Bradley Skousen, New York City
1: In what ways will emerging internationalization impact students entering the accounting field?
See #2
2. What should students do to be better positioned to succeed in international competition?
The effects of globalization are all around us and we must be prepared to meet those challenges with an increased resolution to become more competent, efficient, and knowledgeable in our profession and careers. Globalization has brought about complex accounting transactions that directly concern the accounting profession. It is imperative to understand that new accounting graduates will not only need great technical skills in accounting, but will also need other skills in such things as communication and information technology to be successful in today’s marketplace.
3. What can the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business and/or the School of Accountancy do to prepare students better for these challenges?
The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business truly is a school of opportunity. Opportunities do multiply as they are seized. During my tenure at Utah State, I often asked my fellow students about their goals, what they wanted to achieve in their professional careers, and how they planned to reach their desired destination. The variety of responses I received amazed me. Many had great ambitions and were actively pursuing their goals, while others made little or no effort in planning for the future. I have never stopped asking these questions and I have found that the same is true with working professionals. Too many times we are reactive--even complacent--instead of proactively creating new opportunities. Utah State University has in place, and is continuing to increase, opportunities for students to succeed. It is my hope that students will grasp the vision of the college, take advantage of the opportunities the university has created, and create new opportunities for themselves that will propel them into an exiting, successful, and rewarding career.
4. What have you learned in your international experiences that you would like to share with our students?
International business, to me, is very rewarding. I enjoy the challenges and opportunities of being exposed to different cultures. Auditing in foreign countries has given me the opportunity of gaining a better understanding of foreign politics, economy, and important local issues that affect different parts of the world. It has truly opened my eyes to a world that I could have never experienced before. I would recommend it to anyone.
5. What is unique about the business environment in the countries you are most familiar with?
See answer 4.
Brief Bio:
Bradley Skousen graduated from Utah State University in May 2004 with a B.A.in accounting and minor in Portuguese. After graduation, Brad interned for the summer with Universal Studios Port Aventura in Spain. For the past two years he worked for Alsco Inc., a Salt Lake City based company, in their internal audit department. His main responsibility was to audit the company’s Brazil division. As part of this work he also performed audits in Canada, Italy, and the United States.
Brad also attended private language schools in Spain and Italy that have contributed to his international opportunities.
In November 2006, Brad accepted a position with Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. in New York City in their finance department.