Miami University finance major Danielle Jones was recently selected, along with 50 other minority college students across to the nation, to participate in KPMG's Future Diversity Leaders program.
KPMG is one of the top four public audit, tax, and advisory firms in the United States right now, according to Jennifer Neal, national diversity recruiting manager at KMPG.
"I felt really happy (when I found out I was selected); I wasn't expecting it," Jones said. "(KPMG) only guaranteed an interview. I'm very appreciative. It's a big honor."
She felt that her acceptance into the Future Diversity Leaders program also reflected Miami's achievement.
"KPMG doesn't offer this program to every school," Jones said. "They have 'premiere' schools that they try to get applicants from, and Miami is considered one of them."
Jones said that in order to apply she had to submit an application about herself and the various organizations she was involved in as well as partake in a phone interview.
"There was also a question about how you could bring diversity to KPMG," she said. "(I and the other 50 members of the Future Diversity Leaders program) had to attend leadership training in Hollywood this summer. We also have to keep up a certain GPA."
According to Neal, the firm started the Future Diversity Leaders program July 2007 to help foster a more diverse workforce for overall business success.
"We believe in fostering an environment of inclusion that encourages partners and employees to be successful," Neal said. "By valuing our differences we build upon our individual, team and firm strengths. It's an approach that we believe benefits our people and our clients."
The Future Diversity Leaders program helps KPMG value diversity, and foster support for minorities in accounting, explained Neal.
"(The Future Diversity Leaders program) goes along with efforts to support minorities in accounting and to also help diversity in the workforce," Neal said.
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According to Neal, 50 students across the nation were chosen to participate in this program. The Future Diversity Leaders program blends internship opportunities and financial aid from KPMG, until the participant graduates. Depending on his or her performance, the student may be offered a full-time employment opportunity with KPMG.
Neal added that prior to being accepted into the program, students were nominated by faculty members on basis of academic achievement and diversity campus involvement.
"The most interesting component of our program is that students must be nominated by a professor," she said.
KPMG's criteria for consideration to enrollment into the Future Diversity Leaders program includes a minimum overall GPA of 3.5, participation in diversity organizations, and involvement in campus or community activities.
"We believe that your school produces top students in business and we are very aware of your strong academic program," Neal said.
The program includes paid internships and scholarships varying between $1,000 and $2,000.
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