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CBA Alumni Interview – EY Risk Advisory

February 15th, 2020

Did anyone have the chance to attend the CBA’s leadership conference info session? Did the insights shared by our industry experts help you gain a better understanding of various companies’ leadership conferences and inspire some new goals?

For those who missed it, don’t worry; we’ve got a little treat for you. We’ve invited some accomplished alumni who’ve participated in the EY, Deloitte, and KPMG Student Leadership Conferences to share their experiences and offer some valuable advice.

Today’s Interviewee: Lesley Lee

Many students are often curious about the differences between business school fraternities and regular student organizations. As someone who joined the prestigious AKPsi fraternity at Kelley as a freshman,..

Can you talk about the structure of AKPsi and the pros and cons of joining a fraternity?

For those who aren’t familiar, AKPsi is one of the business fraternities at our school, and it’s also one of the oldest and largest fraternities in our school’s history. It does have a somewhat mysterious aura, as there are two key phases to consider: the “rush” process and what happens after you become a member.

The Structure of AKPsi:

Rush Process

This is where it all begins. At the start of each semester, different events are hosted to help interested students learn about the fraternity and what it’s all about. During its peak, there were around 350 individuals rushing. After four rounds of info events, there are two rounds of interviews. These interviews assess your professionalism and social compatibility, which ultimately determines if you get to join.

Membership

Once you’re in, you’re known as a “pledge.” I’ve since become an “active” member. The pledge phase consists of individuals selected after the rush process. In each batch, there are approximately 20-30 pledges. Pledges go through a rigorous 8-9 week training program. During my time, we interviewed various active brothers, hosted different events, and even had mock career fairs to hone our professional skills. The brothers were incredibly helpful, generously sharing their experiences. It was impressive to see how they were always willing to help, even though they were incredibly busy. I remember that several of them were preparing for investment banking interviews during their junior and senior years, yet they would still spare an hour or two to have a meal with you, review your resume, and conduct mock interviews. This spirit gets passed down from one batch to the next, so each successive batch treats the following one exceptionally well.

Pros and Cons

Pledging can be a demanding process. At that time, I was also involved in several other organizations and taking a substantial course load, so I averaged less than 5 hours of sleep each day. AKPsi not only focuses on professional development but also on social activities. This includes going out for dinners, attending sports events, and shows. As the name suggests, we’re like a close-knit family, and many of us became best friends through the fraternity. Lots of people ended up living together, and even if they moved to different places for work, they stayed in touch. I’m currently working in New York, and the company has an internal system for communication. When I posted on Facebook that I was moving to New York, one day, someone messaged me; he was a former president of AKPsi and was also working at EY’s advisory department in New York. In the coming days, we’ll probably continue to stay in touch, and perhaps there will be events we can attend together. This is a particularly great aspect, as even someone I didn’t know well at the time, just a former president, could reach out to me. I think this is one of the fantastic things about fraternities.

AKPsi and its compatibility with international students’ culture:

AKPsi and organizations like DSP have a lot to do with the fit between international students and the culture. When I first joined, I found it a bit challenging because everyone was quite social, and there were frequent parties. In comparison, I felt a bit more “Chinese” in some ways, and I thought everyone was just really crazy. But, it’s actually a reflection of their culture. If you can open up and have a good time, you can make some great friends. It’s a balance. When I first joined, I really enjoyed it, but later on, I felt a significant cultural clash because it was quite different from my own culture. However, I believe that I’ve gradually found a balance, and I think it’s not just about the cultural differences between organizations and individuals, but more so the cultural differences between China and the US. Many of the students within the fraternity are quite nice, and I also believe in the “Work hard, play hard” philosophy. So overall, I think it’s pretty great!

This semester, many companies, including the Big Four, have opened up leadership conferences to first and second-year students. As a student who has received numerous offers for leadership conferences,..

What do you think companies are looking for in the students they want to participate in these programs?

I believe what’s crucial is that, even though first and second-year students may not have a wealth of involvement on their resumes, it’s evident whether they have the desire to get involved. During your first year, many people don’t have extensive resumes. So, at this point, there’s a significant difference between those with well-edited, formatted resumes and those without. Some students may have already removed most of their high school activities from their resumes during their first year, and that already helps them stand out. Your personal image is crucial, so it’s essential to actively get involved, attend various events, and proactively reach out to recruiters and people working in the companies. In fact, many students participating in these programs may not be from IU, but they all seem well-prepared. They might not necessarily have an in-depth understanding of the Big Four because these firms don’t expect first and second-year students to have extensive knowledge, but having some understanding certainly provides a significant advantage. Many students end up with multiple offers for leadership conferences. Moreover, they tend to be very likable, meaning they’re easy to converse with. In terms of academics, I may not be very knowledgeable, but among these students, not all of them are necessarily from the business school.

Can you provide a detailed description of what students do at the leadership conference?

Well, the conference is essentially a fun experience. But you get to meet a lot of people, and many of us still keep in touch. Although it may not be very close contact, we stay connected through social networks. I’ve seen that many people have developed their own career paths.

The conference typically spans two days and one night, and it covers all expenses, including meals and accommodation, and even the flight tickets. I remember the one in Chicago took place on a boat, traveling through the river in the heart of the city. It’s like a trip, designed to engage and connect with students. My experiences have been limited to Chicago, even though I’m currently interning in New York.

Pros and Cons of Participating in Leadership Conferences

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of participating in a Leadership Conference?

Leadership conferences are increasingly opening their doors to students, particularly freshmen and sophomores. These conferences offer a unique opportunity for students to gain insights into various companies, potentially secure job offers, and eliminate the need to navigate crowded career fairs. However, like most things in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of participating in leadership conferences, as shared by a student who has experienced them firsthand.

The Advantages

One of the primary benefits of attending a leadership conference is the chance to explore multiple companies simultaneously. If you’re fortunate enough to receive offers from various conferences, you can delve deep into each organization’s culture, values, and opportunities. Typically, these conferences cover all expenses, including meals and accommodation, making it a cost-effective way to explore potential employers.

Moreover, these conferences often include interviews and job offers. Securing a junior-year offer during your sophomore summer can be a game-changer. It means that if you perform well during your junior year, you’ll have a full-time job waiting for you upon graduation. This is especially advantageous for international students, reducing the time and effort needed to navigate the competitive job market. The earlier you secure a position, the lower the associated risks because your contract is signed and sealed. From a job-hunting perspective, it’s an invaluable advantage that can set you on a promising career path.

For freshmen, some programs are available to kickstart your career journey. Companies like EY and Deloitte offer these opportunities, and it’s highly recommended to take advantage of them. For sophomores, applying to leadership conferences is a must. If you’re considering a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) or a similar five-year program, you can also begin the application process during your junior year.

The Disadvantages

On the flip side, locking in with a company during your sophomore summer has its challenges. If, during your junior year, you have a change of heart about your chosen career path, want offers from more prestigious companies, or aim to switch service lines or locations, it can become a complicated situation. You’re essentially bound to that initial choice unless you’re prepared to decline a full-time offer after completing your internship. This can be particularly challenging at Kelley, where there are typically fewer full-time job opportunities than internships. Moving around within the same company or exploring new options can be constrained.

Leadership conferences offer tremendous benefits for students looking to secure early job offers and explore various career paths. However, they come with the potential drawback of early commitment, which may limit your flexibility. It’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully, keeping your long-term career goals in mind. Making informed choices during these conferences can set you on the path to a successful and fulfilling career.

As a renowned interview expert, what do you believe should be paid attention to during the interview process? What can enhance an interview and what can deduct points? Are there any tips for practicing interviews?

Interviewing can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation and approach, you can turn interviews into opportunities to shine and land your dream job. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some valuable insights from someone who’s earned a reputation as an interview expert – a student who has successfully navigated interviews with prestigious companies.

The Importance of Preparation

Our expert begins by emphasizing that preparation is key. It’s not enough to skim a few pages on a company’s website before the interview. Instead, you need to demonstrate a genuine understanding of the company and the role you’re applying for.

One valuable approach to preparation is to reach out to individuals who have interviewed with the same company, worked in similar positions, or have relevant industry experience. They can provide valuable insights into what the company is looking for and what the job entails. By doing this, you go into the interview with a deeper knowledge of the company, which can set you apart from other candidates.

The Power of Small Talk

During the interview, it’s not just about reciting your resume and rehearsed answers. Our interview expert highlights the importance of small talk, especially when interviewing with international companies. Connecting on a personal level with the interviewer can make a significant difference.

For example, if your interviewer is an alumnus of your university, you can talk about your shared experiences. If you both have something in common, like being part of the same sports conference or being from the same hometown, use that to build rapport. Small talk shows that you’re not just a list of qualifications; you’re a person who can fit into the company’s culture.

The Benefits and Risks of Early Commitment

Our interview expert also discusses the benefits and potential downsides of securing a job offer early in your college career. While it can be a major advantage to have a junior-year offer lined up, it’s important to consider whether you’re fully committed to the career path or company.

Committing too early can limit your options, making it challenging to switch companies, service lines, or locations later on.

In the competitive world of job interviews, preparation, and building personal connections can make all the difference. By reaching out to experienced professionals, engaging in small talk, and carefully evaluating your early job offers, you can confidently navigate the interview process and position yourself for career success.

Remember, interviews are not just about answering questions – they’re about creating a memorable impression. So, prepare well, connect on a personal level, and pave your way to success in the professional world. Good luck with your interviews!

Is there any special experience or advice you’d like to share with everyone?

The most significant realization I have is to study well (laughs), but that might not be applicable to everyone because, well, everyone is already studying hard (laughs). I believe it’s crucial to study what you love and excel in it. While GPA may not be everything, it does reflect how well you enjoy the subject. So, I think when you have the opportunity in school to study, you should really grasp the knowledge. Also, don’t resist trying new things. The more uncomfortable something makes you, the more you should try it. Because you never know what surprises the next step might bring or what lessons it might teach you.

For me, from the time I came to the U.S. as a high school exchange student, I’ve experienced many unexpected things that were completely out of my control. But these experiences have taught me valuable lessons. For example, they’ve taught me the importance of volunteering, gratitude, and treating everyone around you with kindness. When I got to college, I didn’t want to limit myself to being a freshman or a Chinese student who only hangs out with the Chinese community. I didn’t want to think that as a freshman, there were things I couldn’t try until my sophomore or junior year. So, I attended career fairs and joined various clubs.

While I did face some challenges in my freshman year, and it did have some impact on my GPA, I also accumulated a lot of experiences and a network that later proved valuable. Now, as I intern in New York, I find that many things happen suddenly. Two weeks ago, my life was quite chaotic, but I now view it as an experience. Being in a new city offers numerous opportunities to try new things. I’ve encountered various difficulties and had to solve them on my own. It’s an experience that builds character. If you can survive here, you can survive anywhere. So, my advice is to be brave and willing to try anything.

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