By Keiter CPAs
A student-first approach to recruiting
Brandon Mills plays a key role in shaping Keiter’s early-career talent pipeline. As the Firm’s Campus Recruiter, he leads the internship and externship programs, helping students connect what they learn in a classroom to real-world experiences, all while building confidence in their career path. He brings a student-centered, relationship-driven approach to his role, shaped by his background in higher education, career services, and his own experience as a first-generation college graduate.
From career services to recruiting
Brandon earned his undergraduate degree from Longwood University and later completed his master’s degree at the University of Virginia in Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education. Through a variety of student focused roles, he discovered a passion for guiding students through transitions and helping them understand what is possible beyond the classroom.
Before joining Keiter, Brandon worked in higher education and career services, most recently as a Career Coach at the College of Charleston. He supported students with resume development, internship searches, and post-graduation planning. As a first-generation college graduate, that work felt personal.
Creating meaningful student experiences
At Keiter, Brandon focuses on providing students with exposure that goes beyond observation. Interns and externs work on real projects, interact with clients, and build relationships across the Firm, giving them a clearer understanding of what a career in public accounting actually looks like. That approach is rooted in how Brandon thinks about recruiting and student development.
“Getting to know students beyond what is on their resume is important to me. I want to serve as a resource for students in the same way I once needed during my own journey.”
Brandon hopes students leave the program curious, accountable, and confident in their ability to learn. He has been especially encouraged by how eager Keiter’s interns are to ask questions, seek feedback, and take ownership of their experience.
Community involvement also plays an important role in the experience. By creating opportunities for students to engage with the Richmond community and connect with colleagues outside day-to-day work, Brandon hopes to show that accounting is not just technical, but also relationship driven.
Advice for future applicants
Brandon encourages students interested in Keiter to do their research and take the initiative to connect with people at the Firm. Conversations with team members can offer valuable insight into different career paths and help students picture themselves in their future careers and at Keiter.
Outside the Firm
When he is not supporting students at Keiter, Brandon stays active through recreational volleyball and enjoys spending time outdoors whenever he can. He also has a long-standing interest in photography, capturing milestones, and everyday moments alike. At Keiter, he brings that same energy into his work with students, helping to build a welcoming, engaging experience for the next generation of professionals.
To learn more about Keiter’s internship and externship programs or explore early-career opportunities with the Firm, visit our Careers page.
About the Author
The information contained within this article is provided for informational purposes only and is current as of the date published. Online readers are advised not to act upon this information without seeking the service of a professional accountant, as this article is not a substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, or financial advice from a professional accountant.