From Smith to EY: A Strategic Career Journey

With a well-crafted strategy, a focus on networking, and the support of Smith's career services, Shubham Arora MSIS ’22 turned a summer internship into a full-time role at Ernst & Young (EY), launching a successful career in technology consulting.

Tell us about your path from graduation to your current job

I secured a summer internship that transitioned into a full-time position. To share my internship experience, I received my first offer in October-November. The key to it was an early start and effective networking. I scheduled sessions for resume reviews and internship search strategies with the Office of Career Services (OCS) as early as July-August. By the time I arrived in the U.S. in August, I had a solid application strategy in place. While others were still figuring out their path, I was prepared. Additionally, I reached out to many people, which helped me build a strong network and secure referrals.

Why did you decide to get a business degree and why did you choose the Smith School?

Like many students, I wanted to pursue a degree that bridges technology and management. The MSIS program at the Smith School offers a perfect blend of technical and business courses, opening a range of job opportunities. I chose the Smith School due to its high-ranking MSIS program, which is among the top 10 in the country. The curriculum stands out with its balance of business and technical courses, and the on-campus job opportunities are particularly beneficial for international students.

How has your Smith education helped you with your professional career? Were there specific classes, experiential projects, team projects, or internships that have been especially helpful to you?

Smith has been instrumental in my career. The school has strong ties with a lot of companies, including EY. When I got my interview at EY, the support from the school was invaluable due to its excellent relationship with the firm. Technical courses like Database and Python, along with other business courses, have been particularly beneficial.

What about your personal journey has led to your success?

My journey has been a combination of hard work and career guidance from Smith advisors. Networking has been the key for me, and I also recommend leveraging our strong alumni network. Additionally, the career coaches at OCS provide excellent guidance for resume reviews and mock interviews, which I found very helpful.

Is there something about your professional journey that people would find surprising?

It might be surprising to know that I was among the first in my batch to secure an internship. I received four offers and ultimately chose EY.

What advice would you give to current students?

My advice to current students is to not give up. I know the job market is very challenging right now, but I would say keep trying. Make sure you see the right guidance and utilize all the career resources available at OCS. Also, take advantage of our alumni network, engage in extensive networking and don't hesitate to ask questions.