On September 3, 2009 Tabor’s Business Club had the opportunity to meet four representatives from Koch industries. Koch, one of the largest privately owned companies in America, employ’s about 70,000 people and they have a presence in almost 60 different countries. They own companies involved in refining and chemicals, pollution control equipment and technologies, minerals and fertilizers, forest and consumer products, and financial trading and services.
Koch’s presentation to the students was on “Getting a New Prospective.” One way to gain a new prospective is by taking part in an internship program. Koch’s internship program is highly competitive. They have approximately 40 positions to fill for their summer program. Koch is looking specifically for Accoutning/Finance majors.
Since this process is competitive, they gave advice on how you can succeed in the application and interviewing process. First, how you present yourself on your resume is crucial. Choosing the right words to describe yourself can be a major factor on whether you get the job. Second, extracurricular activities in comparison to your GPA will heighten your chances. Koch is looking for students who have become involved in other activities outside the classroom. Especially if those activities have taken you into a leadership role. Koch is more likely to take a student with a lower GPA and lots of leadership skills then a student with a high GPA and no leadership skills. Third, when going in for an interview make sure you have specific life instances that show your true self. Koch is looking to find out what makes you stand out among the other students applying. They want to know how you have responded in certain situations and if you are aware of your actions.
Having Koch come to campus was a great opportunity for students to network with other business professionals as well as get feedback on what will help each one succeed. We are grateful Koch was willing to take the time to come and present to us.
