For Emily Azzolina, the path to her career aspirations wasn’t always clear. It was the Deloitte Career Launch Program that served as the catalyst, igniting her interest and setting her on a trajectory toward professional success.
Engaging with a diverse panel of Deloitte professionals representing audit, advisory, tax, and consulting, the program provided Azzolina with the crucial direction she was seeking. This immersive experience illuminated potential career paths and helped her discover her passion.
Emily Azzolina, a participant in the Deloitte Career Launch program, credits the initiative for sparking her interest in accounting and guiding her career path.
“They passionately discussed their roles, and it was during this program that I first recognized my keen interest in pursuing a career as an accountant,” Azzolina shared. This pivotal moment led her to secure an internship with Deloitte, further solidifying her career choice.
Established in 2015, the Deloitte Career Launch program is thoughtfully designed to cultivate a supportive environment where undergraduate students at Fisher College of Business can acquire essential soft skills for the business world, as explained by Courtney Clark (BSBA ’03), a tax partner at Deloitte Tax LLP. The program’s comprehensive approach extends to crucial areas such as building robust professional networks and empowering students to effectively craft their personal brands.
The genesis of the Deloitte Career Launch program stems from a collaborative vision. Jeff Rice, executive director of the Office of Career Management at Fisher College of Business, recounts a pivotal meeting in 2014 with Deloitte’s chief inclusion officer. The discussion centered on a shared objective: enhancing diversity hiring goals at Deloitte while simultaneously bolstering Fisher’s commitment to retaining under-represented student groups.
The program’s target demographic included first- and second-year undergraduates who often face unique challenges in their academic and professional journeys. This encompasses first-generation college students, students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and nationalities, as well as individuals representing various sexual orientations and gender identities.
“Both Deloitte and Fisher College of Business have mutually benefited from this shared commitment,” Rice emphasized, highlighting the program’s contribution to the academic achievements and career prospects of students who often navigate distinct obstacles.
The sixth cohort of the Deloitte Career Launch program, conducted during the 2020-2021 academic year, saw the participation of 45 first- and second-year students. The program’s continued success is reflected in the experiences of its participants.
Azzolina, currently pursuing a Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree at Fisher, attests to the program’s lasting impact. “Everyone I’ve interacted with at Deloitte has been incredibly supportive, offering invaluable advice throughout the Career Launch program and my subsequent internship,” she stated.
Colin Stewart (BSBA ’20), a graduate of the Deloitte Career Launch program, emphasizes the program’s role in making the professional world more approachable and understandable for students.
The Deloitte Career Launch program stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between Deloitte and Ohio State University. It is a cornerstone of the talent pipeline connecting the two institutions. Impressively, 485 Buckeye alumni and 71 student interns are currently part of the Deloitte organization. Deloitte’s consistent presence as a top-five recruiting organization at Fisher over the past decade is evident in the hiring of 188 business graduates and 155 interns since 2011.
Colin Stewart (BSBA ’20), another program graduate and now an audit senior assistant at Deloitte & Touche LLP, underscores the program’s transformative effect. For him, the Career Launch program “humanized” the professional landscape.
“The opportunity to engage and converse with actual professionals was instrumental in helping me grasp the realities of my chosen field and the individuals within it,” Stewart explained. He advocates for companies considering partnerships with Fisher College of Business to maximize their involvement with students, encouraging “real, meaningful interactions.”
Courtney Clark (BSBA ’03), a tax partner at Deloitte Tax LLP and alumna of Fisher College of Business, highlights the program’s role in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical career applications.
The Deloitte Career Launch program effectively bridges the gap between classroom learning and the practical demands of professional roles. Professionals from Deloitte, in collaboration with Fisher faculty, lead engaging sessions encompassing speakers, panel discussions, personality assessments, and career goal explorations.
Stewart emphasizes the program’s broader benefits, noting, “Programs like this are crucial in bridging that gap between academic life and the professional world. The added benefit of developing familiarity and rapport throughout the process is invaluable.”
The program’s adaptability was showcased this past year when it transitioned to a fully virtual format. This shift not only introduced greater flexibility but also broadened accessibility by removing travel constraints and expenses, leading to increased student engagement.
Courtney Clark highlights the innovative approaches employed in the virtual setting: “We effectively utilized breakout sessions to replicate the intimate atmosphere of ‘talking around the table,’ ensuring a safe space for students to share their experiences.” Looking ahead, the program is poised to adopt a hybrid model, blending the best aspects of both virtual and in-person interactions to further enhance the Deloitte Career Launch program experience.
