Oswald Joseph is an associate with Alvarez & Marsal’s (A&M) Taxand practice in Miami, Florida. He earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in taxation from the University of Miami.

In the following Q&A, Oswald shares the advice he would give to his younger college self, the most important qualities for success in Tax and what superpower he would choose and why.

What skills or experiences did you gain in college that have been valuable in your career thus far?

My years at the University of Miami provided me with unique experiences and left me with skillsets that have truly been valuable in my career thus far. A combination of rigorous courses and out-of-classroom activities helped develop traits such as time management, collaboration, work ethic and networking. These great habits that I absorbed and maintained throughout my years in college are used in my everyday tasks with the state and local teams.

What led you to pursue your chosen field of study?

My first accounting professor at the University of Miami led me to choose accounting as my major. When I first got to college, my major was finance. It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I was introduced to my first accounting course. The professor taught the class in a fun and passionate manner. The class fully engaged me and, ultimately, made me appreciate accounting.  

Why did you choose to intern at A&M?

I deliberately pursued an internship at A&M due to its prestigious standing as one of the foremost consulting firms. Being associated with such a distinguished organization is an absolute honor.

How did you get started in your career, and what were some of the biggest challenges you faced early on?

Despite having a solid educational foundation, I faced a gap between technical knowledge and practical skills early in my career. Adapting to the demands of the industry can take time and effort and this is what I focused on to start my career.

How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively, especially when faced with competing priorities and deadlines?

Time management is very valuable when staying organized. I tend to write everything down in my planner, prioritized by the level of difficulty and deadlines. Once completed, I break down my workload into smaller steps to visualize the process that needs to be accomplished to work effectively. Some other strategies I use to stay organized and manage my time include setting realistic goals, creating a schedule and collaborating.

How do you stay current with industry trends and developments, and what resources do you rely on for ongoing learning and growth?

I stay current with industry trends and developments by using various resources. The resource I use the most is Checkpoint Edge, as it gives daily updates on the industry. The state and local weekly team meetings and associate trainings are other resources I rely on for learning and growth.

What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment so far in your career?

I consider graduating from the University of Miami’s five-year accelerated master’s in taxation honors program my biggest accomplishment so far. I am the first person in my family to earn a master’s degree.

In hindsight, what advice would you give to your college self or to other recent graduates about navigating the transition from school to work?

The advice I would give is to make sure you’re in a position where you can balance comfortably both your personal life and work. Having an agenda where you can track and handle both is imperative to both your mental and personal productivity. Take note of your priorities and identify what you might have to sacrifice to achieve your optimal goal. Another piece of advice would be to remember that building a successful career is a journey. Embrace the process, be patient with yourself and celebrate milestones along the way. Enjoy the learning experiences, forge meaningful relationships and maintain a sense of curiosity and passion for your chosen field.

What do you consider to be the most important qualities for success in your field, and how do you cultivate those qualities in yourself?

I consider attention to detail, adaptability and problem-solving to be the most important qualities for success. To cultivate these qualities, I practice meticulous work habits and develop systematic approaches to reviewing and verifying information. I double-check my work, pay close attention to numerical accuracy and develop effective organizational strategies to manage data and documents efficiently. In my field, I face complex challenges that require creative problem-solving and critical thinking. I engage in continuous learning to expand my knowledge base and gain diverse perspectives that contribute to effective problem-solving.

Can you tell us about a mentor or advisor who has been influential in your career development, and what did you learn from them?

When I was in college, I was fortunate that one of my professors became my mentor. We developed a relationship because I frequently would stay after class to ask more questions and attend his office hours for help. He placed great emphasis on effective communication and leadership skills. Under his guidance, I learned the importance of clear and concise communication, both written and verbal, and the value of active listening. He encouraged me to develop my own leadership style, fostering an inclusive and collaborative approach to working with others. He also instilled in me the mindset of embracing feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism.

How do you approach networking and building professional relationships, and what tips would you offer to others who are just starting out?

My first tip to someone just starting out would be to be genuine and authentic. Approach networking with a genuine desire to connect and learn from others. Be yourself and show a sincere interest in getting to know people. Authenticity builds trust and fosters meaningful connections. My second tip would be to attend industry events and join professional communities. Actively seek out industry events, conferences and seminars where you can meet professionals in your field. Join relevant professional communities, both online and offline, to engage in discussions, share insights and connect with like-minded individuals.

What's your favorite hobby or activity outside of work, and how did you get into it?

My favorite activity outside of work is playing tennis with my family. My dad got me interested in it as he’s one of the best tennis players over 50 in Miami. He taught me how to play the sport at an early age.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have any superpower, I would choose the ability to manipulate time. The power to control time would offer incredible advantages and opportunities. Manipulating time would allow me to slow down or pause time in critical situations. This would provide me with a heightened ability to think and react, making it easier to navigate difficult or high-pressure scenarios. It would grant me the opportunity to assess situations more thoroughly, make better decisions and potentially avoid negative outcomes.