Grace and I started our day off by talking to Gordon, the expert in Capital Planning and Depreciation at SAS. He explained that most of the capital that SAS invests in is either Corporate Service (like new buildings), or IT (like new computers), and that most things are capitalized within 3-5 years. Next, we took a tour around the 900-acre campus with Bethany, an HR representative who recently joined the company. First, she drove us to the gyms and rec rooms, where “Jawsome Aquatics Day” was taking place. The whole building was decked out in shark gear, and we even got to hear about some of the other activities that took place there, like basketball games and Zumba classes. Next, we went to Building R, the Research and Development sector, and we looked at the library and the huge café. After driving past the farm on campus, we ended our tour in Building C, the huge executive building where customers and clients were being treated to lunch. (Fun fact: This building served as the exterior of Stark Industries in the third Iron Man movie!) The cafeteria there was amazing, and Grace, Bethany, and I all indulged in various types of sushi and desserts! Mine was filled with avocado, cucumber, and carrot, with spicy mayonnaises on the side. Finally, we ended our tour and went back to Building T. There, we talked with two members of Lisa’s staff about Standard Management and Treasury Functions, then it was time to go home!

-Khushi

The inside of the newly-renovated Building R. 

SAS Executive Building, AKA Stark Industries! 

Sushi for lunch in Building C’s amazing cafeteria. 

Employees getting ready for the “Jawsome Aquatics Day” relay activities.

Today, Grace and I started our 4-day shadowing experience at SAS. First, we got a tour of the Finance building with Lisa, the head of this sector of finance management. We met the rest of her team, and then she gave us an overview of how she and her team fit into SAS. We learned that there are over 6o countries where SAS has locations, and Lisa even told us about some of the struggles that come with collaborating with international employees! In addition, we talked to two employees about analyst and budgeting careers.  And finally, we got to sit in at a Finance Division Meeting.

-Khushi