Meet Sydney Brummett! She graduated with her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Accounting with a focus on Management and Entrepreneurial in May 2019. She is currently a Senior Accountant – Warranty and Analysis for Peterbilt Motors Company.
We asked Sydney some questions, advice for current students, and how UNT helped them to succeed and SOAR BEYOND!
When you started at UNT, what were your plans after graduation? How have these plans changed? I was planning on becoming an accountant, but I wasn’t exactly sure what area I would be in. I would say my plans went as expected.
What advice do you have for prospective or current students as they decide what they want their next steps to be? First figure out your focus, I knew I didn’t want to be working crazy hours through any busy seasons. I also wasn’t strong in Tax or Audit, so I quickly knew Corporate was the route for me. After having that thought process, go for the internships. It was what got my foot in the door and found my match. Accounting may not be your favorite, but there are many avenues that it leads you to. I have seen accounting being an elite department that other departments heavily recruit from. We have high ranked people that all started in accounting.
How did your program(s) at UNT help you to feel prepared for this role? Through my work ethic. I always took 15+ hours each semester, so all of it was tough to keep track of. All of the homework, and studying for tests, and projects prepares you for managing priorities and how to get your work done efficiently.
How did you find your current role? Word of mouth. I have a distant cousin that works here and mentioned at a Christmas gathering that they offered internships.
What was the most challenging interview question they asked you? Honestly, as an intern, I had a very light hearted interview so I felt like all questions were relatively easy. I never had to re-interview for my full-time position.
Share anything else about your story/experience. I can’t stress how important internships are. Take your role seriously, do everything you can to help, leave an imprint in your boss’s mind, and stand out from your fellow interns. I was called back for two more internships, for a total of three, while going through school. It’s so important to be working at a place that sees your potential and that you enjoy going to work every day. Also, don’t buy into the thought that Tax and Audit are the superior areas to go into, I had very few corporate-focused people in my classes and always felt like I was doing something wrong…but I knew myself and knew it was the right choice.
Would you like to be featured in our Soaring Beyond Success Series? Submit your story here and email Jeanette Hickl. We’d love to share your story!
