Fowler Scholar Follows Her Passion to Land Dream Full Time Role
Natalie Soriano is a fourth year Fowler Scholar majoring in Accounting. Currently in the MBACC at SDSU, she is on track to graduate with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees this May.
Name: Natalie Soriano
Major: Accounting
Graduation Year: May 2023
Pronouns: she/her
Campus Affiliations/Organizations: SDSU Ambassadors and Student Accounting Society
Q: Tell us a little bit about your career search and why you chose your current company.
I first joined the Student Accounting Society (SAS) in Fall 2020, which is when I learned about the accounting recruitment process. One of the first firms I networked with was EY. I learned they had a rotational internship for students who were earlier in their college career called the Launch Internship Program. While I was originally unsure about applying, I figured that, if anything, the process would be good practice. In the end, my interviews went well and I ended up landing the position!
I chose EY because the people I met were very welcoming. The office culture is relaxed yet professional at the same time; people are not afraid to have fun and make jokes with one another, but at the same time, everyone is very knowledgeable and hardworking. I also like how the company’s purpose, “Building a Better Working World,” indicates that they work with social stakeholders in mind.
Q: What are you most excited about in your role or organization?
I am excited to learn from my seniors. From my internships, I learned that even though members on your team may just be a few years older than you, they have a wealth of knowledge that you can benefit from. I hope to be on a team where I can learn from my peer colleagues about how to excel in the field of accounting and how to develop mental grit.
Q: How has the Fowler Scholars Program influenced your SDSU experience?
The Fowler Scholars Program has done a lot for me over the years, but the one thing that I think has helped me the most is developing my professional presence. With all the experiences I have had, such as listening to guest speakers and connecting with mentors, I have been able to find several role models to look up to. I have been able to take their advice and habits, integrate them into my style, and start to figure out the kind of ethical business leader I want to be.
Q: When you’re not working or studying, how do you like to spend your free time?
I really love music, it’s honestly my lifeline! If you know me, you know I’m constantly listening…it just gives me so much joy! I enjoy Pop, Rock, Kpop, Soundtrack, and Musical Theater genres the most.
I’m also a musician myself! I sing, play flute, and have basic piano skills as well. In the past, I have played flute in SDSU’s Symphonic Band, and more recently I performed both the Star Spangled Banner and the SDSU Alma Mater at the 2021 and 2022 New Student and Family Convocations! These days, I try to enjoy music in new ways, such as learning choreographed dances to my favorite songs and post covers on Instagram.
Q: What advice do you have for SDSU students looking to maximize their experience on campus?
Get involved! Getting involved in professional organizations is the best way to learn how to navigate your career of choice once you graduate. Holding a leadership position is even better, for it will teach you valuable interpersonal skills that will teach you how to be a team player. Our classes can teach us the basics of the textbooks and trades, but if our soft skills are underdeveloped, it will be much harder to be successful in the long run.
Q: What advice would you give to students applying to the Fowler Scholars Program?
I would say if you are interested in this program, reach out to current members and ask questions! The Fowler Scholars Program is an enriching program that will absolutely make you a better business professional–and with great benefit comes great commitment. In the Fowler Scholars Program, we participate in weekly open ended discussions, work on real-world projects, and attend important networking events. I recommend reaching out to current Fowler Scholars and asking them about their experiences. Doing so will help you determine if this program is a good fit for you! You can find all of us on LinkedIn.
