I entered my first business networking event at RMU as a timid freshman who had just changed majors and career plans from actuarial science to accounting. Overwhelmed by the plethora of firms, and with no idea where I was interested in finding a future career, I stopped at the table for Grossman Yanak & Ford LLP (GYF). After I introduced myself to Carissa, it didn’t take long for me to know there was something different about GYF. From our short conversation, I learned about the firm’s services groups, involvement opportunities, and culture. Even though I was a lost and confused freshman, I felt like I would be able to explore my career opportunities and grow with the firm.
GYF was offering a summer program that was perfect for me. I applied and was selected to participate in the Freshman Forum, which kickstarted my journey with the firm. The program gave me an overview of career options in public accounting in general as well as the specific path to finding a place at GYF. There is also a summer program for sophomores called the Student Leadership Conference, which gives students a chance to learn more about the different paths (tax, audit, valuation, consulting, etc.) and to participate in team-building, networking and other professional development opportunities.
I really connected with GYF right away and knew I wanted to apply for a future internship
I first worked as a busy season tax intern during the spring semester, and this summer I am serving a second internship with GYF’s Tax Services Group. Through these experiences, I feel like I have learned some important lessons that would be helpful to other future accountants who may be evaluating their college and career choices.
1. You Are Not Alone
Being scared of failure and feeling like you have no idea what you are going to do with the rest of your life are valid emotions to feel as an 18-year-old college freshman entering adulthood. Many high school seniors are asked daunting and anxiety-inducing questions like, What do you want to be when you grow up? or What are your plans after high school? I am here to tell you… it is totally okay to not know the answer! You are not alone, and you will find your dream career. In high school, I thought I had my entire life planned out, however, this was far from the truth. I entered college as an actuarial science major, but soon discovered this was not the career for me. I realized accounting was exactly what I was looking for in large part due to GYF providing me with the chance to explore the life of a CPA in the tax department.
2. Take the Risk
While it may seem terrifying to change your entire career plan, it is worthwhile. While I hesitated to transition to become an accounting major, I am proud that I took this risk. Additionally, I am confident that I have found my life’s purpose because of GYF’s willingness to take the risk on me, an inexperienced student, and allowing me to flourish as an intern during the stressful times of busy season. As an intern, the key to success is to ask questions and “getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.” This relationship starts with an intern being willing to be vulnerable and opening up the conversation. GYF does not expect interns to be perfect. Asking questions is expected, and all team members at every level are willing to help. I will never forget my first tax return assignment. I had just completed training and was placed on an engagement team with one of GYF’s tax partners. While I was anxious to ask too many questions and become a burden, he devoted his time to make sure I understood the return. This care, which goes hand in hand with the open door policy that defines the culture at GYF, creates a safe environment for interns to take the risk and expand their knowledge.
3. Finding Your Home Is Crucial
While being open to new experiences plays a significant role in finding your future career, it is also equally important to find a workplace where you feel comfortable. Internships are a wonderful way for you to immerse yourself in the culture of the firm and build relationships with coworkers. During my first internship, I was nervous to put myself out there, but I soon found myself making connections through lunchroom conversations, asking questions, and attending coaching meetings with my intern team. Being involved with the intern coaching team GYF creates was a pivotal experience during my busy season tax internship. Soon after going to lunch with this group, which included a manager and two staff associates, I felt at home. The manager on my team had also attended RMU, which provided a natural connection and allowed us to relate on another level. Not every firm has the ability to have such close-knit teams due to larger staff counts, but this “just right” size is what makes GYF a perfect fit for me. A common RMU saying, “big enough to matter, small enough to care,” also applies to GYF where team members are familiar with one another, but there is also a variety within engagement team assignments.
Final Thoughts
Now, as I enter my second internship in the tax department, I feel comfortable in my role and prepared to fulfill my duties. It is important to recognize that this level of confidence would not be possible without the commitment that GYF makes to help their interns develop into strong industry professionals. I would encourage any timid aspiring CPA to take a risk, learn the importance of networking, and build a connection with GYF!
