Mentor Spotlight

Mentor Spotlight: Howard Fox

January 9, 2021

Alumni, Career, Homepage News, News

Howard Fox earned an accounting degree from the University of Kansas in 1982. He has more than 30 years of experience in finance and accounting, acquisitions and divestments. Currently, he is a real estate executive with Better Homes and Gardens KC and a consultant with Fox Consulting.

Howard can assist students and young alumni in a number of areas, including career and industry trends, internship and job search strategies, work-life balance, transitioning to life after school, and more. He is also happy to make introductions to others in his field.

Howard is a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. In his spare time, he enjoys tennis, travel, basketball, skiing and wine tastings.

Connect with Howard on KU Mentoring.

We’re highlighting Jayhawks who serve as mentors to fellow alumni and students to celebrate National Mentoring Month.

How did you end up in your current career?

I majored in accounting so I was mostly interested in the “Big 8” firms. I scheduled an interview with Amoco (Oil and Gas) and the industry interested me plus I knew it would give me an opportunity to live in other places such as New Orleans, Tulsa, Houston, Atlanta, Denver, and Chicago!

Who was a mentor for you? How did they help you?

My mentor was my cost accounting Professor who had worked previously for Touche Ross (now Deloitte). She was really good about getting me to focus on my strengths and weaknesses and helping me envision a career which would be best for me.

What advice do you have for current college students or young alumni?

Develop strong technical and “soft skills” early in your career to develop your base. Work hard to understand company goals and culture. Act as though you “own the company”. Understand key drivers to company performance and options you can create/develop to improve operational and financial results. Finally, relationships are very important so make sure to treat everyone the same at all levels by being helpful and supportive and not only helping the folks that are higher up in the organization.

Need a mentor? Want to serve as a mentor? KU Mentoring is open to students, alumni, faculty and staff, and friends of the University of Kansas. Professionals who are looking for opportunities to connect with KU and provide assistance to Jayhawks are also welcome. Learn more about KU Mentoring.