On April 30, Barry Salzberg ’74, the CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohamatsu Ltd., one of the four largest international accountancy firms in the world, returned to his alma mater to discuss the career path that has led to his incredible success. “It was one of the greatest experiences of my tenure at Brooklyn College,” said Louis Di Meglio, a graduate student studying business economics. “There was so much in that talk, and a lot of things resonated for me personally. I am very glad I went.” At Deloitte, Salzberg leads the executive team and sets the strategic direction for the Deloitte global network, a $29 billion company composed of 47 member firms operating in 150 countries with more than 170,000 people worldwide. During the meeting, Salzberg advised students on their careers and answered questions about professional advancement, such as how students can use social media for career purposes. “Social media is here to stay, and we have to adapt,” he said, describing an internal program Deloitte uses to support live chats between its employees. “You have to find a way to make social media to work for you.” Salzberg attended Brooklyn College in the 1970s and, like many of today’s students, had to study and work at the same time. He didn’t have time to join clubs or do any extracurricular activities. “My résumé was naked,” he said. “I didn’t hurt me then, but it would today.” Times have changed, Salzberg said, and now it is crucial for students to have a professional network and an internship experience, which requires time and effort. “My advice is balance,” he said, explaining that he understands the commitments Brooklyn College students have to make every day. He also said that students should find a person who will guide them in their careers, because “having a mentor is absolutely critical for you to succeed.” Salzberg also underscored the importance of diversity, which is one of Deloitte’s core values. “There is no better diverse culture in the world than what’s here at Brooklyn College,” he said. “And the quality of the education is great.” The event was organized by the Magner Career Center, which also invited several recent alumni representing companies such as the Bank of New York Mellon, Accenture, Citigroup, Target, JP Morgan and Holtz Rubenstein Reminick LLP. “Mr. Salzberg was very personable and approachable, which helps students to relate and realize that highly successful people are not that different from them,” said Natalia Guarin-Klein, associate director for mentoring and alumni programs. “Since our students mostly come from humble beginnings, it is truly an inspiration for them to have access to very successful alumni.” Salzberg received his undergraduate degree in accounting from Brooklyn College, a master’s degree in law from New York University School of Law, and a juris doctor from Brooklyn Law School.
