ABA features Fannie Mae

A representative from Fannie Mae came to talk to the Accounting and Business Association on Monday, arch 5, to discuss internship opportunities and to give advice to interested students. 

"Fannie Mae actually reached out to us about wanting to speak to students about internship opportunities," said Matthew Chin, co-president of the ABA. "They basically started the relationship." 

About 50 students filled a lecture hall in Van Munching as the representative, who wishes to be kept anonymous, discussed how Fannie Mae issues loans and how interns are involved in that process. She highlighted the internal audit associates position, a 2-year program where interns rotate through various departments and, upon completing the program, are interviewed for openings in the company. 

One of the most important things a prospective intern can do to, the representative said, was to know what the company does. She said there have been students at career fairs with the misconception that Fannie Mae helps the homeless, giving the recruiter a bad impression. Understanding how the company works and how you, as an intern, can tie your interests into an existing position is key to impressing a recruiter. 

The ABA's purpose, Chin said, is to connect students with recruiters. Ellen Davidson, the club's other co-president said that they "have a different accounting firm or an accounting company come in every other Tuesday and talk about a topic of their choice with the club." 

"We thought it would be an interesting topic as well, considering the economy," said Chin. However, the representative could not answer question about the mood in the offices or Fannie Mae's projected future in light of its recent mortgage crisis. 

The representative also advised students to ask questions at career fairs or in interviews that will truly make the interviewer think. Too many people, she said, ask the same questions that don't stand out to the recruiter.