Employer Spotlight: KPMG's Mindy Ripp

Today's blog post is offered by a student, Katarina O’Regan.

As one of the four largest accounting firms in the world, KPMG offers audit, tax, and advisory services to clients all over the world. With both domestic and international internships that emphasize interpersonal development as well as industry-related knowledge, this company provides great opportunities for accounting majors.

As the Campus Development Manager responsible for schools including Fordham and Cornell, Mindy Ripp is responsible for KPMG’s career fairs, on campus presentations, and recruiting events. She emphasizes that although GPA’s are important, leadership experience and extracurricular activites really make an applicant stand out: “being well-rounded, having good communication skills and networking effectively are key.” These skills ensure that a student will be successful in the workplace and make the most of their position. 

According to Mindy, one major aspect of networking is “knowing when to leave a conversation and move on to the next.” Not overstaying your welcome will ensure that you make good impressions while meeting a variety of people. As a practical note, Mindy suggests that you wear comfortable shoes at networking events and that you eat beforehand. You’ll most likely be on your feet for much of the time and a calm, focused student usually makes a better impression than one wincing in pain as they hit up the buffet table!

Internships with KPMG are aimed towards accounting students in their junior year and are available in both the winter and summer. These programs take care to train their interns not only in technical knowledge, but also with regard to the soft skills (communication and presentation skills) that are valuable in all workplace situations. Successful internships can often lead to offers of full-time employment. There is also a 3 day leadership program held each year during the summer aimed towards rising sophomores. The participants are then eligible to apply for internship positions at the conclusion of the program. Graduates can apply for full-time positions starting in 2013. Though most of the positions for 2012 are filled, KPMG will certainly be involved with students for future job opportunities and in the case of additional need sooner.   

Ultimately, Mindy says that interns with KPMG should be “ready to learn a lot.” From the technical knowledge, to emphasis on networking, and the leadership program to full time positions, KPMG offers students many opportunities to succeed with one of the world’s most respected firms. 

Interested in a position with KPMG? Visit Mindy’s LinkedIn page to find out more information and practice some of those valuable networking skills!

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mindy-ripp/6/66/5a8

Do you find these topics interesting? Have you ever thought about writing a blog? If so, join our team! Please send any interests, inquiries, or articles to Cassie Sklarz at sklarz@fordham.edu. We'd love to hear from you!