Guide for Career Development –

Mike Jones Now, Discover Your Strengths – Marcus Buckingham

CONTACT INFORMATION Email: rtres@wellscoleman.com Website: www.wellscoleman.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/RebeccaTres Twitter: @BeckyTres