Juliana Blackman, a senior at Allen University majoring in business administration with a concentration in accounting, had the incredible honor of representing Allen University at the KPMG HBCU Talent ^ + Program. This program is a transformative experience that provided deep insights into the world of accounting, professional development, and the power of representation.
KPMG, one of the Big Four accounting firms, has made an incredible investment in continuous learning through its Lakehouse, a state-of-theart facility designed to foster professional growth. Over the course of a three-day trip to Orlando, Florida, Blackman had the opportunity to meet and connect with other HBCU students as well as KPMG professionals—from junior associates to partners.
“The Lakehouse experience was truly remarkable. From the thoughtfully designed classrooms for learning to an unlimited selection of restaurants, multiple athletic options like basketball,
pickleball, and mini golf, and nourishment stations stocked with food and drinks; every detail reflected KPMG’s commitment to continuous learning, nourishment, and both mental and physical wellbeing,” said Blackman. “It was inspiring to see how much care and investment KPMG puts into ensuring its employees have everything they need to thrive.”
“One of the most surreal moments was playing basketball with KPMG partners and having casual conversations with them,” she continued. “I never imagined I’d be in such an environment, connecting with top professionals in such a genuine and relaxed setting. It truly highlighted how welcoming and engaging the culture at KPMG is.”
Blackman said that the experience was life-changing.
“Another impactful takeaway was learning about KPMG’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hearing directly from partners who are also HBCU alumni reinforced the message that if we can see it, we can achieve it. Their stories and insights were truly empowering,” she said.
Each day was filled with impactful sessions, including:
– Interview preparation—mastering the STAR and FUTURE methods to confidently answer behavioral and situational questions.
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Understanding client engagements—a real-world look at what it’s like to work on a team at KPMG.
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Networking with industry professionals—gaining valuable advice and making meaningful connections.
“This was an unforgettable and truly surreal experience, and I hope that more of my fellow Allen University students take advantage of this incredible opportunity next year,” Blackman said.
