During an interview with CanadianSME, Elio Luongo, the CEO and Senior Partner of KPMG in Canada, shared insightful details about the Futures Fund Scholarship for Outstanding Leadership. He discussed the inspiration behind KPMG’s decision to offer guaranteed employment and executive mentorship to the recipients of the scholarship. Elio elaborated on the selection process used to identify high-performing business school students and the criteria applied. He provided insights into the executive mentorship program and the benefits that scholarship recipients will receive. Elio also highlighted the role these recipients will play once they join KPMG and the projects and responsibilities they will undertake. He discussed KPMG’s strategies for supporting the scholarship recipients beyond their initial employment. Moreover, he emphasized the impact this scholarship program will have on the future of professional services in Canada. Lastly, Elio offered valuable advice to students interested in pursuing a career in accounting or professional services.
Elio Luongo is the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Partner of KPMG in Canada. He is a member of KPMG’s Global Board and the Global Council of KPMG International. As CEO, Elio provides leadership to and is responsible for all of the firm’s business across Canada including setting strategic direction.
What inspired KPMG to offer guaranteed employment and executive mentorship to the recipients of the Futures Fund Scholarship for Outstanding Leadership?
At KPMG in Canada, we believe that everyone has the ability to lead, and we are committed to investing in future leaders. As one of this year’s sponsors of Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year Award we wanted to extend our support to these exceptional Canadian business students and further equip them with the right tools and resources they need to nurture not only their career journeys, but their impact on our communities as well. By providing recent graduates with engaging and innovative careers opportunities, we hope to have a positive influence on the future of professional services in Canada by attracting and developing the next generation of diverse and innovative leaders.
Can you tell us about the selection process for the 2022 Futures Fund Scholarship recipients? What criteria were used to identify the high-performing business school students?
The selection process for the 2022 Futures Fund Scholarship recipients involved a rigorous assessment by the program partners, Bennett Jones and Caldwell, of the candidates’ who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in their academic and extra-curricular initiatives. The candidates were evaluated based on their academic transcripts, resumes, essays, and letters of recommendation. The final selection was made by the program partners.
How will the executive mentorship program work for the scholarship recipients? What can they expect to gain from this mentorship?
The executive mentorship program for the scholarship recipients is designed to provide personalized coaching and guidance from experienced KPMG leaders from our Management Committee. The mentorship will help the scholarship recipients develop their leadership skills, build their professional networks, and learn how to leverage their unique strengths and diverse perspectives to make a world of difference, both at KPMG, if they choose and the community at large. The mentors will provide feedback, share their experiences, and offer advice on how to succeed in their preferred career path as we strongly believe in the power of leading by example. The scholarship recipients can expect to gain valuable insights, recommendations, and support from their mentors.
Can you describe the role of the scholarship recipients once they join KPMG? What kind of projects or responsibilities will they be working on?
KPMG’s recruitment team will work with the scholarship recipients to determine their areas of interest and create a role for them once they graduate. Once they join KPMG, the scholarship recipients will work on a variety of projects and responsibilities that align with their interests and career goals. They will have the opportunity to work with clients across different industries, develop their technical and business skills, and collaborate with diverse teams. They will be given meaningful work and responsibilities, and they will have access to ongoing training and development programs to help them grow their careers at KPMG.
How does KPMG plan to support the scholarship recipients beyond their initial employment? Will there be opportunities for further training or development?
We are committed to supporting the scholarship recipients beyond their initial employment by providing ongoing training, development, and career advancement opportunities. The scholarship recipients will have access to KPMG’s internal training programs, external conferences, and professional development resources. We will also encourage the scholarship recipients to pursue advanced degrees and / or professional certifications and provide financial support for these pursuits.
What impact do you hope this scholarship program will have on the future of professional services in Canada?
We hope that by providing recent graduates with access to engaging and innovative career opportunities, it will have a positive impact on the future of professional services in Canada by attracting and developing the next generation of diverse and innovative leaders. By investing in the education and development of high-potential students from different backgrounds, we aim to create a more dynamic and competitive firm that can better serve the diverse needs of our clients and community.
What advice would you give to students who are interested in pursuing a career in accounting or professional services?
For students interested in pursuing a career in accounting or professional services, it’s important to focus on developing a strong foundation in accounting, finance, and business, while also cultivating leadership and communication skills. Seek out internships and other opportunities to gain practical experience and build your professional network. Don’t be afraid to take risks and pursue your passions, and always stay curious and open to learning. Finally, seek out mentors and role models who can guide and inspire you on your journey. We recognize we are truly at our best when we work together – embracing today’s opportunities in order to create a better tomorrow.
