Article by Flynn Hartigan, a graduate of Augustana College, who joined Selden Fox in the summer of 2023.
Attending my school’s career fair as a student just a few years ago was intimidating, not to mention a little nerve-wracking. It was jolting to hear employers’ candidate preferences, which quickly revealed to me that employers are selecting you just as much as you are selecting them. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend my alma mater’s career fair as a representative of Selden Fox—the employer’s side of the fence. I quickly gained a whole new perspective particularly given the experience I have had working at Selden Fox for just two short months.
Employers do want your time and experience, however, from the employer’s perspective, hiring a new employee is a significant investment. For a mid-size firm like Selden Fox, hiring only a few new auditors and tax accountants each year magnifies this investment. A firm of our size can dedicate itself to working closely with new hires and is conducive to a more learning and encouraging environment. It’s important to make sure that those hired are just as invested in the firm as we are in them.
Being “on the other side of the fence”, I realized that there are different experiences depending on the size of the firm one chooses. Larger companies have tax and audit departments that are much bigger and may have an easier time moving employees around to get experience in various areas. While I haven’t seen behind the curtain of a large firm, there are likely several similarities to the type of work completed compared to that of a mid-size firm.
Regardless of whether one selects a small, mid-size, or large firm, it’s best to have an open mind and get the most out of the experience, whether it is landing an internship, working a part-time job during school, or taking the appropriate accounting classes to best prepare yourself for a career after graduation. And don’t underestimate the fact that soft skills and good communication will help you stand out more. A strong accounting foundation is important, however, there is only so much you can learn in the classroom. Make use of the resources provided by your institution, because for a company to invest in you, you need to invest in yourself.
Experiencing different areas and a variety of accounting classes early on is a great way to identify your interests before it’s time to find a job. Once you determine that interest and invest in a company, there is a good chance that firm will invest in you. Having quickly demonstrated my investment in Selden Fox, I was able to see that everybody around me wants me to grow professionally. Nobody is expected to be an expert on the first day and questions are expected. It’s important to remember that everyone has been in your shoes before, and they know how it feels to be the new kid on the block.
Looking back, one thing I wish I knew as a student attending my career fair was why companies seem to be so particular in what it is they are seeking. It makes more sense to me now having experienced the view on the other side of the fence. Just do your research, know your interests, find the companies that match your interests, and have your questions prepared. It’s nice to be on this side of the fence now!
