Article by Jackson Bellich, a graduate of Indiana University, who joined Selden Fox in September 2024.
The jump from college to the workforce can be one of the most exciting and pivotal moments in any graduate’s journey. After late nights and countless hours of studying the finish line is in sight—now it’s time to pivot and find the right fit to start your career. The ability to navigate the hiring process can be one of the most challenging concepts, but understanding the demands of job searching and networking, while taking a proactive approach can make this process easier while launching your career in the right trajectory.
Getting an “early start” does not always mean sending out your resume as soon as possible. Networking played a vital role in my path that ultimately led me to Selden Fox. I reached out to professors, former classmates, and others within the accounting industry, from firms of all sizes, to learn of their experiences. These conversations helped me gain a better understanding of the field and helped me prioritize what I was looking for in a job.
I knew that I wanted to be at a firm that was well-established, but also one that provided a sense of belonging. These discussions also revealed how firms may move at a different pace, which made me realize that I wanted to be somewhere that I felt I could learn and grow at a steady pace, without being overwhelmed.
When I determined what I was looking for, I made sure to apply to firms that met my priorities, something many students can take for granted. It takes a lot of hard work and discipline to get to this point, and it’s okay to be selective in the job search and find a firm that meets your priorities. The interview process can be daunting, but knowing what you want can make the process easier.
Once you have identified what your priorities are, “dig in” to every firm/company with whom you have an interview. Read each firm’s mission statements. View the type of clients with whom they work. Read the biographies of executives at the firm and take note of how long they have been there. Learn what you can about the culture of the firm. Do as much research as possible before going into an interview and have questions ready to go so you can make your priorities clear. Not only will this give you more confidence going into the interview, but more importantly, it will ensure that you find the right fit.
The last and most important factor I focused on, which I learned from multiple professors, was to maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. The job-hunting journey will have its highs and lows but staying positive will give you the confidence needed to make it a successful journey for you and your future employer. There will be companies that won’t respond to your application. There will be interviews that don’t go well. These are things that most everyone experiences. At the end of the day, it’s these experiences that will help you identify that right fit. Staying positive and confident throughout the process will not only bring out the best in you but ultimately bring you to an opportunity that matches that same energy.
