Recognized for Excellence in Every Campus Forward Award Category
Grant Thornton received a Campus Forward Award for Excellence in Recruitment Strategies, Tech Innovation, Candidate Experience, DE&I, and Internship Programming.
Receiving an award for each category reflects Grant Thornton's unwavering excellence and commitment to providing the best experience for the next generation of talent. Grant Thornton invests in innovative recruitment strategies, cutting-edge technology, thoughtful candidate experiences, inclusive recruitment practices, and standout internship programs. See below for the highlights of their strategies in each one of these categories.
Excellence in Recruitment Strategies
Grant Thornton’s University Recruiting team engages early talent sourcing with a hybrid approach. They participate in in-person events at key relationship schools. In addition, to ensure that they connect with diverse talent, they host virtual events in partnership with the firm’s Business Resource Groups. By offering a broad spectrum of event formats, they maximize convenience for their candidates. From career fairs and student organization presentations to uniquely customized events, their approach ensures all candidates engage. Their strategy includes office visit programs and offer celebrations, virtual touchpoints to keep candidates engaged, and a buddy mentorship program initiated at the time of offer. By meeting candidates where they are and providing diverse engagement opportunities, their recruiters ensure an exceptional recruitment experience while maximizing their talent pool.
Excellence in Tech Innovation
Grant Thornton leverages advanced technologies to significantly enhance their recruitment results and efficiency. Yello ensures consistent outreach and streamlines interview scheduling, making interactions more comfortable and efficient for candidates. AI-driven in-mail messages via LinkedIn aligns with candidates' skillsets, boosting engagement and conversion rates. Copilot crafts compelling communications for targeted retention programs, ensuring candidates remain engaged throughout the process. Additionally, learning journeys through Intrepid provide candidates with access to development programs and firm information, fostering continuous learning and growth. These technological integrations not only improve the efficiency of the recruitment team but also enhance overall hiring outcomes, demonstrating Grant Thornton's commitment to leveraging technology for optimal results.
Excellence in Candidate Experience
At Grant Thornton, all candidates receive an exceptional level of care. From the first interaction, personalized communication ensures candidates feel valued. Recruiters spend dedicated time meeting candidates where they are and guiding them through the process. Comprehensive interview guides help candidates know what to expect and how to succeed. After accepting an offer, candidates are paired with a mentor for support and connectivity. Accepted students engage in a structured program with regular touchpoints and virtual upskilling opportunities, complemented by a welcome gift of their choice that reflects their interests and personality. The firm also prioritizes candidate feedback through surveys enhancing their processes. This approach ensures a thorough hiring process, setting candidates up for success from attraction to their first day and beyond.
Excellence in DE&I
Grant Thornton is dedicated to recruiting and retaining underrepresented talent at the entry level by partnering with minority-serving institutions, including HBCUs and HSIs. The firm participates in national diversity conferences such as NABA and ALPFA to build relationships and hire talented individuals. Grant Thornton's annual Empower Program, a virtual professional development initiative for college freshmen and sophomores, targets students committed to inclusion and belonging, offering professional growth, networking, and mentorship. The firm also plans and executes initiatives like upskilling, campus programs, and interview preparation. Additionally, Grant Thornton partners with Accounting+ and community colleges to raise awareness about the accounting profession among high school and college students. These efforts are integral to the firm's diversity strategy, ensuring a diverse and inclusive early career pipeline.
Excellence in Internship Programming
Grant Thornton’s internship program offers a holistic experience that highlights each intern’s strengths and prepares them for future success. Interns engage in meaningful client work, receive frequent performance feedback, and participate in intentional events and programming. They are staffed on client-serving teams, take ownership of key engagement deliverables, and are encouraged to continuously refine their technical skills. The program includes social activities, community service initiatives, and specific training to balance client work. Interns work on Purple Paladin research projects, an initiative that invests in early-stage nonprofit social entrepreneurs, enhancing their public speaking and presentation skills. Each intern is paired with a buddy, coach, and PPMD Advisor for guidance and support. Interns are treated as valued team members, with the firm prioritizing their conversion to associate.
