By Timanni Walker
As part of the #UCFBusiness Dean’s Leadership Class, Mitch Less, ’86, spoke to students about his life and career as audit services partner for Grant Thornton, the fifth-largest accounting and consulting firm in the world. Less oversees some of the firm’s largest accounts in the U.S., including Southern Wine & Spirits of America and the Miami Marlins.
In his speech, Less explained the importance of professionalism in the workplace and encouraged students to start the practice while still in college. He recommended that students visit their professor’s office hours, hone their skills, and learn proper business etiquette.
“The Dean’s Leadership Class is an opportunity for students to learn from experienced and successful business professionals and UCF alumni,” said Paul Jarley, Ph.D., dean of the UCF College of Business. “We hold these free events on a monthly basis throughout the semester.”
Less is a 2015 inductee into the college’s Hall of Fame, which recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional professional success in their field. This honor, the highest given to business graduates, is awarded to those who have been in the industry for at least 20 years and have brought recognition to the university through their professional achievements.
Grant Thornton is one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. 65% of Forbes Global 100 companies are served by Grant Thornton International member firms.
About the College of Business Administration:
Established in 1968, the UCF College of Business Administration offers degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and executive levels. All programs, as well as the Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting are accredited by AACSB International – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The college provides high-quality academic programs designed to give students a competitive advantage in the world of business now and in the future. As such, the college establishes partnerships with some of the nation’s most innovative leaders to model new and best practices that harness evolving technology. In addition, the college promotes a unique culture of engagement, risk-taking, cross-disciplinary collaboration and data-driven decision making in an effort to ensure students are well prepared to enter a dynamic marketplace.
America’s Partnership University:
The University of Central Florida, the nation’s second-largest university with nearly 60,000 students, has grown in size, quality, diversity and reputation in its first 50 years. Today, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at its main campus in Orlando and more than a dozen other locations. UCF is an economic engine attracting and supporting industries vital to the region’s future while providing students with real-world experiences that help them succeed after graduation. For more information, visit http://today.ucf.edu.