Jenkins MAC Program Welcomes Back Team Member Kelly Hardy, Continues Building on History of Success

The Jenkins Master of Accounting program in the NC State Poole of Management announces that Kelly Hardy has returned to the program’s professional services team as associate director of career services and student programs.

Hardy has nearly 18 years’ experience in human resources, recruiting and career development in the accounting field – seven of those as assistant director of career services for the NC State Jenkins MAC program. She was in that role from 2007 to 2014, when she left to join the human resources team of a regional public accounting firm.

While there, Hardy earned her PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certificate and gained additional knowledge in the areas of orientation planning, recruitment strategy and performance management. She said she is grateful for her experience with the firm, but discovered that she missed being on campus, working with students, faculty and employers.

“I am glad to be back with the Jenkins MAC program, and will be using my expanded HR experience as I help our students meet their career goals and assist with special programs that enhance their learning experiences. Additionally, I believe my expanded background can provide greater insight for our students as they navigate their career options in the accounting profession,” Hardy said.

The NC State Jenkins MAC program historically places 95 to 100 percent of its students in jobs by graduation. “The program is off to a great start this academic year, with a 94 percent placement rate as of December 31, 2018, for students eligible to work in the United States,” she said.

Hardy also will be responsible for placing undergraduate accounting students in internships through the AIR (Accounting Internship Recruitment) Program, which she established at Poole College in 2007. The AIR Program consistently places most of its students in internships, a majority of which lead to full-time job offers.

Hardy credits much of the Jenkins MAC program’s success in job placement to the strong network and relationships that have developed over the years with public accounting firms. More than 20 firms typically attend the program’s annual Meet the Firms event, held at NC State. The MAC team also meets with recruiters twice a year to get feedback regarding the recruiting season and recruitment process.

“I take seriously the relationship we have established with recruiters over the years, and am excited to continue to improve and grow those relationships,” Hardy said. Hear recruiters discuss why they recruit at NC State in this video.