Olivia Autry: Well Prepared

Tackling her academic studies is not the only thing Olivia Autry will be working on this year.

The accounting major and Spanish minor in the Honors College continues to excel inside and outside the classroom. A member of several campus organizations and committees, including the Accounting Society, Voices of Inspirational Praise gospel choir and Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow, she is co-captain of the AU Paws Step Team and also serves on the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business Student Advisory Board and the Student Technological Advisory Committee.

In June 2012, Ms. Autry took two courses—Conversational Spanish and Traditional Sevillano Dance—during an enriching study abroad experience in Seville, Spain, where she lived with a family who helped improve her Spanish speaking and comprehension skills and who gave her a deeper understanding and appreciation for Sevillian culture.

“Make it a priority to take every opportunity given to you,” Ms. Autry offered as advice for Adelphi students. “Learn to make the most of even the smallest of experiences, such as a boat tour, along the way.”

In addition to her course work and extracurricular involvement, she is also a resident computer associate in the Office of Information Technology, where she conducts workshops for students and faculty and facilitates numerous training sessions for new student employees.

Meanwhile, the Center for Career Development has been a major stepping stone in her path to career success.

“Make it a priority to take every opportunity given to you.”

Ms. Autry has participated in and attended the center’s events, such as LinkedIn workshops, the annual Job and Internship Expo and the Student Worker Training Seminar. Three programs, in particular, propelled Ms. Autry forward: the Alumni Mentoring program, the Community Fellows Program and the Accounting On-Campus Recruitment program.

Through Alumni Mentoring, she secured a mentor in her field of study, Tomislav Kostadinov ‘10, who was working at Schwartz & Company, LLP, and is currently employed at Goldman Sachs. Mr. Kostadinov has been an asset in helping her narrow down her career choices and he has offered invaluable advice. Despite a busy schedule, Mr. Kostadinov has met with Ms. Autry and checks on her progress. And they have become friends along the way.

Selected as a Community Fellow, Ms. Autry worked as a business consultant intern at the Cedarmore Corporation, which reinforced her passion for business and accounting by teaching these subjects to high school students. Now an ambassador for the Community Fellows Program, she speaks with prospective students about her experiences and also participates in panel discussions to promote the program.

Participating in the On-Campus Recruitment program was the latest chapter in her career development process. Through the program, she secured a summer internship in the audit department of Grant Thornton LLP, as well as position in the Deloitte Mentor Program. At Grant Thornton, she performed many of the same functions as a first-year associate and participated in office enrichment activities. At Deloitte, she was assigned a mentor to aid in her growth process and participated in career-building activities.

Through her many experiences, she is well prepared for the next stage of her career.