[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

For those who are looking to get jobs/internships this fall, good luck to you all – I’m on the same boat, and know how nervewrecking this time can be. Anyways, my alma-mater (I just graduated Spring 2013) is holding a “meet the professionals” event next week and a whole bunch of professionals from various firms will be there (Small firms to Big4).

I’m wondering, what are some good questions to ask the professionals that are meaningful and could possibly engage into a nice conversation? I went to an open house last month at a regional firm and talked to a bunch of professionals, but sometimes it was hard to come up with new things to ask since there were so many of them. Also, any other good tips when im at these types of events? I’m pretty outgoing to begin with, and know that these guys are just looking for people to fit in at the firm.

A little background about myself – Just finished undergrad with 225 credits, 3.2 accounting gpa and double major in Accounting and Financial Economics. Thanks!

[acamp]

Did you see last night's football game?

lol, somewhat serious. These things are more about being personable and being able to uphold a conversation more than anything else. Granted even the most charismatic person with a 2.0GPA won't get an interview, your so-so GPA combined with some great conversation should get your in (depending on how competitive it is in your area).

So yeah, football might not be something to lead out with but if it somehow comes up, a minute or two chatting about football might not hurt. On the onset, try to find something interesting and applicable for them to talk about. ie: For Deloitte people, ask about Deloitte University, its work related, but that place is also a lot of fun, so they will probably be happy to talk about it–and its a lot better than the usual bla bla bla tell me about public accounting, snoooore ZZZzzzzzzz. Off that topic, maybe something like, tell me about your most interesting client–might still be a snore fest, but having the conversation being a little more personable than general should make it more interesting for both parties.

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

Did you see last night's football game?

lol, somewhat serious. These things are more about being personable and being able to uphold a conversation more than anything else. Granted even the most charismatic person with a 2.0GPA won't get an interview, your so-so GPA combined with some great conversation should get your in (depending on how competitive it is in your area).

So yeah, football might not be something to lead out with but if it somehow comes up, a minute or two chatting about football might not hurt. On the onset, try to find something interesting and applicable for them to talk about. ie: For Deloitte people, ask about Deloitte University, its work related, but that place is also a lot of fun, so they will probably be happy to talk about it–and its a lot better than the usual bla bla bla tell me about public accounting, snoooore ZZZzzzzzzz. Off that topic, maybe something like, tell me about your most interesting client–might still be a snore fest, but having the conversation being a little more personable than general should make it more interesting for both parties.

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Keely]

I might get totally ripped apart for this, and I know it seems picky, but I think it's relevant. “Anyways” is not a word! The reason I say that is because one of the best tips I can give you is to be polished when you speak. You can have the best credentials in the world, but if you say “Me and so-and-so” or “irregardless,” etc., people will not take you seriously. I have my issues with using the word “like” as a filler, and I'm constantly having to stop myself from using it. A lot of people you interview with will be older, and old school. So even if it's common dialect, if it's not technically a word, I don't use it.

Seriously, folks, I'm not trying to be grammar nazi, so please don't jump down my throat. I simply think, with the way most kids speak these days, you can easily distinguish yourself and get above the pack just by using proper grammar. Just my two cents. Good luck at the event!

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Keely]

I might get totally ripped apart for this, and I know it seems picky, but I think it's relevant. “Anyways” is not a word! The reason I say that is because one of the best tips I can give you is to be polished when you speak. You can have the best credentials in the world, but if you say “Me and so-and-so” or “irregardless,” etc., people will not take you seriously. I have my issues with using the word “like” as a filler, and I'm constantly having to stop myself from using it. A lot of people you interview with will be older, and old school. So even if it's common dialect, if it's not technically a word, I don't use it.

Seriously, folks, I'm not trying to be grammar nazi, so please don't jump down my throat. I simply think, with the way most kids speak these days, you can easily distinguish yourself and get above the pack just by using proper grammar. Just my two cents. Good luck at the event!

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Ntw6817]

@Keely Anyways isn't a word? Interesting, you learn something new every day.

[Ntw6817]

@Keely Anyways isn't a word? Interesting, you learn something new every day.

[Keely]

@Ntw, that's why I posted it! A lot of people think it is, but it is slang, and in my opinion, sounds unprofessional. I get it from my dad, who owns a business and had to have a sit-down conversation with his marketing director over the fact that “irregardless” is not a word. He is very picky, but I don't think he's alone. “Anyways” sounds like nails down a chalkboard to me now! 😉

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Keely]

@Ntw, that's why I posted it! A lot of people think it is, but it is slang, and in my opinion, sounds unprofessional. I get it from my dad, who owns a business and had to have a sit-down conversation with his marketing director over the fact that “irregardless” is not a word. He is very picky, but I don't think he's alone. “Anyways” sounds like nails down a chalkboard to me now! 😉

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[acamp]

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anyways

Examples of ANYWAYS

You're late. Anyways, at least you showed up.

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anyways

Examples of ANYWAYS

You're late. Anyways, at least you showed up.

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Never_Give_Up1]

If someone was to seriously sit me down and tell me I need to learn how to use proper English, I would blast them for being so ignorant and then quit. Because if someone is really that caught up with it, it shows they are not an easy going person. You ask the British if we speak proper English, they will start laughing at you. There are different dialects that form with any language, and getting so caught up in the little difference of how your English is right and someone else is wrong will just make you look arrogant. Now if someone can't even speak English that forms a audible and cohesive sentence, maybe you have something. But still, what if English is their second language…

FAR - 81
REG - 81
AUD - 82
BEC - 81

Ethics - Done
State License Exam - Done

License - Licensed CPA in Utah

[Never_Give_Up1]

If someone was to seriously sit me down and tell me I need to learn how to use proper English, I would blast them for being so ignorant and then quit. Because if someone is really that caught up with it, it shows they are not an easy going person. You ask the British if we speak proper English, they will start laughing at you. There are different dialects that form with any language, and getting so caught up in the little difference of how your English is right and someone else is wrong will just make you look arrogant. Now if someone can't even speak English that forms a audible and cohesive sentence, maybe you have something. But still, what if English is their second language…

FAR - 81
REG - 81
AUD - 82
BEC - 81

Ethics - Done
State License Exam - Done

License - Licensed CPA in Utah

[Keely]

Wow, Never, I totally disagree with you. If you are presenting yourself to the public and representing someone's business, I would expect you not to use words that are made up. I knew this was going to cause a blow-up, but I really was just trying to help. It's not like it was a conversation like, “You're an idiot, either learn to speak properly or you're fired.” What if someone was going out and speaking to CEOs of businesses and saying “ain't” or “more better?” I think it is really important to be a polished speaker when you're talking to potential clients and in your professional life in general. It is also not fair to compare someone whose first language is not English. Again, it is not like this is a discrimination issue or something. All I was trying to say is that a lot of professionals, especially the older guard, look at things like this. You will never convince me that using proper grammar is not important at work.

Also, I repeat, “anyways” is not a word. It is a word like “twerk” is a word. If you type it into google, a million grammar blogs will come up saying it's not proper English.

To the OP, you sound really intelligent, and I wasn't trying to bash you or act like you sounded stupid. It was just a friendly tip.

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Keely]

Wow, Never, I totally disagree with you. If you are presenting yourself to the public and representing someone's business, I would expect you not to use words that are made up. I knew this was going to cause a blow-up, but I really was just trying to help. It's not like it was a conversation like, “You're an idiot, either learn to speak properly or you're fired.” What if someone was going out and speaking to CEOs of businesses and saying “ain't” or “more better?” I think it is really important to be a polished speaker when you're talking to potential clients and in your professional life in general. It is also not fair to compare someone whose first language is not English. Again, it is not like this is a discrimination issue or something. All I was trying to say is that a lot of professionals, especially the older guard, look at things like this. You will never convince me that using proper grammar is not important at work.

Also, I repeat, “anyways” is not a word. It is a word like “twerk” is a word. If you type it into google, a million grammar blogs will come up saying it's not proper English.

To the OP, you sound really intelligent, and I wasn't trying to bash you or act like you sounded stupid. It was just a friendly tip.

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Never_Give_Up1]

I think in general, if someone is a CPA they are an intelligent person. Who am I to judge them for using different vocabulary during communication? If I understand them and they can obviously come across clear and they articulate their message… why should I judge them? I work with some of the old guard…. and I can't stand them. Less than 10 minutes ago someone came to me and said, “instead of using, “back out” you should use “reverse.”” Really… we are professionals and you are nit picking over these words when you and I and anyone of the general populous would be able to understand the message. What if someone is great with numbers so they became and accountant and horrible at English… and they have a learning disability. You go ahead and judge someone just because they were not using your preferred adjective or verb. In the end it is only for you to make yourself feel better that you know they didn't use the proper word there. Otherwise, why would someone care?

If it is obvious they are not able to communicate with lots of filler words… judge away. But because someone used “anyways” is just nit picking… IMO.

FAR - 81
REG - 81
AUD - 82
BEC - 81

Ethics - Done
State License Exam - Done

License - Licensed CPA in Utah

[Author]

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