The School of Accounting knows it has talented accounting graduates to fill slots at firms across the country and world-particularly those seeking a diverse workforce.
On two recent occasions, national recruiting directors from Ernst & Young came to the business school to increase their firm’s visibility among the business students. At the same time, the School of Accounting used the visits to further acquaint Ernst & Young with the advantages of recruiting at Florida International University (FIU) for positions beyond South Florida.
In March 2009, Dan Black, director of recruiting for Americas, spent most of a day on campus, and in May 2009, Ken Bouyer, American director of inclusiveness recruiting, did the same. Oscar Suarez, office managing partner; and Kaamilah “Kaami” Moore, Florida campus recruiter, were present both days. Among the activities was a tour of the new business complex, including the Ernst & Young Student Learning Lab which was dedicated on February 13, 2009.
Visit sets stage for future interchanges.
“Ernst & Young recruits at FIU for local positions, but we want to be on their radar screen for jobs in other areas of the country and internationally,” said Teresita Brunken (EMST ’86, BBA ’81), assistant director of student services for the School of Accounting “If the firm starts to recruit here for national jobs that will increase the opportunities for our graduates who are interested in relocating. We want Ernst & Young to see what we have to offer in general, but particularly to show the ways we can help them meet their diversity goals with highly qualified candidates.”
In addition to Brunken, Joyce J. Elam, executive dean; Sharon Lassar, director, School of Accounting; Annabelle Rojas (MBA ’98, BBA ’87), assistant dean, department of advancement, alumni and corporate relations; and Clifford Perry, associate dean met with both Black and Bouyer.
The college and Ernst & Young plan to continue the dialogue, which promises a mutually beneficial outcome.