As college recruitment season kicks into high gear, Blackman & Sloop is reflecting on the importance of these efforts in shaping the firm’s future. Several team members, including Laura Bennett, Adrienne Collins, Logan Miller-DeBrosky, Heather Fullagar, and Amy Ford, play pivotal roles in campus recruiting. Their collective experiences and motivations highlight why these initiatives are vital for both personal growth and the firm’s success.
Personal Motivation & Experience
Why did you join the campus recruiting efforts at Blackman & Sloop?
For Logan Miller-DeBrosky, campus recruiting holds a special place in her heart, as it was through such an event that she first discovered Blackman & Sloop. “I attended a recruiting event at UNCG during my MSA program and was drawn to the unique internship opportunities they offered. Now, as a full-time employee, I feel it’s my turn to give back and share my journey with potential new hires,” she reflects.
Adrienne Collins, on the other hand, enjoys the opportunity to provide students with a realistic glimpse into the world of auditing. “Learning about auditing in class and experiencing it day-to-day are very different, and I love sharing our culture and what makes B&S special,” she adds.
Laura Bennett, who has always had a passion for recruiting, echoes this sentiment: “I’ve always loved mingling and sharing my experiences, especially with students who are just starting out. At my previous job, I was heavily involved in recruiting, and it’s something I’ve carried with me to B&S.”
Adding Value Beyond Desk Work
Engaging in campus recruiting allows these team members to step away from their daily responsibilities and bring a different kind of value to the table. Logan finds that sharing her personal story helps bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, giving students a clear vision of their potential futures. Adrienne sees recruitment as more than just assessing potential new hires; it’s about finding individuals who will thrive within the firm’s unique culture.
Heather Fullagar values recruitment as a platform to share her story, particularly with those returning to school for a second career. For Laura, recruiting is a way to honor the mentors who once guided her, seeing it as an investment in both the firm’s and the profession’s future.
Impact on the Firm
In what ways does campus recruiting play a vital role in the growth and culture of Blackman & Sloop?
Campus recruiting plays a crucial role in the growth and culture of Blackman & Sloop. Amy Ford emphasizes its importance, stating, “Campus recruiting is the foundation for all our recruiting efforts. We have an intentional approach that not only focuses on building our talent pipeline but also on building the talent pipeline for the profession as a whole.”
Laura adds that campus recruiting is integral to attracting potential employees and representing the firm, helping both students and firm employees to engage more deeply with the local community.
College Recruitment & Fair Day Insights
A day in the life of campus recruiting at Blackman & Sloop is a mix of preparation and engagement. Logan starts her day with a clear plan—checking emails, making to-do lists, and wrapping up tasks before heading to the event. Adrienne ensures she has a deep understanding of the roles available and the students’ knowledge levels, while Amy tailors her approach to meet the audience’s specific needs.
When interacting with students, the message is consistent: ask questions, be honest with yourself, and seek out the firm that best aligns with your values and aspirations. Laura reminds students that the people you work with are what truly matter, while Adrienne underscores the importance of finding a firm where you feel both comfortable and supported.
Personal Growth & Development
How has being part of campus recruiting contributed to your personal and professional growth?
For Laura, recruiting has opened doors: “It has enabled me to get to know myself better and portray that to students. It’s also led to professional opportunities, such as joining the Accounting and Finance Advisory Board at one of my alma maters.”
Adrienne finds it rewarding to step back and consider how audit and public accounting fit into the broader business world, reflecting on the value they bring to clients while sharing insights with students.
Looking Ahead
As Blackman & Sloop looks to the future, the team has ambitious goals for campus recruiting. Logan is focused on getting students excited about the work being done, particularly in Business Advisory. Adrienne is committed to bringing in top talent while providing an honest view of what to expect in public accounting. Amy is passionate about changing the narrative around public accounting, showcasing how Blackman & Sloop stands out from the typical CPA firm.
Heather and Laura share a vision of deeper engagement with local schools, offering more opportunities to speak to accounting clubs and getting the firm’s name out into the community. They see this as essential for building strong relationships and providing students with a realistic view of a career in accounting.
Closing Thoughts
Involvement in campus recruiting at Blackman & Sloop is a deeply rewarding experience for the team. Logan enjoys engaging with students and hearing about their experiences and interests, while Adrienne finds fulfillment in sharing her knowledge and answering questions from aspiring accountants. Heather takes pride in representing the firm and encouraging others to consider a career with a smaller firm like Blackman & Sloop. Laura encourages others to get involved in recruitment, confident that the time spent giving back is always well worth it.
In the end, campus recruiting is about much more than filling positions—it’s about shaping the future of the firm, contributing to the growth of the profession, and investing in the next generation of accountants. At Blackman & Sloop, we approach recruitment as an opportunity to build lasting relationships, foster a positive work environment, and ensure our continued growth and success. As we look forward to the upcoming recruitment season, we do so with enthusiasm and a renewed commitment to finding the best talent to join our team.