University at Buffalo School of Management

Autumn 2022 Buffalo Business 25 "I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for Professor Ampadu," he says. "I've had mentors during each phase of my career, and all of them have made an impact on me. I looked at this program as a way to pay it forward." Overall, about 20 students were matched with an alumni mentor during the program's successful first year. Adam Storch, BS '02, came on as a mentor for many reasons—to give back, of course, and to show students another potential career path they could pursue with an accounting degree. Plus, he says, his meetings with mentee Colleen Chen, an accounting senior, were oen the highlight of his day. "Mentorship can be mutually beneficial," says Storch, who leads the Event and Emerging Risk Examination Team within the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. "For Colleen, I tried to create a safe space where we could hash out challenges and I could offer candid advice. She provided me great insights, too, about what she values in work and looks for in an employ- er's culture." Meanwhile, Chen says Storch shared critical advice with her as she prepped for internships with Tronconi Segarra & Associates this summer and with PwC during summer 2023. "Adam and I had sessions around ethics and how to stand out as an intern, which were very impactful for me," Chen says. "It was nice to hear advice from someone who's been there before—that really gave me a boost of confidence." The School of Management's Career Resource Center also offers a mentorship program. To join the Career Connector Network as a mentor, visit bit.ly/crc-mentor. GOING THE EXTRA MILE The Accounting Advisory Council assists the school's account- ing program in myriad ways, striving to do everything they can to make a tangible impact on students' lives. That's why Jerald Jacobik, BS '03, chair of the philanthropy com- mittee, led an effort with other council members to endow the Accounting Advisory Council Fellowship, which will go to one deserving student each year. Master's student Sebastien Henry, BS '22, is the inaugural recipient. "At UB, I was fortunate to have dedicated and genuine professors who went the extra mile for me," says Jacobik, partner at Friedman LLP. "I wanted to give back in whatever way I was able and help students have the same great experience I had." At left, Panda Tran helped create a successful mentorship program between the school's Accounting Advisory Council and accounting student clubs. Above from left, mentor-mentee pairings included Adam Storch, BS '02, with Colleen Chen, and Eric Eynon, BS/MBA '96, with Puja Shah. Photos: Tom Wolf

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