POSITION: Staff one in
Assurance
EDUCATION: BBS,
Accounting, Baruch College, OST ACCOUNTANTS
2007
2007 I Cease their way into the
IF I COUL.D HAVE ANY SUPER *W trd.NtCsinAc.
POWER, I'D CHOOSE: The trade. Not Cristina Acon.
ability to read minds-I'd The Baruch College graduate
always know the truth. started with Ernst & Young in
January-the height of "busy
season." But Acon, who speaks
three languages, is no stranger to intellectual challenges. Thanks
to the supportive network she found at Ernst & Young, she
successfully completed her internship and received an offer for a
full-time job.
What was it like jumping right into busy season? It was a bit
nerve-racking, but it was a really good way to transition into
the job. When I started as an intern, I thought I might be doing
coffee runs or making copies. But I, like the rest of my peers, was
immediately given all the responsibilities of a "Staff one"-an
entry-level accountant-because there was so much to do. So
everything already makes a lot of sense to me-more than it
probably would have if the work had started gradually. And
because I went from A to Z right away, I received a lot of support.
Has the job met your expectations? When I first started, I didn't
know what to expect. I knew I'd learn to audit, but I didn't realize
I'd get so much more out of the job than just the technical skills.
Yes, I've learned how to audit and audit well, but I've also met
so many good people here. People who care about me, who want

to see me advance in my career, and find the right opportunities
along the way.
What are you most proud of in your work? I'm proud that I
actually contribute to the end result. The role of the "Staff one"
is essential to the audit process at Ernst & Young. It's exciting
when my work helps a company improve its processes or become
more efficient. It's like, "Oh! I'm new but they really value my
contribution!"
Do you have any advice for students who want to work at Ernst &
Young? It's very important to get involved in the process while
you're in school. Get to know as many representatives of the
organization as possible and attend all their events. What helped
me get this job was becoming involved and networking while I
was still in college. It's the people you know who will help you
get where you want to go.
In your view, what makes Ernst & Young distinctive? I think
it's the fact that the organization is committed to developing
everyone's potential. During my time here, I've come to see that
Ernst & Young is focused on helping its people and clients realize
and achieve their vision. Not only that, but the organization
helps its wider communities grow and thrive as well. I've met
great people and grown professionally and personally. It's been
a wonderful place to work and I'm looking forward to achieving
great things here.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Globat Limited,
each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young LLP is a client serving member firm in the U.S.

J" FALL 2008 9