From the classroom to the interview room

Alumnus Tyler Johnson recruits top BGSU talent

By Amy West

Just a year ago, Tyler Johnson was a student in the Master of Accountancy program and last fall, he was back on campus in a completely different capacity. 

Johnson is a staff audit associate at Rehmann where he performs audits, reviews and compilations for a variety of clients in manufacturing, construction and the non-profit sector. 

Rehmann is one of the largest CPA, business-consulting and wealth management firms in the nation, serving clients in industries such as manufacturing, wholesale/distribution, real estate, nonprofit and government.

Johnson spent two days on campus recruiting talent during the fall career fair. Each year Rehmann sends representatives to BGSU during the fall and spring semesters to recruit students for internships and full-time positions. 

In September 2015, five Rehmann employees spent the day talking with more than 50 students and gathered information to determine which nine students to invite to an on-campus interview the following day. 

After the on-campus interview, the top candidates were invited to interview at the firm. Rehmann hires numerous BGSU graduates and has developed a great partnership with the University over the years.

“As a BGSU student, my professors encouraged me to participate in career fairs on campus. I landed an interview with my current employer, Rehmann, at the 2012 fall career fair and a week later, I was headed to their corporate office for an interview,” Johnson explained.

He interned at Rehmann during the summer of 2013 and was offered a full-time position, which he accepted. Johnson started in the fall of 2014 following graduation from the master’s program.

Returning to campus is something Johnson enjoys. In addition to the career fairs, he attended freshman orientation again, but this time he presented to incoming students about the importance of getting involved on campus, attending career fairs and connecting with the Business Career Accelerator.  Johnson and members of Rehmann also presented at a Beta Alpha Psi meeting and participated in the Meet the Firms event and golf outing.

“I had a great experience at BGSU and I look forward to being back on campus and strengthening the partnership between Rehmann and BGSU,” he admitted.

Johnson earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from BGSU where the accounting program is ranked number one in Ohio. He was a commuter student throughout his time on campus, but was just as involved then as he is now.

“BGSU is well-suited for commuter students. The University offers a commuter lounge where students can relax and get to know other students, as well as commuter groups to help students become involved. These commuter programs paved the way for my involvement on campus,” Johnson stated.

He was an active member of Beta Alpha Psi, the National Accounting Society, which is number two in the country and has earned “superior chapter” status for nearly four decades.

“I am grateful to BGSU for not only providing me a top notch education but also helping me launch my career,” Johnson stated.

“Finding jobs for students is top priority in the College of Business. The College has an on-site career center designated for business students. Students graduate earning an average starting salary of $53,000, which is the highest in Ohio and more than the national average,” Tom Siebenaler, director of the Business Career Accelerator, said.

Rehmann is one of many companies recruiting College of Business students. The Business Career Accelerator has connections with more than 1,000 companies and has an on-site recruiting center where employers come and interview students on campus. 

“Eighty-eight percent of our business students graduate with a full-time job or are in the interviewing phase,” Siebenaler continued.

The Business Career Accelerator connects with more than 80 percent of the business students each semester resulting in a higher number of internships and job placements.

Johnson experienced firsthand the opportunities presented through the College of Business and the Business Career Accelerator. 

“It is great to be able to pay it forward to other Falcons by helping them to achieve their career goals,” Johnson concluded.