14 answers
8
Questions
Updated
519 views
What are some ways accounting students can stand out in recruiting beyond GPA and internships, especially when applying to competitive firms?
I’m a college accounting student involved in leadership roles and student organizations, and I’d love insight on what actually stands out to recruiters in practice.
Login to comment
14 answers
Updated
Dwight’s Answer
Hi Niki,
I hope all is well! This is a great question! What separates top accounting candidates in recruiting is not just grades or internships rather it is how clearly they demonstrate initiative, impact, and direction. This can come from leadership roles, involvement in accounting or business organizations, case competitions, or projects where you show ownership and problem solving in real situations. Progress toward the CPA, strong communication skills, and the ability to clearly explain your experiences also help signal that you have prepared for a competitive firm environment.
What ultimately makes the biggest difference is how you present yourself and build relationships. Networking with intention, following up consistently, and showing genuine curiosity about a firm helps you stand out in a way a resume alone cannot. Firms want candidates who are not only capable, but also reliable and easy to work with, so consistency, professionalism, and a clear personal story often matter just as much as technical qualifications.
I hope this helps answer your question. Please reach out with any additional question questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
I hope all is well! This is a great question! What separates top accounting candidates in recruiting is not just grades or internships rather it is how clearly they demonstrate initiative, impact, and direction. This can come from leadership roles, involvement in accounting or business organizations, case competitions, or projects where you show ownership and problem solving in real situations. Progress toward the CPA, strong communication skills, and the ability to clearly explain your experiences also help signal that you have prepared for a competitive firm environment.
What ultimately makes the biggest difference is how you present yourself and build relationships. Networking with intention, following up consistently, and showing genuine curiosity about a firm helps you stand out in a way a resume alone cannot. Firms want candidates who are not only capable, but also reliable and easy to work with, so consistency, professionalism, and a clear personal story often matter just as much as technical qualifications.
I hope this helps answer your question. Please reach out with any additional question questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
I agree with others who say that companies really appreciate good character.
After talking with recruiters or having interviews, it's a great idea to send a thank you email. This shows you're grateful and helps build a stronger connection. Also, try to reply to emails quickly. You might even use AI to help make your emails sound more polished.
After talking with recruiters or having interviews, it's a great idea to send a thank you email. This shows you're grateful and helps build a stronger connection. Also, try to reply to emails quickly. You might even use AI to help make your emails sound more polished.
Updated
Paul’s Answer
To be competitive after graduation, an accounting student with a graduate decree should have worked already several summers as an intern.
My daughter had two summers off, and she took and passed her real estate professional license in one summer and a property and casualty licenses in the other. As a future CPA, she was hired by PWC as she stood out from the rest with her licenses and her internships, plus she was captain of her college basketball team for three consecutive years, but sounds like you have great leadership and student council experience.
My daughter had two summers off, and she took and passed her real estate professional license in one summer and a property and casualty licenses in the other. As a future CPA, she was hired by PWC as she stood out from the rest with her licenses and her internships, plus she was captain of her college basketball team for three consecutive years, but sounds like you have great leadership and student council experience.
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
Demonstrating that you are passionate about something beyond school clubs and activities can help set yourself apart. That could be volunteering in the community, having a part-time job or participate in community activities (such as fundraisers). Employers want to see that you are well rounded and that you are able to balance multiple activities and passions beyond all the hard work you put into school. This can help set you apart in the interview process where there are a lot of people with similar grades and resumes. Good luck and have fun!
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Niki, what stands out to recruiters is your personality/ being sociable. That’s especially true in audit or tax, where the work is very team based, so they want to feel confident that you’ll connect well with others and work smoothly with people on the team.
Updated
Yousuf’s Answer
Great question - it really comes down to eagerness to learn, curiosity, and showing extra curriculars outside of the regular GPA/academics. Also being good on teaming really helps, you want to demonstrate things you have done that show you work well in a team setting.
Updated
Paula H.’s Answer
In an interview, it's important to show how your experiences can help you succeed at work. Focus on your leadership skills, teamwork, creative thinking, and curiosity. It's not about how many jobs or activities you've done, but what you've learned from them that can make you a strong professional.
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Students can stand out through their attitude and confidence during interviews. Communicating clearly, showing genuine enthusiasm for the firm, and demonstrating professionalism and self‑assurance can leave a strong impression, especially in competitive recruiting environments.
Updated
Je' Mira’s Answer
Many students are curious about this, and here are some actionable tips:
- Approach meeting different people with a positive attitude and be open to new experiences.
- Take concrete steps to earn a professional certification, like the CPA.
- Get involved in local business or accounting clubs, and consider taking on a leadership role. Network at these events with both professionals and fellow students, as they will be part of your future professional network.
- Approach meeting different people with a positive attitude and be open to new experiences.
- Take concrete steps to earn a professional certification, like the CPA.
- Get involved in local business or accounting clubs, and consider taking on a leadership role. Network at these events with both professionals and fellow students, as they will be part of your future professional network.
Updated
Skyler’s Answer
To stand out, applicants should show they can communicate well, solve problems, and work well in teams. It's also important to take the time to learn about the latest rules and trends in the industry.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Niki!
In my experience with recruiting, the accounting students who stand out the most have a positive attitude and a strong desire to learn. Communication is a key part of our job, whether it's within the team, with leadership, or with clients. As you move forward in your career, these communication skills will become even more important, so we really value them.
We provide a lot of on-the-job training for daily tasks, so I encourage you to work on your communication skills when talking to professionals and recruiters. Try to connect with people, attend events regularly, and follow up with those you meet to leave a lasting impression.
In my experience with recruiting, the accounting students who stand out the most have a positive attitude and a strong desire to learn. Communication is a key part of our job, whether it's within the team, with leadership, or with clients. As you move forward in your career, these communication skills will become even more important, so we really value them.
We provide a lot of on-the-job training for daily tasks, so I encourage you to work on your communication skills when talking to professionals and recruiters. Try to connect with people, attend events regularly, and follow up with those you meet to leave a lasting impression.
Updated
Diana’s Answer
From my experience, one of the best ways accounting students can stand out in recruiting is by getting involved in Beta Alpha Psi or a similar accounting organization, especially one that hosts alumni or employer events. These groups give you a chance to meet professionals, learn more about different firms, and get a better sense of the culture before you apply. Just as importantly, they help you build genuine relationships with people who may later share opportunities, offer advice, or even refer you to a recruiter.
If networking feels intimidating, a great alternative is to take on a leadership role/volunteer role in said accounting organization. For example, you could help plan alumni events or serve in a position that involves reaching out to professionals. That can be a more natural way to connect with alumni and start building confidence before doing more direct networking.
At the end of the day, competitive firms look for more than strong grades and internships. They want people who are engaged, curious, and able to build relationships. The more you can show that you’re involved and intentional about connecting with others, the more memorable you’ll be as a candidate. Good luck!
If networking feels intimidating, a great alternative is to take on a leadership role/volunteer role in said accounting organization. For example, you could help plan alumni events or serve in a position that involves reaching out to professionals. That can be a more natural way to connect with alumni and start building confidence before doing more direct networking.
At the end of the day, competitive firms look for more than strong grades and internships. They want people who are engaged, curious, and able to build relationships. The more you can show that you’re involved and intentional about connecting with others, the more memorable you’ll be as a candidate. Good luck!
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Get involved in your local community by volunteering. Try to choose something related to your interests. For instance, if you like tax, you could help with preparing tax returns. Also, reach out to alumni from your schools. They can give you useful tips to succeed in your career or shine in interviews.
Courtney (Lanning) Siegal, MBA
Accounting and Controllership Leader
4
Answers
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
Hi Niki!
Keep in mind that many of your peers and other interested candidates have very similar backgrounds/educations and resumes at this stage of life. Yes, the extracurriculars and the clubs and GPA are obviously important and set a baseline for getting an interview, but what sets certain candidates apart? Ultimately, people want to work with people that they like, and my advice to you would be to be yourself, be curious, ask questions, and be genuine. I remember interviewing for a role when I was in college and the Partner asked me why I wanted to work in accounting - instead of giving the answer I thought she would want to hear, I answered very honestly - "this might sound nerdy, but I genuinely like accounting and found myself reconciling a balance sheet during an exam and thinking it was fun!" She laughed, and I think it really resonated with her because it was honest. Bring your authentic personality and perspective. Good luck!
Keep in mind that many of your peers and other interested candidates have very similar backgrounds/educations and resumes at this stage of life. Yes, the extracurriculars and the clubs and GPA are obviously important and set a baseline for getting an interview, but what sets certain candidates apart? Ultimately, people want to work with people that they like, and my advice to you would be to be yourself, be curious, ask questions, and be genuine. I remember interviewing for a role when I was in college and the Partner asked me why I wanted to work in accounting - instead of giving the answer I thought she would want to hear, I answered very honestly - "this might sound nerdy, but I genuinely like accounting and found myself reconciling a balance sheet during an exam and thinking it was fun!" She laughed, and I think it really resonated with her because it was honest. Bring your authentic personality and perspective. Good luck!