Weeks of frustration didn't keep Andrew Veilleux '21 from being persistent about searching for his dream job. With guidance from the Student Professional Development Center and some hard work, he is about to begin his career with Deloitte.
Andrew Veilleux ’21, a business analytics and finance double major from Massachusetts, felt anxious and discouraged during his job search and turned to the Student Professional Development Center for guidance.
Now, after several first, second and third-round interviews, he is eager to begin his career with Deloitte and credits much of his success to the resources and services the SPDC offered.
We recently asked Veilleux to answer some questions about his experience with landing a job at Deloitte:
What were you trying to accomplish when you met with the professional staff in the Student Professional Development Center and what specific help did you receive?
When I met with the SPDC career advisors, I was hoping to gain insight into three main things. First, I needed help updating my resume and cover letter to cater to the job I was applying for. Additionally, I wanted to know what type of interview questions I could expect for this kind of opportunity and inquire about connecting with Elon Alumni who work at the firm.
What did/have you learned from the experience?
The biggest thing I have learned from this overall experience is not to be afraid to reach out for help. I would have never been in the position I am in now without reaching out to the SPDC and of course, asking questions. I had to take some initiative in reaching out to various alumni with positions at Deloitte. Once making some connections, from there, all it took was one alumni willing to help get me in touch with a recruiter.
What recommendations would you share with other students about the Student Professional Development Center?
I would recommend connecting with the SPDC staff early on in your Elon career. Building a strong relationship with the career advisors has not only been extremely helpful for my professional growth, but it has also provided me with a sense of mentorship. The advisors want to help you reach your internship and post-graduate goals and take the time to get to know you if you are willing to meet with them.
Tell me about your experience in landing this opportunity at Deloitte.
I had been interested in Deloitte since my first year at Elon. I knew I wanted to do something meaningful with my business analytics degree and liked the idea of being in the financial advisory services sector.
However, it was not until this fall that I was able to get the ball rolling and start some conversations with Deloitte recruiters. I applied to a few positions in their advisory services department and then reached out to alumni working there. After a few informational interviews, I was able to get in touch with a recruiter who thought I might be a great fit for a role on their Strategic Risk team. After interviewing with various managers, Deloitte offered me a position at their headquarters in New York City.
How did your interest in the organization, company, or career develop?
My interest for Deloitte developed throughout my time at Elon. I always liked the idea of working for a bigger company and knew the popularity behind working in an advisory role at a Big Four accounting firm. Deloitte had always impressed me as I have seen alumni accelerate their career track after starting in an entry advisory role. Eventually, after a position was posted on the Elon Jobs Network for a full-time role in their Risk and Financial Advisory sector, I knew this was something that I wanted to pursue full force.
Which faculty members did you work with to prepare and what help did you receive?
I worked closely with two career advisors in the Porter Center — Danielle Golinski and Brooke Buffington. Golinski helped me update my resume/cover letter and gave me interview tips. Buffington provided me with a list of names of possible alumni at Deloitte, and pointed me in the direction of the alumni LinkedIn page where students can search for Elon alumni in various geographic locations, companies and job titles. Making the appointment was easy and the help I received from Golinski and Buffington was instrumental to landing this position with Deloitte. It is all about asking questions and reaching out because you never know what informational interview or connection could help lead to a job offer!