The Ahead of the Game Accounting & Business Expo, co-presented by Florida International University (FIU) College of Business Alpfa-FIU and Beta Alpha Psi chapters, gives students the opportunity to network with some of the area’s top employers in accounting, MIS and financial services. The event, which takes place once a semester, also wins praise as an important place to make connections for internships and jobs.

Yet it also gives many alumni of the college’s accounting, finance and MIS programs who are employed by local firms an opportunity to return to campus with a new perspective: what it feels like to be on the opposite side of the employer/prospect  equation. Several alumni shared their thoughts during the Spring 2014 Expo, held January 30, 2014 at the Graham Center Ballroom.

Alumni reflect on a “humbling” experience.

“It’s humbling to be back,” said Mijail Teijeiro (BAcc ’13) of Perez-Abreu, Aguerrebere , Sueiro & Torres, P.L.. “You understand the nerves the students have.”  He represented the firm along with Monica Reyes (BAcc ’13), Shane Sasso (BAcc ’05, MAcc ’07), and Stephanie Licea, who plans to graduate later this year.

Alena Dmyterko (BAcc ’10, MAcc ’13), recruiting at the event for BDO, earned her graduate degree while working, and remembers the challenges of the job hunt.

“It feels great to be on the other side,” she said. “I’m looking forward to sharing advice with the students who are now facing what I once faced. I want to help them as they’re starting their careers.”

Charles Stack (BBA ’11) of Grant Thornton, who received a graduate certificate in accounting in 2012, also enjoyed coming back to campus on the other side of the recruiting table.

“It’s been vindicating,” he said. “It helps me realize that all that hard work in college paid off.”