Mr. Ananthesh Bhat from KPMG, Bangaluru conducted an enlightening session on “Life as an Audit Associate” sharing valuable career guidance and industry insights. He emphasized that academic marks serve as the first stepping stone toward a successful career. Additionally, proficiency in Advanced Excel shortcuts is a must-have skill, and strong presentation skills are crucial for professional growth. He detailed the interview process at KPMG, which consists of three stages: 1. Aptitude Test – Focused on audit-related topics, including GAAP principles. 2. Group Discussion (GD) – Candidates must justify their viewpoints effectively. 3. Seasonal Interview (HR Round) – Includes a personal interview where candidates must introduce themselves within 90 seconds and highlight their Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Mr. Bhat also shared insights into the work culture at KPMG, encouraging individuals to speak up and seize opportunities for growth. He emphasized that KPMG growth rate stands at 28% to 29%, offering numerous career advancements. He also stressed the importance of obtaining relevant certifications such as CPA, CISA, Power AI, Business Analytics, and Data Science, which can significantly enhance career prospects in the audit profession. The session provided attendees with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of the path to success as an audit associate at KPMG. It was one of the most engaging interactive sessions, where students had the opportunity to ask questions on various career aspects and gain valuable insights from the guest.