Interview with Brian Geffert, '91 Finance

What is the best piece of career advice that you’ve ever received?
If you think you have learned all you need to know, then your career is pretty much over at that moment. You must adopt a practice of continuous learning or the business world will leave you standing in the dust.

How has a Smeal education benefited you in your career?
In my role as a principal, I work with clients on a variety of business issues. I once had to go back to my Accounting 471 textbook to refresh myself on revenue recognition, as I was asked to lead a global re-engineering project for a client. The business courses I took at Smeal gave me a foundation that has served me throughout my career.

What is your favorite memory that you have from Penn State?
Hanging out and reading in the old HUB fishbowl.

What is the best suggestion you can give to a recent Smeal graduate beginning the job search?
Truly understand what you have to offer the marketplace. I find that recent grads see themselves as their major and miss other opportunities.  In addition, learn to network since your future success will depend on your ability to have people speak on your behalf to others. Your resume will maybe get you a quick second look but an endorsement will get you an opportunity to show what you can do.

What do you enjoy most about a day at KPMG?
Working with clients to solve problems.

Quick Questions

Quote you live by?
Take life one day at a time.

Favorite Berkey Creamery flavor?
Pumpkin pie

Best class at Penn State?
Landscape Architecture

Favorite book?
How Soccer Explains the World

Role model?
Arsene Wenger, Arsenal Football Club Manager