What the Next Generation Is Really Looking For — with Stephani Mason & Claire Costin

Two accounting professors walk into a podcast, and what they have to say about the next generation of talent should stop every firm leader in their tracks.

Claire Costin (University of Portland) and Steph Mason (DePaul University) both came up through the profession before moving into academia, where they now research inequity, bias, and intersectionality in accounting. They join host Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk to share what today's students are looking for in employers, and why firms that are quietly scaling back DEI efforts are making a very expensive mistake.

The conversation is candid, research-grounded, and full of moments that hit close to home: the top student who turned down a Big Four offer after being disrespected in recruiting, the myth of meritocracy that ignores how early opportunity gaps begin, and the simple but radical idea that tax returns and audits are still delivered by people who need to feel seen.

What you'll take away:

• Why belonging is non-negotiable for the next generation — regardless of political affiliation
• How microaggressions in recruiting are costing firms their best candidates before day one
• Why meritocracy without equity misses the point entirely
• What intentional mentorship looks like and why it benefits the whole firm
• Why firms that act courageously on their values right now will win the long game on talent

 

Resources & Links

• Connect with Steph Mason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephani-mason-8928531/ 
• Connect with Claire Costin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairecostin/ 
• DePaul University Accounting: https://www.depaul.edu/academics/programs/accountancy 
• University of Portland: https://www.up.edu
• Participate in the Accounting MOVE Project: https://accountingmoveproject.com/ 

About MOVE Like This
MOVE Like This is the podcast for accounting firm leaders building more equitable, competitive, and people-first firms. New episodes drop bi-weekly during survey season and monthly in the off-season. Hosted by Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk.

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