Preparing Your Students to Secure and Succeed in a Corporate Internship

Jennifer Neal, National Associate Director, Diversity Recruiting

Ayanna Wilcher, Mid Atlantic Diversity Recruiter

KPMG LLP

Branding U2014

NAF NEXT Conference

© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

What is Branding U?

Branding U is a toolkit KPMG has developed to help students:

Understand what employers are looking for in candidates

Discover things that make you who you are

Develop key messages about your strengths and abilities

Create a consistent look and voice and market to employers

Let the world know who – and how great! – you are

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

What is Branding?

Implied promise regarding a level of quality that others come to expect

Examples of implied promises:

- Consistent quality over time

- Increased value over time

During recruiting, what implied promises do you want to make to others?

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Branding U

What we’ll cover today

Getting Started

Developing Your Brand

The Importance of a Strong Résumé

Standing out in a Crowd

The Campus Interview

The Office Visit

Other Ways to Enhance Your Personal Brand

Closing

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Understand What Employers are Looking for

Proven Academic Achievement

School and/or Community Involvement

Leaders and Team Players

Strong Communication Skills and Self-Confidence

Goal-Oriented

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills

Flexibility and Adaptability

Knowledge of Company

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Developing Your Brand

Discover things that make you who you are:

What are you known for?

What are your strengths?

What are your challenges?

What is most important to you in a career?

What makes you different from everyone else?

What motivates and inspires you?

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Building a Strong Résumé

Résumé Outline

Name – your name should stand out from the rest of the résumé.

Address and Phone – school and permanent if different. Include cell phone number if that is the best way to reach you.

e-Mail address – make certain your e-mail address is appropriate and make sure to check your e-mail DAILY.

Objective – be specific! Include position, practice, and city you are interested in working and date you are seeking employment.

Education/GPA and Graduation Date and SAT scores if appropriate

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Building a Strong Résumé (continued)

Work or Other Experience (Home. Church, School)

- Include position held, name and location of organization, and dates of employment.

- Describe your work responsibilities with emphasis on specific skills and achievements.

- List in reverse chronological order.

Activities, Leadership Roles, and Interests

- List volunteer positions, extracurricular activities, honor societies, and leadership roles.

- Interests are often a good starting point for conversation. They should be included only if there is space on your résumé.

Honors, Achievements, and Skills

- Include all honors, achievements, and skills (e.g., foreign language fluency).

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

More Résumé Tips

Be concise and do not exceed one page.

Keep it neat, attractive, organized, and easy to read.

Ensure formatting is consistent throughout the résumé.

Be honest when stating your best qualities.

Use action verbs to describe your duties and responsibilities.

Quantify experiences to show levels of responsibility.

Be professional and appropriate.

ALWAYS HAVE SOMEONE REVIEW BEFORE SUBMITING!

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Standing Out in a Crowd

© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Standing Out in a Crowd

Networking and Communicating Effectively

Understand what kind of event you are attending.

Plan what you want to accomplish at the event.

When you arrive, approach a small group and join the conversation.

Ask meaningful questions.

Talk with as many people as possible to gain different perspectives and maximize your time.

Be sensitive to and avoid topics such as politics and religion and salary levels.

Don’t overstay your welcome.

Get business cards and follow up with an e-mail or written note. NO TEXTING PLEASE!

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Looking the Part

It’s time to make the transition from high school student to professional.

Observe others – what they wear, grooming, etc.

What is appropriate business casual attire?

What is appropriate business professional attire?

Appropriate cut and FIT: make sure not too tight, not too big, not too revealing.

Conservative blouse or shirt

Dress shoes and appropriate socks or neutral hosiery.

Light makeup and accessories

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Interview Attire = Business Professional

Suits are always appropriate and usually expected for interviews.

Dark and muted colors are typically preferred.

Accessories should be minimized.

Portfolios may be brought for résumé and other documents.

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Business Casual

Some events, such as receptions hosted by firms or companies, are BUSINESS CASUAL.

These events are geared to seeing you interact in a more casual setting.

This is your chance to let your personality come through and make a good first impression.

But remember, you should still maintain a professional demeanor.

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Casual

Khakis, capris, or good jeans (clean, no holes)

Cargo or Bermuda shorts

Plain t-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt

Casual button-down shirt

Sweater

Loafers, sneakers, or sandals

Sundress

Long or short skirt

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

What Not to Wear

Please don’t…

Wear your sunglasses all day as a headband

Take your shoes off during the middle of the day because you have blisters

Try to pull off the scruffy beard look

Show too much skin

Dress like you’re headed for a night on the town

Forget to iron your clothes

Wear something that is too tight, too baggy, or too sloppy

Have visible undergarments.

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

The Initial Interview

© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

The Initial Interview

Preparing for the interview

Do your research: Web, faculty, former interns.

Review your self – assessment.

Know what is important to YOU and make a list to help you evaluate the firms.

Prepare meaningful questions to be asked in your interview.

Practice answering common questions and ensure that your strengths come through in your answers.

Participate in mock interviews to help you polish up your skills.

Attend firm sponsored events to meet firm representatives.

OUR PROFESSION IS ALL ABOUT NETWORKS AND NETWORKING!

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

The Initial Interview (continued)

Overview of the interview structure

Arrive on time and try not to appear rushed.

Bring your résumé, transcript, and any other paperwork requested.

A greeter will likely be there to welcome you the minute you arrive.

Most initial interviews are 30 minutes (interviewers will have back-to-back interviews all day):

- Introductions and small talk

- Interviewer questions (behavioral – about your experiences or situations you have faced)

- Closing – information about the position and time for your questions

End on a positive note – shake hands and thank the interviewer for his or her time.

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Sample Interview Questions

Practice, practice, practice!

Tell me about a challenging situation you’ve had to deal with in the last year and the ways you dealt with it.

Describe a situation where you have thought of a new or creative way of dealing with a problem.

Describe a time when you encountered an especially difficult project. What did you do and what was the result?

Tell me about your most successful effort in promoting teamwork within a group and how they responded.

Typical Topics for HS Interviews:

1. Time management including responsiveness

2. Teamwork

3. Flexibility/adaptability

4. Organization

5. Communication

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

The Initial Interview – Other Tips

First impressions count.

- Give a firm handshake and smile; it will express confidence and a relaxed manner.

Pay attention.

- Don’t let your attention wander during the interview, and be sure to give concise answers.

Don’t umm or uhh.

- If you need to organize your thoughts as you’re speaking, pause; silence works better than stumbling over words.

Watch your body language and maintain eye contact.

- Listen to your mother...don’t fidget. Everything makes an impression.

Question the question.

- If you don’t understand a question, ask. It shows you are paying attention.

To thine own self...be true.

- Be positive and upbeat, energetic, and express your interest.

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

After the Interview

Ask for a business card.

- If the person interviewing you doesn’t offer to give you one, be sure to ask.

Write a thank you letter.

- It is professional to send a letter (or e-mail) of thanks to the person who interviewed you.

- Reiterate your interest in the position, and reflect on some of the highlights of the interview.

- Remember to be concise and gracious – and PROMPT.

Ask what the next round entails and prepare yourself to meet additional personnel.

Continue to research the employer and prepare questions that will help you differentiate between employers.

Communicate with the employer as questions and issues arise.

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

The Initial Interview if in the Office

What to expect

Office visits vary from city to city, but usually include:

Lunch or networking event

An office tour

Information sessions (or interviews) with partners or managers

Local office information and highlights

A chance to hear more from the staff

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Other Ways to Enhance Your Personal Brand

© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Your Communication Brand

© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Written Communication Skills

Strong writing skills are crucial to your success.

Establish your credibility

Show your attention to detail

Display professionalism, intelligence, and competence

Help you make a good first impression

When are written communication skills important?

During the recruiting process

- Applications, résumé, cover letters, and e-Mails say a lot about you—and since they are important on the job, may be considered when evaluating potential candidates.

On the job in public accounting

- e-Mails to team members and clients

- Memos and workpapers

- Other client-facing documents

!

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Verbal Communication is Equally Important

Excellent verbal communication skills help to build your strong professional brand.

Portray confidence and poise

Display approachability and sincerity

Important in the profession and also may be considered when evaluating potential candidates

The importance of strong verbal communication skills in public accounting can’t be overstated:

Establish credibility with the client and your team

Your communication skills directly impact your ability to effectively interact with others .

Confident, clear, and professional verbal communication skills are also key to navigating the interview process successfully:

Your ability to effectively discuss your strengths and sell your candidacy comes from top-notch communication skills.

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Enhancing Your Verbal Communication Skills

Practice to increase your comfort level and confidence.

Take advantage of opportunities for additional experience through school activities.

Take public speaking courses.

Volunteer to present in group projects.

Get involved in case study competition teams.

Seek feedback from peers and faculty on your communication style.

Participate in mock interviews in school.

Write down key messages ahead of time to help organize the key points you want to deliver.

Avoid slang, catch phrases, or speech that is too casual for a professional setting.

Take a deep breath and smile.

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Your Virtual Brand

© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

What is a Virtual Brand?

A person’s virtual brand is basically how he or she is portrayed in today’s world of social media.

It is the image you have built for yourself to be shared with others through social media, such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs, and chat rooms.

Your virtual brand is also presented in your e-mail communications.

Knowing your audience is important here, too.

Watch your tone as it can be easily misconstrued in the virtual realm.

Be careful with what you put in writing, as you never know where it will end up or who will see it.

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

The Importance of a Strong Virtual Brand

You can build quite a reputation for yourself before ever meeting someone in person.

First impressions are hard to forget or discount, even if they are just virtual.

Remember that your “friends” today may be clients tomorrow.

Employers pick up on your virtual brand.

Employers and recruiters will definitely recognize your personal brand in e-mail communications and correspondence.

Once you put something out there in cyberspace, it is almost impossible to take it back.

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Improving Your Virtual Brand

Think before you speak—or in this case, think before you post. Consider the following:

Who could potentially see this?

What does it say about me?

Could it possibly put me in a negative light?

Would I want my parents, teachers, or potential employers to see these pictures or comments?

Will my language or comments offend anyone?

Could this be used against me in any way in the future?

Make sure your security and sharing settings are limited so that only those truly meant to receive a message actually receive it.

When in doubt about something you are about to post or send, opt out. Better to be safe than sorry.

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Your Global Brand

© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Enhancing Your Global Brand

If given the chance, immerse yourself in another culture.

Living, training, working or even vacationing in another country can be a tremendous life experience for any professional:

- Provides awareness of our rapidly changing world

- Develops an appreciation for different cultures and different ways to successfully conduct business

- Builds a global network

- Develops new skills

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Invest in Your Global Brand Now

Use the classroom:

Utilize a required research project to study a global business or foreign policy.

Learn a language or dive deeper into a language you are studying in high school.

Try to assemble an “international” team when working on group projects.

Consider a formal study abroad program through your school, church, other organization.

Seek membership in an international or multicultural club.

Host an exchange student or serve as a peer mentor or advisor for an international student.

Keep up with current events to develop your global awareness.

Explore KPMG’s global opportunities section of the campus Web site.

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

What are Global Employers Looking for?

Verbal and written communication skills, as we have discussed

Initiative and self-leadership

Ability to work effectively in groups

Flexibility and patience to navigate barriers

Problem solving capabilities

The ability to learn quickly

Foreign language skills

A cross-cultural competence that shows a sensitivity toward, appreciation for, and knowledge of different cultures

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Closing

© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Explore Our Branding U Toolkit

Check out our Branding U toolkit at KPMGcampus.com for more information on:

Getting Started

Standing out in a Crowd

Self – Assessment Worksheet

Résumé Tips

The Successful Interview

The Office Visit

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

To Learn More about KPMG

Read about us in KPMG GO.

Polish up your brand at www.kpmg-go.com/BrandingU.

Learn about what we do at www.kpmg-go.com/MyLife.

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KPMGCampusUS.

Watch us on YouTube at www.youtube.com/KPMGGO.

Learn more about KPMG at www.kpmgcampus.com.

Download our app at the iTunes Store

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/KPMG-US-Careers

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© 2014 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

Contact Details

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The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

Jennifer NealNational Associate Director, Diversity Recruitingjmneal@kpmg.com

Ayanna Wilcher Diversity Recruiter, Mid-Atlantic Areaawilcher@kpmg.com