Member Monday: Heather Madison
Heather Madison is a recent graduate of Bob Jones University as of May of 2021. She is currently employed at Robins, Eskew, Smith & Jordan (RESJ) as a Staff Accountant. She met RESJ through an on campus recruiting event called the “Accounting Picnic” which is when her job search started – the Fall of 2020. Bob Jones University (BJU) puts this event on each year as a way for previous graduates and many firms to meet current students who are searching for job or internship opportunities. The process was a little different for her than others who graduated. They were limited with how many people could be on campus and the 2020 Accounting Picnic was completely virtual due to COVID. BJU set up rotating video calls for 2020 that gave each student about ten minutes to talk to several firms that they picked. She talked to two representatives at RESJ that evening and about a month later was contacted by their recruiter to visit for an interview.
RESJ was the only firm that she interviewed with, but the reason that she did not search any further than RESJ was because of the people. Everyone at RESJ is caring and approachable. She spoke with several individuals (and groups) at her interview and was really impressed with how RESJ worked as a team. She thinks another key factor for her was that she had direct contact with the partners, and they even encouraged her to ask questions about the area, the firm, and the position that she would be moving into. To put it in a few words, RESJ was very open and transparent when they were talking to her about joining their firm.
When asked about what advice that she would give to current students on finding their first job out of college, she says to not overlook any opportunity, no matter how big or small. It may end up being the perfect fit for you, despite any preconceived notions that you have.
Congratulations on landing your first job! We can’t wait to see how you help further the profession!
The Member Monday series will highlight a different GSCPA member each week. GSCPA is excited to introduce you to your fellow members and let you get to know a little more about them. Stayed tuned for the next Member Spotlight!