Undergraduates Embark on a Leadership Adventure at Deloitte Conference

NEW YORK, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 400 top-performing students from 145 colleges and universities are participating this week in the ninth annual Deloitte National Leadership Conference (DNLC).

Undergraduates identify and develop core leadership skills and learn about Deloitte's culture and careers in professional services at the conference which is being held in Scottsdale, Ariz. from July 12 to 15. Approximately 55 Deloitte professionals will join the students in a series of group activities focused on:

• Personal Branding: Teach students how to identify, maintain and articulate an authentic and compelling personal brand to market their skills, tap new opportunities and steer their own professional course.

• The Client Experience: Deloitte professionals share first-hand experiences of a day in the life of a client service professional.  Students also learn about Deloitte's four business areas: Audit and Enterprise Risk Services, Consulting and Financial Advisory Services and Tax.

• Team Building: Hands-on, interactive activities to promote teamwork, problem-solving, skill-set identification, leadership and negotiation skills that students can apply in to the classroom and professional world.  

• Networking: Social events and small group settings at the conference site to foster connections, camaraderie and dialogue in an informal setting.

"Deloitte's National Leadership Conference is the largest early campus recruiting program we host to connect with exceptional talent who may become our future interns and employees," said Diane Borhani, national director, Campus Recruiting, Deloitte Services LP.  "The event gives students a wonderful opportunity to hone their leadership skills in a fun and engaging venue, and in the process, experience our high performance culture and get to know Deloitte professionals on a personal level. The conference is just the beginning of a relationship we build over time to show students rather than tell them who we are as an organization."

Deloitte's National Leadership Conference also demonstrates the organization's core values and cultural aspects through team activities.  For example, the students will participate in volunteer projects one afternoon in the greater Phoenix area to gain an understanding of Deloitte's commitment to the community.  Working in teams at area food banks, shelters and a center for the developmentally disabled, volunteers will tap their team-building and leadership skills to benefit local non-profit organizations.  

Amanda Elya, audit manager, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and a participant in Deloitte's first such event in 2003 said, "My experience allowed me to get a head start on my career and provided clarity on my future.  I knew instantly that I fit Deloitte's culture and now as a full-time employee, I've found endless opportunities for growth and development, to collaborate with creative and inspiring teams and receive top-notch leadership training."

Apolo Anton Ohno Inspires Students to Pursue Excellence

Eight-time Winter Olympic medalist Apolo Anton Ohno will kick off this year's conference by speaking with students about their journey toward fulfilling and challenging careers.

"The students who attend the Deloitte National Leadership Conference are at the top of their game, but also have a lot of responsibility, choices and decisions ahead of them," said Ohno.  "I encourage them to ask themselves -- today and every day -- what they're doing to be their very best and what else they can do to succeed, never resting on what they have already achieved.  The Deloitte professionals at this event exemplify this commitment, demonstrating to the students that leadership and success come with a responsibility to their communities, to their teammates and as a mentor to others."

Deloitte has teamed up with Ohno and other Olympians and Paralympians to visit campuses across the country where the athletes share their inspiring stories with students.  These events demonstrate Deloitte's commitment to providing an environment where leaders thrive and sourcing talented individuals who share a passion for high-performance careers, achievement and a commitment to communities. 

As used in this document, "Deloitte" means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.  Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting.

SOURCE Deloitte