By: Jared Brittman & Edison Zhu

On September 24th, 2015, ZGAS hosted the Baker Tilly Information Session at Baruch College. Baker Tilly was established in 1931 and has grown steadily over more than 80 years. Baker Tilly is the twelfth largest full service accounting and advisory firm in the United States with offices throughout the mid-west and along the east coast. Presenting on behalf of the firm was Kate Moriarty, Baker Tilly’s campus recruiter, as well as Maria Khalitov, a Baruch alumnus currently working in Baker Tilly’s tax department.

The event, which was open to both graduates and undergraduates, offered a firsthand look at the services the firm offers. The event was packed with more than 50 eager students in attendance. This was not the first time Baker Tilly had visited Baruch’s campus. The firm had a booth stationed at Baruch College’s annual CPA Fair, which was held on September 11th. Students that connected with Baker Tilly at the CPA fair were now able to gain a perspective on the firm’s cultural side at the information session.

Kate and Maria presented on what differentiates Baker Tilly from other companies. The energy and enthusiasm the dynamic duo displayed kept the students engaged and smiling throughout the session. One of the topics that stood out to students was the commitment that Baker Tilly makes to give back to the community that it operates within. Every year the firm allows its employees to take eight hours of paid time to get out of the office and get involved in a cause they feel passionate about. This initiative is just one of the ways that Baker Tilly practices what they preach when they tell their first year interns and associates that they are in control of their careers.

​At the end of the event, Kate and Maria voluntarily networked with Baruch students who were interested in joining the firm. We believe the event was of great benefit for Baruch’s driven student population as well as Baker Tilly’s professionals. ZGAS always welcomes Baker Tilly to Baruch’s campus, and we’re looking forward to the next recruiting event we’re able to host.  

By Alfred Han

Every year, one of the Zicklin Graduate Accounting Society (ZGAS) major events is the KPMG Speed Networking event. This year was no exception. Eight professionals from the Audit, Tax and Advisory service lines along with over 120 students participated. Everyone involved was pleased the event was such a success.  
 
I was very glad to see that all participants were so eager and active while talking to the professionals; however, I observed that a lot of student-participants were networking just for the sake of networking. What I mean by this is that some conversations seemed to lack a genuine exchange of ideas and value-adding points. Whether you are looking for a referral or merely a deeper insight, this type of conversation is not really helpful or sustainable. I would like to share with you some of my basic tips to enhance your networking skills.

1. Be prepared: Professionals will always appreciate seeing that you are interested, so show how much you know about relevant subjects. It may also be helpful to point out any common connections between you and the person you are talking to - mutual friends, school, education, activities, professional credentials, or work-life balance.
2. Listen well: Again, it never hurts if you are an active and respectful listener. Communication goes both ways. So on one hand, good listening will allow you to catch useful information for you to converse. On the other hand, your respectful listening will be appreciated and reciprocated.
3. Body language: The person you are speaking with may notice any moves you make. First (and most importantly) make eye contact. It is very easy to express how interested you are or aren’t through your eyes - calm down, maintain a good posture, and avoid extreme gestures.
4. Respect other participants: Your professionalism and personality is important at all times, even in casual situations, such as while waiting for an event to begin. Treat everyone and yourself as a professional. You never know if you’re talking to someone who could be a valuable connection.

 
The next step is practice. Although these techniques could be honed with your career advisor or friends, it is important to understand exactly what aspects of communication are the most effective and how authentic and genuine conversations can bring you the most benefit.