The event begins with an introduction to KPMG and various team-building activities aimed at offering the students an opportunity to network with other participants from around the world. Followed by the competition where each team is provided with a detailed case study and three hours to review a dossier; identify the key business issues; analyze, consider, and develop a compelling set of recommendations; and prepare an interesting presentation to impress a panel of judges comprised of 15 KPMG member firm partners and leaders. The students’ recommendations had to be realistic, strategic, show an understanding of the key issues, and consider marketing, finance, human resource, and other business and non-business factors. The teams were not allowed internet access or technical resources during the competition. They had to rely on each other’s experience, background knowledge, and ability to solve problems creatively as if they were external consultants presenting a solution to a company’s board of directors.
For the second year running, KPMG congratulates Team USA, comprised of four business students (Megan Petitt of Orlando, FL, Tim Rodgers of Corrigan, TX, Swayze Smartt of Dallas, TX, and Afton Vechery of Woodbine, MD) from Wake Forest University, North Carolina. They emerged as champions by demonstrating an impressive array of skills as well as effort and teamwork. The runner up was the team from Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden.
KPMG’s aim is to help students develop a global mindset by putting them in the shoes of business leaders to address real life issues faced by international companies. This challenges students to think outside of their country borders and adopt an international perspective. It also widens KPMG’s spectrum to hiring people globally and demonstrates KPMG’s commitment to supporting education, while giving students a window into the world of KPMG.
The KICC, along with KPMG’s Global Internship Program (GIP), are key graduate programs that KPMG has established to help identify and recruit globally-minded talent. Through the promotion of these programs, we are attracting and hiring individuals who already have international experience. Participants of the global graduate-level programs have attributes KPMG seeks – forward-thinking individuals who are passionate about their international careers.
KPMG prides itself as being an employer of choice and places unprecedented focus on our people’s learning and development. By giving them the business development skills they need to operate in today’s complex business environment and making them technical experts and leaders. They develop well-rounded learning, and have the support they need to reach their full potential.
KPMG showed me that they care about their network of foreign companies and are not isolated to their home countries. I believe that this is a clear point of differentiation for KPMG. – Niklas Nosek, Team Czech Republic
After taking part in the competition, I now have extensive knowledge of KPMG and view it as the leader of the Big Four. – Tim Rodgers, Team United States
After working with KPMG Ireland to prepare for the international finals, I realised that KPMG is a firm which is strongly people-orientated. It seems to me like everybody's contribution to KPMG's global cause is valued. To me, KPMG is a lot more than an accounting firm. – Roisin Conran, Team Ireland