Highly Effective Networking: Hillary Caplan Sefcik Of CohnReznick LLP On 5 Strategies for Successful Networking, Both Online and Offline
An Interview With Athalia Monae
Be authentic! Be yourself but also be confident and proud of what you do. Be willing to share personal experiences to allow others to understand what you do. Have a concise outline and description of what it is you do in your own words.
The art of networking is pivotal in today’s interconnected world. Establishing meaningful connections can accelerate career growth, foster collaborations, and create opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden. Yet, the dynamics of networking are intricate, often requiring a nuanced blend of authenticity, strategy, and adaptability. And with the digital revolution, networking has transcended beyond face-to-face interactions to virtual platforms, expanding its scope and complexity. In this series, we would like to discuss the art and science behind effective networking. We are talking to seasoned professionals, career coaches, networking experts, and thought leaders who’ve mastered both traditional and online networking techniques. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Hillary Caplan Sefcik, CPA.
Hillary Caplan Sefcik, CPA, is an assurance manager in CohnReznick’s Boston, Massachusetts office. She has over eight years of public accounting experience, providing audit, technical accounting, financial statement preparation, and IPO readiness services. Her primary industry concentration is technology, focusing on SaaS, licensing and education technology clients. Hillary also works with clients in the manufacturing and distribution and life sciences industries.
Hillary’s responsibilities include planning and executing the engagement process, obtaining an understanding of the control environment, evaluating the design of internal controls, compliance analysis, client communications, preparation and review of financial statements, and supervision and development of interns and associates. Hillary also provides her clients with comprehensive business and financial planning and is experienced in reporting of business acquisition transactions.
Hillary is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Massachusetts and was the recipient of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants’ (MassCPAs) 2021 Women to Watch Emerging Leader Award. She is the Finance Chair and Treasurer of the North Shore Technology Council and co-chairs the MassCPAs Women in Accounting Committee and CRWomen initiative throughout CohnReznick’s Massachusetts offices. Hillary is also involved in CohnReznick’s recruitment efforts and mentors interns and staff through the firm’s coach/coachee program.
Hillary attended Boston University’s Questrom School of Business where she studied business administration with a concentration in accounting. Prior to attending Boston University, Hillary grew up in Rockville, Maryland.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about networking, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
Since I was little, I wanted to work in broadcast journalism and be the next Katie Couric. Fast forward to my senior year of high school when I was encouraged by my father to take an accounting course at the local community college and I am so glad I did because accounting and I just clicked. I loved how there was usually a clear answer, albeit some nuance, and that the debits had to equal the credits.
I studied accounting at Boston University where I had internships both at an asset based lending firm in the accounting department and later in audit at Grant Thornton in Boston. My internship in audit led to a full-time offer in public accounting and over 8 years later, the rest is history!
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of the most interesting stories that happened to me actually kicked off my career in accounting and is a great example of networking and what opportunities it can provide.
During my sophomore summer of college, I worked as an Orientation Leader at BU for incoming freshmen and their parents whereby I led various sessions over a 3-day period sharing my Terrier pride and BU experiences as well as guiding the students and parents through the wonderful city of Boston. Through this experience, I was able to get to know students and their parents on a personal level to make meaningful connections. In sharing with a particular student and his father that I was majoring in accounting, the father shared he was the CEO of an asset-based lending firm just outside of Boston and they would love to have me join the team as an intern in their accounting department. Before I could get back to my computer after that day’s sessions, I already had an email in my inbox from the CEO moving the conversation forward. Low and behold, that is how I got my first accounting internship! I had no idea that day would drive the rest of my career and I can’t thank Andy enough for believing in me and giving me a jump-start in the accounting profession.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
The three character traits I look to embody that have been most instrumental in my career growth and success are my authenticity and enthusiasm, my willingness and ability to work hard, and my loyalty to those I work with on my teams, my clients and other professional relationships.
Authenticity and enthusiasm — no matter what line of business you are in, being anyone but yourself will not get you very far and it will become pretty obvious early on when you are not being true to yourself. Being authentically Hillary includes me sharing personal anecdotes to connect with those I work with as well as my excitement for what I do. I also love learning about others to make connections that allow for an enjoyable professional relationship and working experience.
Hard work — Over the years, I’ve made it apparent to my teams, clients and colleagues that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to meet a deadline, deliverable or make someone else’s life easier.
Loyalty — It’s important to surround yourself with those who will speak highly of you when you’re not in the room; but loyalty goes two ways. Being loyal to those in your networks is key — sharing opportunities, advocating for those who you believe in for opportunities, and treating people with respect.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that we are all on the same page. How exactly do you define “Networking?” Is it just about meeting new people?
My definition of networking has evolved over time. When first starting out, it meant signing up for a networking event and showing up having to prove myself to a room of strangers. Now, I see networking as not a single activity, but tied to everything I do.
In today’s digital age, how important is face-to-face networking, and how do you balance it with online networking?
If you ask anyone I work with, I am a face-to-face gal. I think you get so much more out of being in-person, from facial reactions to overall body language. Now don’t get me wrong, there are huge benefits to online networking as well, but I find that you can use virtual meetings as a starting point where the meaningful connections are made and solidified through in-person interactions in a comfortable environment for both parties. Face-to-face is especially important for establishing a new connection. I am a lot more comfortable calling their cell or hopping on a video call to pick up where we left off in-person.
How do you maintain and nurture professional relationships over time, both in person and online, to ensure they remain fruitful and mutually beneficial?
It’s tough and something that takes time and effort. Staying active on socials, i.e. Linkedin, showing up to events that you register for and sharing events and opportunities with those in your network. If you know someone in your network is attending an event you will also be attending, look to make that connection and get together in person with them before or after the event so that time at the event can be spent networking with others.
How important is personal branding when it comes to successful networking, and how can individuals develop and maintain a strong personal brand both online and in person?
Whatever that brand is, it is important for everyone to create your own personal brand — it is how you will be remembered and differentiate yourself in your profession and industry.
As you work your way up in the public accounting profession, developing your personal brand is a combination of having technical expertise and bringing in new business to the firm. It always needs to be a balance, but if you think of those within your firm, you’ll probably be able to identify those who are bringing in new clients and those who are citing the accounting codification — usually a combination of the two which allows each of us to create our personal brands!
What is your advice for young professionals who are just starting to build their network? How can they effectively reach out to and connect with experienced leaders in their field?
Sign up for an event to begin to make personal and professional connections. Start thinking about your network as all those in your sphere — personal and professional and see who those individuals are that can create opportunities for you.
Do you prioritize quality or quantity of connections? How do you determine when to invest more time in a particular relationship?
Quality 100%. There could be someone I haven’t seen since an event in the prior year, but due to the quality of the conversation and connection, we pick right back up where we left off. The quality of your connection may increase based on the quantity of times you are in the same room. Invest more time in a particular person or relationship that has influence on what you’re looking for and that you enjoy spending time and learning from them. They may not have an opportunity for you from the get-go, but over time, as long as this person has influence in the field or industry you work in, opportunities may present themselves at a later date.
What are your “5 Strategies for Successful Networking, Both Online and Offline”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
1 . Get out there! Not sure where to start? Sign up for an event that interests you. Look inward to your current network and see who you are currently connected to and spark conversations that you may not have discussed before and see where it takes you.
2 . Be authentic! Be yourself but also be confident and proud of what you do. Be willing to share personal experiences to allow others to understand what you do. Have a concise outline and description of what it is you do in your own words.
3 . Focus on a particular profession or industry. What types of events will allow you to achieve success in what you are looking to achieve? Look to attend those events and connect with those individuals to narrow your scope.
4 . Have an online presence. Post regularly to your LinkedIn and reach out to contacts. The ability to connect virtually and through LinkedIn creates opportunities for connection we didn’t have in the past — take advantage of it!
5 . Follow up in a timely manner. Show respect for those you meet by following up via LinkedIn or email within 24 hours of meeting. Following up timely and including an anecdote from your conversation or interaction shows interest in the individual and what they do. Following up will allow for that next step in developing your relationship and creating opportunities.
What role does diversity and inclusion play in your networking approach? How do you ensure that your network is inclusive and represents a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds?
There is no doubt that diversity in people, backgrounds, culture, religion, race, etc. adds different perspectives and depth to your networking circle. The more diversity of opinions, thoughts, perspectives, etc. you can get on a particular topic or business approach, the better.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
In regards to general business and networking, I would love to see a movement where overall best business practices are taught starting in high school. This includes general business practices, personal finances, networking and more.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Please feel free to connect with me on Linkedin — I share a lot of applicable information for CPAs and networking events in the greater Boston area!
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About the Interviewer: Athalia Monae is a product creator, published author, entrepreneur, advocate for Feed Our Starving Children, contributing writer for Entrepreneur Media, and founder of Pouches By Alahta.
Highly Effective Networking: Hillary Caplan Sefcik Of CohnReznick LLP On 5 Strategies for… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.