Panel Moderator: Tyler Spellman Campus Ambassador
Panel Questions:
Please take a minute to introduce yourself, share a little bit about you. What do you do at the firm and how long have you been at EY?
Meredith Coughlin: Partner, FSO Audit
Addison Hugo: Campus Recruiter
Libby Rosenberry: Staff, Forensics
Julia Accorsini: Senior, People Advisory Services
If you had to define your personal brand at this moment in your career with 3 words, what would those words be?
Meredith Coughlin: Client-centric, inclusive, working mom
Addison Hugo: Proactive, adaptable, resourceful
Libby Rosenberry: Flexible, assertive, social
Julia Accorsini: Confident, personable, versatile
How have you evolved as a female professional throughout your career? What obstacles have you had to overcome, and what are the lessons you’ve learned from facing these challenges?
Meredith Coughlin: I started with the firm during a financial crisis — as I look back, the obstacles were ones that I seeked out. That is what has shaped me.
Addison Hugo: I’m a people-pleaser, which is a problem that a lot of women have. I wasn’t a good self-advocate at first, but I have learned to work on it. You pull your own career, so don’t lose out on compensation, roles, and projects… you should feel empowered to grow.
Libby Rosenberry: It can be challenging starting your career as a young female professional. You will have clients who are difficult. You may have problems being heard. But, you have a unique perspective, so speak up!
Julia Accorsini: I went into a whole new career path because I wasn’t happy. There is a stigma that you can’t “job hop.” Go pursue the place where you fit and listen to your intuition. It’s okay to not know what you want to do at first.
Have any of you had a mentor throughout your career? If so, how have they helped or inspired you?
Meredith Coughlin: At EY, we are formally set up with a counsellor. This sponsor is always your advocate! They can help with specific things (like promotions). A mentor, on the other hand, is someone who will give you advice.
Addison Hugo: Having the EY counsellor is new to me; you just keep them informed, but they’re not your boss. My mentor actually reached out to me when she saw a new opportunity in her team, and even though she was hard on me in that position, I learned so much.
Libby Rosenberry: When you’re working or traveling, you end up being a part of teams. Your network expands fast. I think I have a lot of mentors.
Julia Accorsini: The counselor system at EY is awesome! They’re a great part of your career. My mentor was someone I worked with on my last project — I respect her opinions, personally and professionally.
As strong, motivated females in the workplace, what steps do you take to empower women that are just starting out on their career journeys?
Meredith Coughlin: I feel personally responsible for every woman on my team because I’m the only female partner. I try to push women out of their comfort zone, often by having them present. I try to them to remind them, “I wouldn’t put you up there if you were going to embarrass yourself.”
Addison Hugo: We have two new team members who graduated a year or so ago, and now I’m seeing patterns that I remember in myself. They seem sacred to ask questions; women are usually taught to be tough, independent workers. I encourage them to break out of that mindset and explore.
Libby Rosenberry: I encourage my female co-workers to speak up during meetings and defend their points. I encourage them to present their own updates, instead of having leadership do it for them. Also, give feedback so female co-workers can develop and grow!
Julia Accorsini: You have a seat at the table for a reason. You’re not supposed to just sit there and absorb what everyone else is saying — obviously, know your audience, but own your accomplishments. The client wants to know what you think and see you make change. Make effort to give credit where credit is due too, because it’s important to highlight each other.
How have you managed to maintain a healthy work-life balance as your personal needs changed throughout the years or as your role in the company changed?
Meredith Coughlin: She just got promoted to partner! It’s hard to live out a suitcase and work late hours and maintain your health. It’s a conscious effort. I perform better when I take care of myself and spend time with my family.
Addison Hugo: I’ve become a workaholic, but I have a supportive boyfriend, mom, and friends. Plus my team keeps an eye out — they remind me when I should probably take a break. Sometimes I hit a wall, and I need to get grounded. This past weekend, I watched a whole season of The Politician and bought ClassPass. Also, going from campus to a desk is rough, so make sure to even just get in a walk.
Libby Rosenberry: It’s important to eat well and exercise, but also take mental breaks! Unwind! Try a new restaurant or show; even just stay in for the night. And please don’t forget about your non-work friends.
Julia Accorsini: The work-life balance is a learned process. Heard of the freshman 15? How about the consulting 30? It happens. But, I’m on the road four days a week, so I’ve learned my routine. Again, when you travel, you wind up in teams! I have girls I go to pilates with, or eat dinner with. You get in the groove and meet new people.
What are some pieces of advice that you would share with the group as they embark on their career journeys?
Meredith Coughlin: Start getting out there and talking to firms. You’ll be most successful where you are happy. It’s really the people who will make or break a workplace for you.
Addison Hugo: Don’t freak out if you don’t have a job yet, and don’t forget to advocate for yourself. If you’re interested in someone, tell people and make connections — you’re the driver of your career.
Libby Rosenberry: Go for things you see yourself actually accepting. Don’t bog yourself down. Just enjoy your time here!
Julia Accorsini: Shop around and try new things. Do research and know that people will talk to you if you ask. Be realistic, you’re Isenberg students and you will get a job!