Cefalu speaking to Jaspers in regard to the differences between job titles and what to look out for when applying to jobs.
LAILI SHAHRESTANI / THE QUADRANGLE
By Laili Shahrestani, Staff Writer
Rosalia Cefalu ‘23, a Manhattan University alumna and current data analytics associate for KPMG, held an event on Oct. 22 in De La Salle Hall, where she spoke to Jaspers about her career.
Cefalu graduated from MU in 2023 with a major in business analytics and a minor in computer information systems. Following her graduation, she was initially hired to become a tech and data associate at PwC. After a year in the position, she landed her new role at KPMG.
Both PwC and KPMG are a part of the “Big Four”, which are the world’s four largest accounting firms, according to Cefalu’s presentation. She expressed her gratitude for getting to work for both of these companies. However, she also spoke about how her first job at PwC did not feel well suited for her and that she felt as if she needed a shift in her career.
Cefalu explained to attendees that it is probable that their first job will not be a perfect fit and that it may take time to navigate where they truly belong after they graduate. She encouraged students to be honest with themselves and acknowledge that there is no shame in taking time to figure out where they belong.
“It’s okay if you start your first job and it’s not your favorite thing ever,” Cefalu said. “I was so convinced that I was going to spend my entire career at one company, and that it would be perfect, so switching was the scariest leap, but my entire life is different now. I feel like a different person. Now that I am two months in, I am definitely way happier, and it is a way better fit that actually utilizes the skills I learned during my undergrad.”
After Cefalu shared her experience with navigating through feelings of uncertainty she faced prior to working for KPMG, students at the event expressed that her insight provided them with reassurance that everything will fall into place as they transition into the workforce.
Sophia Khosrowshahi, a senior majoring in computer information systems and data analytics, spoke to The Quadrangle about how comforting it was to hear Cefalu discuss her journey and successes. Khosrowshahi mentioned how she felt inspired after hearing from an MU alumna who majored in the same fields as her and is now working for one of the Big Four accounting firms.
“Speaking to or listening to alumni is important, simply because it helps take the nerves away from applying to jobs and feeling like you’re not good enough, or that you don’t know enough,” Khosrowshahi said. “Honestly, it’s made myself feel better. It’s very helpful, and it’s really good for networking and connections as well.”
Throughout her speech, Cefalu pinpointed key details that current students should look out for once they enter the job application process. She mentioned how various job titles may seem synonymous, yet are completely different. She provided attendees with tips on how to properly read job descriptions, as well as equipped them with specific skill sets that would be beneficial to master prior to applying.
“There are little things that will have you falling behind if you don’t know them,” Cefalu said. “Learn some basic computer skills. Learn how to store files in a computer, learn basic Excel formulas, remember how interest is calculated.”
Eleda West, a senior business analytics major, expressed that hearing Cefalu speak was beneficial to her because it allowed her to become more informed about what she should do to prepare when it comes time for her to join the workforce.
“The information was definitely really helpful and applicable,” West said. “Understanding that certain terms or jobs that sound synonymous, really aren’t the same. It was also just reassuring to hear other people’s experience at big corporate firms. I interned at a big corporate firm, and so it was nice to hear about similar experiences in a similar environment.”
Cefalu emphasized the importance of self-reflection when entering a new career. She encouraged students to make their decisions based on what feels best for them. She also highlighted the idea of trusting the process, and mentioned that without her time at PwC, she would not have ended up at her new role at KPMG.
“After graduation, it’s a huge transition, and you may have a lot of feelings about your new life and your new job,” Cefalu said. “It’s important to distinguish where all of those feelings are coming from, and to make the best decisions for yourself and for your career based on that self-reflection. If you work really hard, your hard work is going to pay off. And if you end up wanting to switch careers, it does not mean you failed anything. Rejection is redirection.”