Lauren Graf, '13

As a sophomore Robins School of Business student, Lauren Graf attended the “Is the Big Four for You?” event which outlined a roadmap for students to follow in an effort to secure a job with one of the four largest international accounting firms. Two years later, Graf is preparing to graduate in May and has accepted an offer with one of the Big Four, KPMG, where she will begin working in October.

Graf acknowledges the impact the many events, programs and resources provided by the Robins School and the University of Richmond’s Office of Alumni and Career Services have had on her post-graduation plans. “There are numerous opportunities available to students to help prepare and plan for a career, and I took advantage of many of those during my time here,” Graf said.

Among other programs, Graf attended Q-Camp and Evening of Etiquette events where she says she “learned key skills needed in the business world and networked with many professionals from large firms, allowing me the chance to put myself out there.” 

Graf also credits Professor Joe Ben Hoyle as an influential mentor during her studies. “It will come as no surprise to any accounting student or alumni that Professor Hoyle has made a mark on me,” Graf said. “He is one of the most dedicated professors I have ever met and genuinely wants all his students to learn as much as possible to achieve their full potential.”

The dedication shown by Professor Hoyle and all the faculty, staff and alumni is what Graf values most about the Robins School. “I would not be where I am today without all of the amazing people I have encountered throughout my four years here,” she said.

Graf is not new to the accounting world, as she has spent time with several firms over the past two years. “The summer after my sophomore year I took part in six externship programs with the Big Four firms and two mid-size accounting firms, including two National Leadership Conferences. Last summer I completed an audit internship with KPMG, where I will return in October,” she said.  During her time at KPMG, she was selected as one of 22 other students to partake in the Global Internship Program. Of the 1500 interns employed by KPMG, she had the opportunity to spend four weeks of her internship in the firm’s Dublin, Ireland, office.

Before returning to KPMG’s Norfolk, VA, office in October, she will be spending her summer in Williamsburg, VA, preparing for the CPA exam. Once completed, she will join KPMG’s audit practice, where she will be assisting in the auditing of various clients throughout the year.

Until then, Graf is spending her last few weeks on campus with Alpha Kappa Psi, the business fraternity at Richmond, and serving her remaining time as the Vice President of Student Affairs for the Robins School of Business Student Government Association.