Daniella Soriano, a recent graduate, has successfully transitioned into a Business Technology Analyst role at Accenture Federal Services, highlighting the effectiveness of university career services. In her new position, Soriano contributes to implementing business operations and technology solutions for federal clients.
Her journey to Accenture Federal Services was significantly shaped by her experiences and resources at SLU, where she earned her Master of Business Administration. During her MBA program, Soriano engaged in the embedded Data Analytics Practicum, collaborating with Nestlé Purina North America as an MBA consultant. This role provided her with hands-on experience in data analysis, where she extracted consumer insights, gathered relevant data, and analyzed e-commerce landscapes. Adding to her practical skills, she also completed a marketing internship at Purina. These experiences were instrumental in refining her data analysis, data visualization, marketing, teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
Beyond academics, Soriano actively participated in various leadership and engagement opportunities at SLU. She served as the 2024 One-Year MBA Cohort Class Representative, fostering community and acting as a liaison between her peers and faculty. Her leadership extended to the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship’s GEOLaunch program, where she served as Team Lead, participating in prestigious competitions like the Venture Capital Investments Case Competition and the Iowa State University: Mind to Market Case Competition. Furthermore, as a Graduate Assistant at the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, she gained experience in day-to-day operations, recruitment, prospective student meetings, and process improvement projects.
Crucially, Soriano leveraged Career Services throughout her academic journey. She sought assistance in refining her resume, practiced through mock interviews, and connected with potential employers at career fairs. The strong partnership between Career Services and Accenture Federal Services proved to be a pivotal resource. Through Meet-The-Employer events and Coffee Chats organized by Career Services, Soriano gained valuable insights into Accenture Federal Services, which significantly aided her in navigating the interview process and ultimately securing her current position. This highlights how university career services act as a vital bridge connecting students with leading employers.
Soriano’s advice to incoming students emphasizes proactive engagement and resource utilization: “be curious, ask questions, and take advantage of the opportunities presented to you.” She encourages students to explore conferences, professional development avenues, and extracurricular activities that align with their interests. Networking, attending career fairs, and taking pride in their accomplishments are also key aspects of her advice. Soriano further stresses the importance of continuous learning, skill development, and seeking guidance from professors, noting, “Everyone at SLU, including alumni, faculty, and staff, is willing to help you. It’s reassuring to know that the community wants you to succeed.” Her success story serves as a compelling example of how utilizing university career services and actively engaging with available resources can significantly contribute to launching a successful career.
