The Do’s and Don’ts on How to Succeed in Your First Leadership Program with RSM

Congratulations! You got accepted into one of our Pathways Programs! The RSM Pathways Program is designed to give you, as a university business student, insight into what we're all about, while providing RSM a great opportunity to get to know you better as well! It's a mix of a little business and a lot of fun! But, we understand that for some of you, this is your first exposure to our firm or even experiencing an office setting. So how do you prepare? We figured these helpful tips are a good place to start:

1. DO - Research the company

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It shows us you’re prepared and eager to learn more about us! It also enables you to ask more thought provoking questions during the program, which might make you stand out amongst the crowd.

2. DON'T - Be afraid to ask the tough questions

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We understand this isn’t a one way street. As much as we’re interviewing you during the program, you have to make sure we’re the best fit for you as well! Ask our people, especially our Partners, those tough questions to get to know us better. 

3. DO - Be confident

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We invited you to our program for a reason! Your personality and skills got you here, and that confidence will enable you to make the most out of your externship.

4. DON'T - Be a wallflower

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Those that get the most out of Pathways are utilizing this time to network. Chat with RSM associates about why they chose to work here. Also, get to know your fellow Pathways participants. You all may be interning together at RSM in the future! 

5. DO - Be engaging

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What you get out of the program will be directly impacted by what you put into it, so be an active participant. Pathways is the springboard for other opportunities at RSM so listen, learn, ask thoughtful questions and network with those around you. They will be able to give you unique insight into life at RSM. 

6. DON'T - Sit on your cell phones

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We know you have your own lives and active social media accounts to keep up with, but it’s only 2 days of your summer!  So when you show up, pay attention and be engaged – and if you do, you might even have some fun! 

7. DO - Come prepared to learn! 

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We don’t expect you to come in and know EVERYTHING. Just come ready to be engaged and eager to intake as much information as possible!

8. DON'T - Just follow the crowd

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We understand your parents, mentors and friends all have your best interest in mind when it comes to your future. Stay true to yourself and make sure when you’re going through different programs, you are making your own decision and accepting the offer that is the best fit for YOU – and hopefully that’s with us! 

9. DO - Be yourself! 

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Your unique skills, talents and personality are what make you stand out. At RSM, we value you as an individual so don’t be afraid to show us who you truly are!

Meet Your Authors:

RSM's Client Experience

by Melissa Blumberg & Audra Williams

Have you ever wondered how RSM gains new clients?  What does that first conversation look like? How do we attract and gain their interest and desire to want RSM as their trusted advisor?  As a recruiter I wanted to know that very same thing, to be able to speak about our clients when candidates ask, but to also have a better overall perspective of how the full cycle of a client engagement begins and continues to grow within the firm.

I was given the opportunity to attend a networking event hosted by HUB International in San Diego titled “Turning HR from a Cost Center to a Profit Center” along with various other HR individuals throughout San Diego representing various industries including life sciences, biotech and software.  The topic of discussion was led by RSM’s very own Pat Carney, State and Local Tax leader for the West Region who comes with over 25 years of experience in both Public Accounting and Industry.  Pat discussed how HR professionals could add value specifically via training grants provided by the state. He gave a brief overview of these grant opportunities and then answered questions from the group. There was plenty of time to network with attendees and RSM got to meet some new people that seemed interested in learning about how RSM could guide them through this process.

This is one of the ways that RSM strives to be not only a company’s tax and audit provider, but a full scale consultant to clients and all of their various needs. RSM attends many events like this one every week, and are represented by employees of the firm from associates to business developers to partners, encouraging employees of all levels to get involved in business development opportunities. This particular event produced several new contacts, including two referrals of clients that we might provide our various consulting services to!