Navigating the Path to Professional Growth - An Interview with Ryan Yong

1. Can you tell us more about how you first learned about Forvis Mazars? 

My journey to Forvis Mazars was sparked by a conversation with my schoolmate, Shernice, and now fellow intern batchmate, at our university's career fair. Intrigued by her positive portrayal of the company and the growth opportunities she described, I took the initiative to research Forvis Mazars, laying the foundation for my exploration of the internship offerings. 

2. What inspired you to seek an internship at our firm specifically? How did you prepare for the interview, and what aspects of our organization captivated you the most? 

My interest in Forvis Mazars was not just a result of a recommendation, but also the firm’s brand and reputation, which were highlighted during a career fair introduction. I was particularly drawn to the company's meticulous and thoughtful approach, as evidenced by their in-depth understanding of the company's departments. I believe in being authentic and true to myself during interviews, focusing on genuine conversations rather than scripted responses. The informative content on the firm’s website also played a significant role in attracting me to Forvis Mazars. 

3. Reflecting on your internship experience, to what extent did it align with your initial expectations? 

Approaching my internship with a mindset of receptivity and conscientious self-care, I refrained from harboring specific expectations. Instead, I aspired to embrace each opportunity organically and conscientiously. As a result, the internship experience transcended any predefined expectations, affording me a multifaceted skill set in auditing and complementary soft skills that have become indispensable facets of my professional development. 

4. What motivated you to opt for an internship in Audit specifically? 

While contemplating my internship choices, I initially pondered delving into Consulting or Tax. However, I deemed an internship in Audit as an indispensable foundational stepping stone in fortifying my fundamental insights within the broader accounting and finance realm. 

5. How would you describe the dynamics within your audit team? What specific roles do team members typically assume, and how do you ensure effective communication and cooperation, particularly when faced with cross-team collaboration? 

The dynamics within my audit team can be best described as "marvellous". The team is characterized by a friendly and helpful atmosphere, where individuals work diligently and cohesively. Despite differences in rank, the primary focus remains on collectively achieving the goal of completing audit engagements within specified timelines. As an intern, I diligently seek feedback from seniors to ensure the accuracy of my work. In cases of absence, the team readily assists in covering urgent tasks. 

6. With your mentoring experience, can you describe how your mentoring experience contrasts with your experience as a mentee at Forvis Mazars, and how this influenced your decision to take on the role of a mentor? 

My experiences at Forvis Mazars as a mentee have offered me valuable perspectives. As an intern, I was fortunate to receive guidance from various mentors, but it was the unexpected mentorship from Alice, the receptionist, that left the most profound impact. 

While Alice wasn't directly involved in my audit work, her consistent positivity, professionalism, and willingness to share insights during our brief interactions were incredibly inspiring. Her ability to maintain a cheerful demeanor while navigating the challenges of her role taught me the importance of resilience and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Witnessing her quiet strength and dedication firsthand made me realize that mentorship can transcend formal boundaries and come from unexpected sources.

This experience as a mentee provided firsthand evidence of how even small gestures of support and encouragement could significantly impact someone's outlook and development. It reinforced my belief that simply providing guidance and sharing my experiences as a volunteer mentor to primary school children could empower these young learners to reach their potential. 

Alice's mentorship reminded me that every individual, regardless of their position, has valuable knowledge and insights to offer. I carry this lesson with me as a mentor, striving to create a supportive and empowering environment for those I guide, just as Alice did for me. 

7. Looking back, which aspects of your internship do you foresee significantly influencing your future career trajectory? 

The internship has significantly enhanced my communication skills and instilled a genuine eagerness to expand my knowledge beyond my comfort zone. These two aspects, I believe, will play a crucial role in shaping my future career trajectory.  

8. If you could impart a crucial piece of advice to prospective interns in a single sentence, what would it be? 

If I could offer a piece of advice to future interns, I would say: “With a heart that is true and a mind that is positive, wonderful paths will open for you!” 

Ryan's personal experiences have shaped his resilient and empathetic character. His resilience helps him navigate challenges, while his empathy enables effective communication with others. His journey at Forvis Mazars is a testament to the transformative power of internships. His story highlights the potential for every intern at Forvis Mazars to discover and develop their unique strengths. 

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