Sean Avant Profile Pic 2023.jpg

Sean Avant

Job Title: Finance Director
Company: Microsoft
Industry: Technology
Mentor Since: Fall 2023
Will Mentor: Graduate Students
Mentor Type: Albers
Profile

Background

Job Description

I manage a finance team that oversees Microsoft's commercial partner incentives. These investments are meant to encourage our broad partner ecosystem to build applications and services practices that run on or alongside our platform and encourage our end users to realize the value of the most comprehensive solution platform in the world.

Company Description

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

Employment History

17+ years at MSFT; 3ish years in public accounting (big 4 and regional)

Education

MAcc from Ohio State; BA in Accounting from Seattle University

Mentoring Objectives & Scope

Answer questions about a career in big-tech finance. Help students think through how to position themselves for a successful career. Support students with interview prep, recruiting, etc.

When and where do you hold meetings with your students?

Anytime, really. Ideally virtually or at the Microsoft campus. Can also come to Seattle from time to time with enough coordination and notice.

Additional Information

Mentorship is definitely a two-way street. You will get so much more out of it if you clearly articulate what you want from your mentor and come to meetings well prepared.