2008-03-14

I returned home later than expected last night from 2 very long days filled with interviews and socials. There were about 42 internship candidates there including myself and they put us all up in a hotel for the evening. Not only did they put us up for the night, they also assigned us a roommate. My roommie was pretty nice and we got along well.We had the most INCREDIBLE view during dinner and the preceeding reception. We were dining on the 52nd floor of a particular building and the view was phenomenal! We were fortunate enough to have a clear day so we were abe to see the entire bay area and it was breathaking! They assigned us to specific tables and intentionally sat a member from the firm on either side of us as to facilitate conversation throughout the evening. I spoke to soooo many people Wednesday evening. After dinner they shuttled us back to our hotel and that closed the festivities for the evening. Yesterday morning we met bright and early at 8 am for breakfast and a panel presentation from 4 of the audit partners from the firm (audit is the position I am applying for with this firm as tax was filled already). After the panel presentation we headed over to the office to begin the interview process. They arranged it so that we were broken up into groups of 4 and then were whisked away throughout the office to meet with our interviewers. I had 2 interviews. The first being with a partner and the second with a manager. The interviews themselves were quite relaxed in the sense that we made conversation and chatted about what seemed like everything but audit (which was a nice break). The good news is that each interview ran over as we chatted with each other for so long (at least I hope that is good). :) After interviews we did "teambuilding" excercises which, I think, were implemented to see how well we worked in a group dynamic. It was fun and I had a nice time, but yet you know that they are watching everything you do and say, and just as importantly, what don't say and do. After a morning and early afternoon where our every move was being observed, they once again broke us into groups and then sent us off to lunch with a few other candidates and 2 of our "buddies" that they assigned to us while we were there. Lunch was great, we all had fun and were finally able to slightly relax even though we knew they were still watching us (I just continued to be myself throughout the entire process).Finally it came time to close out the day. We headed back to the hotel for more presentations and then finally, commencement. It was supposed to end at 2:30 but it actually ended much later than that. All in all, I had a great time and this is THE company that I am most interested in. However, I am doing this again next week with another firm (for tax), so we will see how that one goes. The thing that excited me most about this firm is that I have the opportunity to jump-start my forensic career much faster as they allow what they call "rotations" through the forensics department for 6 months at a time. Forensics is very difficult to get into without being with a firm for at least a few years, so the possibility of a rotation with them is very exciting. So much pressure!! I should be hearing back from the firm I just interviewed with next week. Now that I am sure that I bored many of you to tears with my rundown of the last few days, I just wanted to say hi. I am so very far behind in my studies so I am going to hit the books for a few hours and see how much progress I can make. I do know that we have birthday celebrations to do.. Happy Birthday Mr. N! I hope that all went well with your interview.... See you in a few hours... Yuck, it is raining again!! Love, Your very tuckered out, Mady