In this new blog series "Discussing Diversity," RSM National Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Recruiting Leader Kasey Noble answers questions about diversity, equity and inclusion and how RSM contributes to a welcoming workplace environment for all.

What is the overall mission of RSM?

RSM is the leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services to the middle market, which is the engine of global commerce and economic growth. With more than 13,000 employees across the U.S. and Canada and a global presence in 120 countries, our purpose is to deliver the power of being understood to our clients, colleagues and communities. As first-choice advisors, we are focused on developing leading professionals and innovative services to meet our clients’ evolving needs in today’s ever-changing business environment. Through a supportive, caring culture, our people are empowered to be their authentic selves, make an impact, own their futures and achieve their personal and professional aspirations.

How does RSM incorporate values of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace?

RSM has 12 Employee Network Groups (ENGs) rooted in identity that provide a space for community and understanding. ENGs provide environments of sharing, connecting, learning and perspective-taking for the different voices and experiences that make up our mosaic. We are also transparent with our diversity information both internally and externally through our diversity report. Multiple times throughout the year, the firm hosts “Courageous Conversations” lead by our CEO and national leaders to promote inclusion and to create a space for greater understanding of inclusive behaviors regarding race.

RSM has a multitude of leadership development and mentorship programs which enrich the careers and successes of our diverse talent. Our professionals have the opportunity to attend professional conferences within the DEI space including but not limited to: ALPFA, Ascend, NABA, Student Veterans Association, Out & Equal, Global Leadership Summit and Disability:IN.

What DE&I initiatives does the company have in place?

Members of our board of directors serve as executive sponsors for our ENGs. RSM provides a series of scholarships to diverse students through diversity conferences as well as through the firm’s foundation.  Foundation scholarships, called Power Your Education, are available to sophomore and junior students. 

We have five CEO Action Racial Equity fellows who serve on a national external task force with fellows from other organizations who work together to identify, develop and promote scalable and sustainable policies and corporate best practices to address systemic racism and social injustice, and improve societal well-being. Each of our ENGs have recruiting liaisons who serve as subject matter experts related to the population they work with and help drive goals around recruitment, retention and awareness.

Our firm sponsors multiple diverse professional organizations including ALPFA, Ascend, NABA, Student Veterans Association, Out & Equal, Global Leadership Summit, and Disability:IN Inclusive and unconscious bias training is required of all employees, and a more in-depth training is provided to managers and above.

Every semester, RSM hosts a series of inclusion webcasts for students covering topics ranging from allyship in the workforce, intersecting identities, owning your identity, mental health, Black excellence and more. Registrants also receive premier access to a networking session with recruiters.

How do you ensure that all employees feel welcome, including new hires and interns?

During new hire orientation, all employees attend a session from our Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion (CDI) team as well as members of our ENGs. Our partners go out of their way to meet our employees. These leaders are passionate about sharing their knowledge with the earlier career professionals within the firm and value the diverse perspectives our teams bring. Our ENGs host various activities and events throughout the year to bring folks together and many local ENGs host open houses for new hires. We host specialized CDI events for our interns, including a fireside chat with leaders of our CDI and ENG groups followed by a networking session with ENG members.

Additionally, all of our employees are assigned two resources before they start with us with whom they meet with regularly, including on their first week: a navigator who serves as a buddy and a career advisor. The navigator is close in level and helps with the onboarding process by being accessible to answer any and all questions from “Remind me how this platform works” to “Where can I find a box of tissues?” The career advisor serves as a mentor and guide throughout the employee’s career. This individual is more senior in level and on the same team as the employee, and helps the employee develop career goals, ensures adequate training and provides exposure to opportunities in alignment with the career goals developed by the employee.

Why do you think it’s important to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace environment?

At RSM, we believe in the value of every person. Our culture embodies inclusiveness and understanding, empowering our people to be their authentic selves and share their unique perspectives. Seeking to understand with empathy, demonstrating our core values and showing that we care fosters an inclusive environment and an engaged, talented workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. Together, our people’s individual talents and diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and enhance the unique insights that we provide to our clients.

What are you looking for in UD students who want to intern or work at RSM? How can they stand out when speaking with your recruiters at our career fairs?

We are looking for folks who are pursuing degrees in accounting and technology, who have an interest in public accounting and professional services. Otherwise, we are looking for people who are caring, collaborative, courageous, critical thinkers and curious.

Are you currently hiring interns or entry-level employees?

RSM is always looking for top talent! Our active positions are currently posted on Handshake. We also have a winter virtual experiential learning program for sophomores called Pathways, which gives exposure to the various areas of public accounting from audit and tax to consulting.

Is there anything else UD students should know about your organization?

Our purpose is to deliver the power of being understood to our clients, colleagues and communities. Through “The Power of Being You,” we empower our people to bring their whole selves to work. Employees of RSM experience “The Power of Being You” because of the firm’s commitment to an environment where individuals are valued for who they are and the unique skills and capabilities they bring. RSM creates a place where employees can be their best and also deliver their best to our clients.