You don’t typically think of accountants as the types to start up some boot-scootin’ and show off their line-dancing moves, but you just never know what can happen when accounting students, faculty members and professionals gather for a conference.
The Saddle Up Saloon in Charlotte, North Carolina, might never been the same after the spectacle of dancing number-crunchers that took place at a networking event during this year’s Institute of Management Accountants Student Leadership Conference. More than 550 conference-goers representing more than 110 colleges and universities attended the conference, which is designed to give students insights into popular accounting topics while honing their leadership skills.
Four students from the David Eccles School of Business’s School of Accounting made the trip to North Carolina, along with faculty advisor Dr. Shannon Charles.
“This was such a great experience!” Charles said. “We want the best for our students, and I believe that means helping them understand the many career opportunities available to them. This conference allowed our students to not only learn more about careers in accounting and finance from an industry perspective, but also presented them with invaluable advice about how to shape their career.”
Attendees were able to check out various educational sessions on topics ranging from “how to bridge the gap from your education to your career” to “using social media in your job search.” Networking with professionals from industry and keynote addresses from Rick Puckett, executive vice president, CFO and treasurer at Snyder’s Lance, Inc., and Ken Bansemer, national talent acquisition and talent management leader from McGladrey LLP, rounded out the activities.
“I was able to learn about the different fields of study in accounting, how to be a mentor and leader, and what it takes to achieve success,” said Karen Anglesey, one of the U accounting students who made the trip. “It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with other students and professionals that work in accounting. It was fantastic!”
Anush Ganesh, Gregory Sechler and Jenafer Henrie were the other students from the David Eccles School of Business who made the trip. Henrie called the experience “such an eye opener!”
“It was reassuring to learn about other career paths available to accounting graduates, outside of public accounting,” Henrie said.