Multicultural Business Scholar learns lessons from career fair experience
By Aurora Sanchez
During my first week of the fall 2018 semester, I approached an Ernst & Young (EY) recruiter tabling at Capitol Federal Hall who told me about a little about the Launch Internship. As a sophomore, I had been told this was the year to network rather than seek internships; therefore I didn’t think about pursuing the internship.
I attended the Chancellor’s Reception the next week, invited by LaTisha Davis from KU’s TRIO SES & STEM office, where she introduced me to Steven Johnson Jr., director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Student Programs in the School of Business. Ms. Davis hoped we could connect because she knew I was wanting to apply to the Multicultural Business Scholars Program soon.
While talking to Mr. Johnson, he asked if I intended to go to the Accounting Career Fair, which happened to be that same week. I told him no because I didn’t feel prepared nor had the clothes to do so. Because I am a first-generation student, I didn’t know how to prepare for the career fair or that they even existed. Mr. Johnson highly encouraged me to go. I continued to think about going the next couple of days until I decided I had nothing to lose by simply attending. I remember going to the business school website and researching a few companies but not EY — I didn’t even know what EY was.
I had my research mentor, Xan Wedel, who works for KU’s Institute of Policy and Social Research, review my resume the day of, and she even helped me print it on the proper paper. I had no idea one had to use a certain type of paper for a resume. We spent the rest of our time preparing myself for the fair. I went home, changed into business casual attire, which was all I had, and headed to the career fair.
As soon as I walked in, I found everyone dressed in a suit, white top and holding professional portfolios. I quickly felt out of place but remembered I had nothing to lose: I was just there to network and prepare for the following year, which would be the “real deal.” After I spoke to some of the companies on my list, I decided to head home. While on my way out when I got held back at the EY line. I remember Abbey Johnson, an EY recruiter, came up to me and very nicely greeted me and asked if I wanted a tote bag. I said yes, gave my elevator pitch and then proceeded to ask her about the Launch Internship. Abbey quickly gave me the description of the internship and encouraged me to apply.
After applying online, I was invited to do a pre-recorded interview online before getting a call in September from Abbey, inviting me to go in and interview in their Kansas City office. A few weeks later, I was offered an intern position at EY.
The biggest takeaway I got from this experience, both the internship itself and everything else before it, was to put myself out there. I had nothing to lose that I already didn’t have. I quickly learned that opportunities don’t come to you; you must seek them out or someone more determined will.
Coming from a rural town in southwest Kansas, it has been a new experience to have people looking out for me and being willing to help. Knowing it is okay to not know everything and seek help has been a challenge because I always try to do everything without it. However, I’ve been able to learn that asking for help doesn’t make you weak and can actually benefit you immensely.
