Record nailed his selection for national KPMG diversity training program
OXFORD,
Miss – Although this is only Jessie Austin’s third semester at the
University of Mississippi, the accountancy major from Jackson has
exceeded expectations for a typical sophomore.
A highlight of
Austin’s college career came at the end of his freshman year, when he
was among 51 students from around the nation chosen to attend a
training program, hosted by the international accounting firm KPMG LLP.
Austin’s
selection was based in part on his academic and leadership
accomplishments, which include his enrollment in the Sally McDonnell
Barksdale Honors College, appointments on the ASB Academic Affairs
Cabinet and Judicial Council, and service on the One Mississippi
Executive Council, a student-led group that addresses social
segregation on campus. He also belongs to Lambda Sigma national honor
society and performs with the UM Men’s Chorus and Gospel Choir.
The KPMG “mini internship” was held July 14-16 in Hollywood, Calif. Students are considered for the program based on faculty nominations, which include the student’s academic achievements, involvement in campus organizations and community service, as well as grade point average and desire to pursue a business career. The training pairs students with KPMG employees, who serve as mentors and help equip them with the necessary skills to become business leaders.
“The FDL program is an outstanding opportunity for students like Jessie, because they can learn leadership skills from KPMG’s top professionals and network with business leaders,” said Mark Wilder, dean of the Patterson School of Accountancy. “Jessie has all the qualities of a young future business leader, because he’s intelligent, hard working and has tremendous ‘people’ skills.”
The goal of the program is to assist in developing tomorrow’s leaders and improving diversity in the accounting workplace, said Molli Flynt, FDL’s campus recruiting manager.
“KPMG decided to continue FDL because it was successful and effective in both the great talent it brings to the program and in providing students with skills to succeed in business,” Flynt said. “FDL was launched in 2007 with the intention to be an annual program, and it’s an example of the firm’s commitment to helping build our future business leaders.”
“I was honored to be the first Ole Miss student accepted to the Future Diversity Leaders program,” Austin said. “The conference provided both an excellent opportunity and a great experience to meet accounting professionals.”
Austin said he learned that the qualities of future business leaders should include commitment to high academic success and personal standards.
“KPMG has done a great job of founding their executive goals on diversity,” he said. “The FDL program has broadened my outlook to new adventures that will prepare me for my future job and strengthen my leadership abilities.”
Austin is a graduate of Murrah High School. His parents are Jessie and Doris Austin.