In First Person

Kate Rada: Hello!

Hi, I’m Kate Rada and I will be writing about some of my experiences during my first year at BBD.

Just to give you some background information on myself, I graduated in May from West Chester University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance. It was a very hard road, but having both Accounting and Finance under my belt has really helped and prepared me for this job. Along those lines, if you still have time and are debating to take the extra step, at least try to minor in finance because it really helps you obtain a greater understanding in applying accounting concepts. While at WCU, I was a member of the Women’s Varsity Rugby Team, which definitely helped mold some time management skills and gave me various opportunities to get involved in the community.

During my sophomore year of college, I had a tax internship with a regional-size accounting firm located in Delaware.  Although I had a great learning experience there, I assumed that every public accounting firm was just black and white and impersonal like that firm was, but that was before BBD.

In the following year, I decided that I wanted more and I wanted to be able to grow.  I was so excited when I got the call from Bobbi, our HR Director, for the audit/tax internship.  I don’t even know how to begin to explain my amazing internship with BBD.  I was given such a wide array of opportunities, ranging from preparing my first 1120S, vouching invoices, searching through historical records, preparing endless Excel worksheets, and I loved it all.  And of course, during any busy season, you work long hours, but when you’re working with people that are so funny and friendly, time flies by as your crunching numbers.

I just started full-time this past August; I’ll admit I had a bit of nerves coming back but they left once I saw everyone again. BBD has such a warm, inviting environment; this is what makes them stand apart from the rest.

Sam Dillman: Survive and Thrive In the Shark Tank

When it came to searching for a job, I was pretty fortunate.  The University of Scranton conducts a Business Expo on campus every year which attracts recruiters from all over the tri-state area.  The students are provided with an opportunity to network, submit a resume, and just gain experience in that kind of environment.  This event during my junior year introduced me to BBD, and we all know the rest is history.  The Expo is very much like a shark tank with recruiters circling and the students acting like minnows in the middle.  I know it sounds scary and intimidating, but do not let it be.  You need to walk right up to a shark and be confident.  Make sure that shark remembers your hand shake.  Rule #1, and also I think the biggest, be the biggest minnow in that tank and you will survive and, hopefully, with a job in hand.  Being confident may be the most important rule, but it is sure not the last.

A big way to succeed in a situation like this is to research. The university provided every student with a list of recruiters who would be attending the Expo.  Study that list.  Research each recruiter that you want to approach or investigate all of them.  I recommend the latter.  It is best to go into every situation with all the knowledge you can handle.  You never know what may arise.  A smart minnow knows its sharks. That is Rule #2. Be ready to handle the situation when the approach is made, nail your introduction, and be engaging with your conversation.  So, Rule Two: Know your sharks.  Next, plan your route.

I have to give a friend credit for this part.  He thought of this while we were preparing for that Expo.  Summarizing, it says to plan your route and survive the tank.  In essence, plan your route and know the location of all the sharks. Have a list of sharks you want to approach first and others to save for last.  That seems like a fundamental rule.  You have practice sharks and then the man-eaters.  You test the waters.  It is best to have these kinds of plans.  It is a learning experience for most.  Do not think you are the only fish who works that angle.  Work every angle and every turn in your route. That is Rule Three. Also, do not get ahead of yourself. That is Rule #4.

Do not rush into these situations, and do not rush to get out of them.  Stick around a bit.  Do not look ahead of you or behind you.  Keep your eyes and your mind on the shark.  We all know what happens to the prey when their eyes leave a predator.  They get eaten.  Sometimes the best strategy is to keep the conversation going and motivate the shark to remain engaged.  Stay calm and cool like the under side of a pillow.  Do not get ahead of where you really need to be.  That is Rule #4.

Rule #5 states that you should dress like your interview means everything to you. Break out the good stuff. If for some reason, things did not go well, at least you will leave a good impression by your appearance. That leads me to Rule #6. What do I do if it goes poorly?  I am only kidding about Rule #6. There is no Rule #6.  Your time in the tank will not end poorly.   Just follow the other 5 rules.  They seem fundamental, I know.  You probably already know them.  It is still a good feeling to know that every minnow has a similar experience.  Just try to be the biggest and the smartest.

In summary, be confident, research, plan, stay your ground, and look like you are the best.  I hope these fundamental rules can take you a long way.  They did for me in this situation and I have great confidence in you.  Good luck in all that you do.  Until next time…

Jessica Brady: My Journey To BBD

My journey to BBD began back in September of 2008.  Rutgers was holding its annual fall career fair.  While my classmates were concentrating on mingling with the Big Four representatives, I decided to take a different approach.  I have always seen myself getting involved with a smaller organization in order to learn more and make a greater impact.  So there I was, making my rounds in the lobby when I spotted BBD’s table.  I approached slowly, rehearsing my opening statements and questions in my head.  I chatted with the HR director, Barbara Kelly, for a few moments inquiring about the company and any intern opportunities they may have.  Upon leaving the table, I handed her my resume and took her business card.  The next day I sent an e-mail thanking Barbara for meeting with me and asked her to keep me informed on any opportunities they may have coming up.  About a month later I received an e-mail inviting me to come visit BBD, to get a closer look at an accounting firm- who BBD is, what they are all about.  I accepted the invite, and I’m so glad that I did.  I had the opportunity to meet staff, tour the office, and spend time with everyone in the Great Room.  I can honestly say that from that visit, I was determined to become a part of the BBD family.  I remained in contact with Barbara all throughout the next year until finally she let me know of a job opportunity.  In August of 2009, almost a full year after I met Barbara, I was offered a position.  It just goes to show you never know where the connections you make, while still in school, can lead you.  It’s been a great journey so far, but it’s only the beginning.  I am so excited to be a part of such a great group of people, and know I will learn a great deal here.