Sophomore Leadership Forum Spotlight: Keith Huynh

Entering my second year, my goal was to secure an internship at a public accounting firm. However, I was clueless about what a sophomore leadership program (SLP) was, let alone how to recruit for it. One of my best choices was utilizing the different programs and resources UAS offered their members. As a mentee for last year’s Mentorship Program, I was able to connect with and learn from one of their distinguished alumni. My mentor, Max, gave me insights on the public accounting industry and offered professional advice. He even introduced me to other professionals from different firms. UAS hosted workshops on topics such as networking, and provided opportunities to meet different firms at their GBMs. After applying and interviewing with various firms, I attended conferences held in the summer by those firms. These conferences were essential in helping me find my ideal firm fit as each conference gives students opportunities to engage with professionals. The firm that stood out to me that summer was EY.

EY’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) was one of the highlights of my summer. ELP is a two day conference spread out on non-consecutive days in May and June. Participants were introduced to the different service lines and learned about firm culture. However, the aspect that stood out to me was the firm’s willingness to reach out to us. Over the course of the summer, there were at least five different social events EY offered to ELP candidates, including a free trip to Disneyland! Despite being a Big Four firm, the professionals I met were always willing to schedule in coffee chats and were very responsive to emails. The professionals themselves were fun to talk to. I was surprised that I was once able to hold a conversation with a professional about YG and EDM festivals.

By mid-August, I knew that EY was my perfect fit, so I was ecstatic when I received an offer for a tax internship at the EY San Diego office for Summer 2018. I am extremely grateful for the invaluable resources and mentorship I received through UAS. My advice for students during recruitment, (besides joining UAS), it to meet and follow up with as many professionals as possible, because it is just as important for you to find your ideal fit as it is for the firm to find their ideal candidate.