Society Assists Future Accountants One of the unique qualities of the Accounting Society is that it is an academic organization open to accounting majors of all classifications. The society held meetings once a month to provide practical information about the accounting profession and future job opportunities. The topics of each meeting ranged from a variety of relevant subjects such as summer internships, preparing for interviews and the first day on the job for a professional accountant. According to some students, one of the most beneficial aspects of the meetings were the occasional guest speakers. "I've been involved in the Accounting Society for the past two years," senior Amy Williamson said, "and I've really enjoyed being able to hear the speakers that have come in to talk about different aspects of accounting, things like public accounting verses private and what to expect at accounting firms." Many of the society's alumni contacts came through Bryan Burks, the sponsor of the club and Associate Dean of the School of Business. The guest speakers shared an enthusiasm for their work, provided " The Accounting Society gave me an opportunity to apply what I learned in classes to the real world. -Dennis Van Erp, senior " firsthand information about their company's work environment and job opportunities and gave students a chance to begin forming professional contacts. Besides the monthly meetings the society began something new during the fall semester. Senior Kim Ewing initiated the first accounting lab, a help session targeted at students in lower-level accounting classes. "We met for an hour on Sunday nights, Dr. Pat Gamer, sponsor of the debate team, discusses his insight with the group. During competitions, debators strengthened their communication skills while maintaining a friendly, cooperative atmosphere. Photo by Daniel Dubois. Bryan Burks, sponsor of the Accounting Society, shares information with students interested in accounting. The society provided a forum for students to hear and discuss career options that an accounting degree offers them. Photo by Daniel Dubois. and tried to help students with homework, studying for tests and projects," junior Cynthia Nickels said. "It was designed for the students in lower level classes, but it really helped the older students as well by refreshing their memories and reviewing concepts they learned in the past." Because accounting firms generally hire in the fall, the Accounting Society held a special meeting at the end of the spring semester that focused on things like interviewing and resumes. "The Accounting Society gave me an opportunity to apply what I learned in classes to the real world," senior Dennis VanErp said. "Tutoring underclassmen was also a unique learning experience." The society also worked on a project for next year that would benefit the entire student body. "We would like to try and have a campus-wide meeting to help educate students on money management and investing," Nickels said. "Mr. Burks says he gets visits from students all the time asking his advice on investing or saving money. We're also hoping it will increase the interest in and membership in the [accounting] sOciety." - Kim Ewing and Amanda Rush A~c_co_u_n~t_i~n~g~/D _e_b_a_t_e______ ~~ Organizations V
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