Kelley Meets Needs for On-campus Recruiting
BKD, LLP
As a campus recruiter for one of the nation’s leading accounting firms, Judy Raker has a lot to consider in pursuit of the best hires. The ability to gain access to technically well-prepared accounting graduates is, of course, a given. Running a close second, however, is the convenience of working with schools on placement and recruiting. Raker says Kelley Indianapolis offers both.
“One of the assets of recruiting at Kelley is the ease of working with the CPO (Career Placement Office) staff,” comments Raker, who actively recruits at 10 state schools to staff three of BKD’s Indiana offices. “They make it very clear they want employers on campus and want to place their students.”
Each year Raker is responsible for filling approximately 45 entry-level staff accounting positions at BKD’s Indianapolis office – one of the largest of the firm’s 27 locations. She also hires about 15 graduates annually for jobs at BKD’s Merrillville and Bloomington offices.
“Our proximity to Kelley Indianapolis is really beneficial,” says Raker, who works out of the firm’s downtown office. “Combine that with a proactive and helpful CPO staff and qualified graduates, and Kelley really meets our needs.”
According to Raker, the CPO does a great job of scheduling a variety of events for recruiters to maintain a consistent presence on campus. In addition to on-campus recruiting each fall, BKD participates in Kelley’s Meet the Recruiter events, mock interviews, on-line job postings, club presentations and large panel discussions. The firm also sponsors the CPO’s Business Etiquette Luncheon for Kelley students.
“The way I’d describe working with Kelley is really ‘no-nonsense recruiting,’” Raker explains. “Because the office is very proactive, it makes interacting with students on an ongoing basis much easier for employers.”
As for the Kelley graduates BKD has hired for internships and full-time positions, Raker says the maturity and experience they bring to the workplace is exceptional.
“So many of the Kelley Indianapolis grads either work or have worked,” Raker says. “Having some experience under their belt – in addition to their technical preparation – is a real asset for us.”
