Helping Huskies Fit Right In

Crystal Skotedis ‘03 began her career journey at BU as an undeclared student and full-time accountant for a local grocery store in 1997.  Now, she helps other Huskies fit right in with the regional accounting firm, Boyer & Ritter, aggressively recruiting and transitioning new Husky grads to the firm.

“I stayed undeclared until the Registrar’s Office froze my courses, recalled Skotedis. "I liked everything, and it was so hard to box myself in mentally at  that age.”

Skotedis finally settled on Accounting after a meeting with her academic adviser helped her realize that an Accounting degree could become a

launchpad for many different trajectories. Once she declared a major, Skotedis became involved with the Zeigler College of Business and built closer relationships with faculty. The extra involvement developed Skotedis as a  professional and an attractive hire for several companies.

“The faculty was great, and I felt exceptionally prepared to go into my interview process,” explained Skotedis. “I ended up having a choice of where I wanted to go.”

Skotedis’s choice was Staff Accountant at Boyer & Ritter, where she worked her way up to Senior Accountant, Manager, Director, and now, Principal.  In her time, Skotedis has facilitated the recruitment of many a BU alum to the team.

“When I was hired, I was one of the first from BU,” recalled Skotedis. “At the time, BU grads started turning heads here, and there was a more concentrated effort recruiting in BU.”

Skotedis estimates that Boyer &Ritter has hired around 50 BU grads in the last 15 years, noting that they come to the firm much more prepared and motivated than students from other schools.

“BU consistently turns out people who move quickly and achieve early. They don’t have the stumbling period in the transition from college to work; They are much more able to adapt and succeed.”

Skotedis says that BU alums also bring a level of determination not found in other candidates.  She says that kind of “Husky grit” is not only very valuable to an employer but also inherent in the type of student that chooses and completes a degree at BU. It is a trait that Skotedis recognized in herself when she started her climb.

“You do see a lot of grassroots grit and determination and will power coming out of BU students. Many are first-gen like I was, and I wanted to prove to myself and my family that I wasn’t going to fail. It’s something Intangible that you can’t teach people – the 'dig your heels in’ and succeeded no matter what.

Despite the grit that comes with BU hires, Skotedis notes that Boyer & Ritter works to make the transition from college to professional as low stress as possible, giving new grads the time they need to make a successful transition with both hard and soft skills.  The firm also provides flexibility and a team culture of support and mentorship.

"We have a culture where everyone has a role in an environment where everyone can learn and grow,” explained Skotedis. “We don’t expect you to know everything, but we do expect you to be a team player, and that has become instrumental in retaining and attracting employees. It is a very sought-after culture.”

It is no wonder that Huskies, for whom grit is a trait and understand the value of lifting up their pack, fit right in at Boyer & Ritter.

“When you look at successful people in all disciplines, that grit factor always trumps intellect,” concluded Skotedis. “[BU grads have been] good hires for us, so we continue to recruit there aggressively.”