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Fox Spotlight

 

Justin SilvaJustin Silva
Company: RSM McGladrey, Inc.
Title: Associate, Tax Services
Graduation year: 2008
Major:  Accounting

What was your Fox  School experience related to your job search?
My Fox School experience was great. It started with the exceptional staff that encouraged me to become active in Fox SPO’s. Through my involvement in Beta Alpha Psi and the accounting tutoring center I was able to network and develop relationships with many firms in the financial services industry, eventually leading to my current position.

How did the CSPD help during your time as a student?
I came to CSPD as a graduating senior in my final semester that had no internship experience and had not interviewed for any full-time positions (I’m not a slacker - I had aspirations of attending law school…). Through a crash course in professional development I was able to apply to a number of spring internships. This opened the door for many full-time positions after the spring, and I eventually ended up accepting a full-time offer from RSM McGladrey. I truly owe my current job to the friendly and devoted staff of CSPD who helped me through my career search.

What is your advice for future students in the job search process? 
Start looking early. Many firms are now recruiting as early as the freshman level. It may seem very overwhelming at first, especially if you are not sure what career you want to embark on, but take advantage of any part-time job or internship that is available. Also, take advantage of the communication and public speaking classes offered in the Fox School.  While having an outstanding resume is important in the job search process, effective communication is essential to passing an interview with flying colors.

 

Christina KowalChristina M. Kowal
Company: Deloitte
Title: Tax Consultant
Graduation year: May 2010
Major:  Accounting

What was your Fox  School experience related to your job search?
I had an excellent experience related to my job search!  In my sophomore year I applied for a Leadership Conference with Deloitte and was accepted after an intense interview.  During my junior year I applied for an internship with Deloitte’s Tax Department and again was accepted.  After working for a ten week period over the summer I was offered a full time position in their Philadelphia office.  I feel very fortunate to have obtained a solid job offer and feel the Fox School of Business gave me a definite advantage.  The Fox School does an excellent job in preparing students to enter into the working world!   

How did the CSPD help during your time as a student?
CSPD helped a great deal with my resume writing and my interview skills.  I participated in the CSPD workshops early and was able to gain valuable knowledge that will carry through my career.  They also provided great networking opportunities, such as the Senior Reception and Spring Connection, where I met many recruiters that I still keep in touch with.  These professional events along with the learning workshops will help make my transition from college to work must easier. 

What is your advice for future students in the job search process? 
The most important advice I can offer to future students is to join a Student Professional Organization within the Fox School and stay very involved in their functions.  These organizations help their members create a network of professionals, alumni, and fellow students that will help build their future careers.  Also, it’s extremely important to stay focused on course material and grades and work to obtain the highest GPA possible.  In addition, seek out opportunities to apply for programs and internships offered by firms, both small and large. 


Anne HallockAnne Hallock
Company: Deloitte & Touche
Title: Audit Assistant
Graduation year: January 2010
Major:  Accounting

What was your Fox  School experience related to your job search?
The Fox school was instrumental in my job search.  Through the Fox School, I was able to participate in the accounting Student Professional Organization, Accounting Professional Society.  Here, I was exposed to recruiters almost every week, and learned almost everything I currently know about the accounting profession.  The SPO was a great way to get my background research about firms I was interested in.

How did the CSPD help during your time as a student?
CSPD filled in the gaps that the SPO left:  professionalism, interview skills, business dress, etc.  The most important message I got from CSPD was that though a resume was important and got me an interview, ultimately I was selling myself to a firm.  Knowing how to present myself was extremely important in the job search process.

What is your advice for future students in the job search process? 
Building on this last point, my advice to students entering the job search phase is to really get to know yourself and the topics that you feel confident talking about.  Building up a resume is very important, because I believe that besides looking good on paper, these extracurricular activities will really help you learn a lot about yourself and your capabilities.  Communication skills are key in an interview:  try not to say “uhm” or “like” during an interview.  Relax and be confident!

 

Jessica Do Jessica Do
Company: JPMorgan Chase
Title: Analyst
Graduation year: May 2010
Major:  Finance

What was your Fox  School experience related to your job search?
I loved my Fox School experience and the advice I received from my professors and classmates was invaluable in preparing me for my job/internship search. My involvement in Fox student professional organizations especially gave me an edge, allowing me to attend exclusive events with employers. The Fox School is a great place for recruiters to visit, making the job search a bit easier.

How did the CSPD help during your time as a student?
CSPD was essential to my professional development! One of the most important steps that led to my job offer was attending CSPD's Spring Connection, an annual recruiting and networking event for Fox students and prospective employers. I learned a lot about different internship programs, especially JPMorgan's, and walked away with great contacts.

What is your advice for future students in the job search process? 
Find out as much as you can about positions you are interviewing for and really tailor your interview responses to that. Many people just treat an interview as Q&A, but you will be at a great advantage if your responses convey qualities about yourself that match the job skills. Also, many internships will result in a job offer with a short deadline to accept. While you are interning, take advantage of the opportunity to "interview" the company to see if it's a good fit for you so that you can make a solid decision when the offer comes.

 

RossRoss Reiter
Company: KPMG LLP
Title: Tax Associate
Graduation year: May 2009
Major: Accounting

What was your Fox  School experience related to your job search?
My Fox School experience was very positive.  I forged great relationship with the professors, all of who were more than willing to go out of their way to see me succeed, whether it be writing a letter of recommendation, making a phone call to a company on my behalf, or tutoring me on certain topics I did not understand.  Because of my positive Fox experience, I felt more confident and prepared to go to interviews, and more confident to seek employment for positions that were really competitive.  

How did the CSPD help during your time as a student?
It is thanks to the CSPD office that I have a job.  Their workshops, staff, accommodations, and support is one of Fox's strongest attributes.  I went on over a dozen interviews at the CSPD office, applied to over a dozen positions on the CSPD web site, and were prepared for those interviews thanks to their workshops and resources available on their web site.  

What is your advice for future students in the job search process? 
Take advantage of CSPD.  They are there to help, and if you actively seek advice and ways to improve your interview skills, resume, etc., you will be a step ahead of everyone else interviewing.  Network, network, network.  Everyone that you encounter at Fox is a resource to you.  The professors, professional staff, your peers, etc., should all be in your professional network.


Ashley CarespodiAshley Carespodi
Company: The Charmer Sunbelt Group | Capital Wine and Spirits
Title: Management Development Program Trainee
Graduation year: May 2009
Major:  Marketing

What was your Fox  School experience related to your job search?
I had a great experience when it came to the Fox School and my over-all job search. From internships to my first full-time position, I always felt that I had someone to talk to whether it be a professor, someone from the CSPD, or a peer. There was never a lack of support, which made the always extensive job search much more enjoyable and intriguing.

How did the CSPD help during your time as a student?
Throughout my 4 years at Temple, I spent many hours in the CSPD office. Whether it was for advice, a quick question, or an interview, I always found the staff to be very informative and supportive. It's really important for students to utilize this service within the Fox School because there is so much to learn and understand when looking for any type of position. FoxNet was probably one of my favorite assets of CSPD because there was always updated information on job listings and career expos. I always enjoyed visiting the CSPD office which held an extremely welcoming atmosphere...even if it was filled with nervous students, intimidating recruiters, and the constant resume question-askers.

What is your advice for future students in the job search process? 
Never turn down the opportunity to network. Get yourself in front of as many recruiters and professions as possible. It is very important to put yourself out there and to get yourself recognized. Network, network, network! Also, try to gain as much experience as possible before your senior year. Recruiters are always looking for students who have held internship positions. This shows that you can balance your time and that you have exposure to the "real" world. Always a plus! Lastly, attend all of the job fairs that Fox and the University offer. Take advantage of these opportunities....even if you're a freshman. Know about the companies you're interested in, introduce yourself, and take it from there!