Building an Innovative and Multi-Faceted Approach to University Recruiting

In January 2021, KPMG launched an open application for early career positions, allowing students from all universities visibility into open positions across the country. While we maintain a physical presence on select campuses and participate in and host campus-specific events, our virtual team hosts a school-agnostic Virtual Career Series, covering a number of topics and facilitating one-on-one conversations between students and KPMG employees. To connect with underclassmen, KPMG recently launched KPMG Talent+, a flagship program targeting pre-identification candidates focused on promoting careers in the professional services profession. KPMG also hosts a Campus Ambassador Program, encouraging previous interns to share their experience with peers on their campuses.

Crafting a Standout Candidate Experience

KPMG University Talent Acquisition’s strategic goal of an excellent candidate and client experience is shown throughout the early career candidate life cycle. Upon applying, candidates are able to log into their profile to check the status of their application and are notified via email of their status in each step. Students selected to interview are invited to attend an Ace the Interview event where tips on virtual interviewing skills and information around the KPMG interview process are shared. Students are also paired with interview mentors, who are employees early in their career, to answer questions before the interview. Interviews are live via video and students receiving offers are invited to virtual and/or in-person events to learn more about careers at KPMG. Lastly, upon offer decisions, candidates are prompted to complete a survey to collect additional information on strengths and opportunities for improvement in our recruiting process, allowing KPMG to continually improve.

Moving the Needle on Diversity & Inclusion

University Talent Acquisition plays a key part in KPMG’s Accelerate 2025 Strategy to attract, retain and advance underrepresented talent. To attract underrepresented talent, KPMG has a robust HBCU Strategy to promote our brand on campus, while also supporting student and faculty growth. We attend conferences including but not limited to NABA, ALPFA, and Grace Hopper to engage with diverse talent. To retain and advance talent, we host our Rise Leadership Institute for students from a number of diverse lenses allowing them to develop leadership skills, engage with executives, and network with peers. KPMG also hosts the Embark Scholars Internship where underrepresented underclassmen join us in a summer-long rotational paid internship program, focused on education about the professional services industry.