Scholarships can be very impactful when considering how to finance your education. When beginning the search for scholarship and financial aid options, it’s important to learn as much as possible about the potential awards for which you wish to apply. Keep in mind that accepting a scholarship is the beginning of a professional relationship with the donating organization, and the decisions you make have a lasting impact on your professional reputation.
Some scholarships come with terms and conditions of varying degrees, while others are one-time awards with seemingly no strings attached. Some may be awarded by individuals, while others may be awarded by organizations. For instance, KPMG and Deloitte award scholarships to future MACC and MTAX accountancy students; while it is not required to accept employment there, these organizations expect students to engage in their recruitment process.
If you accept a scholarship from an organization, the first step is to send a thank you email or letter. This is the beginning of establishing a professional relationship, as many donors look forward to engaging with their award recipients. Next, review the guidelines of the award. Will you need to attend an award reception or meet with the organization? If you are unsure of expectations moving forward, reach out to the organization for clarification.
If you are unsure of expectations moving forward, reach out to the organization for clarification. For guidance on how to professionally engage with scholarship organizations, schedule an appointment with your Career Coach.
What to Consider Before Accepting a Scholarship
