{"id":28000,"date":"2017-03-20T08:54:00","date_gmt":"2017-03-20T12:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/biznews.fiu.edu\/?p=28000"},"modified":"2017-03-27T12:05:34","modified_gmt":"2017-03-27T16:05:34","slug":"finding-a-professional-future-at-fius-accounting-and-business-expo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/biznews.fiu.edu\/2017\/03\/finding-a-professional-future-at-fius-accounting-and-business-expo\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding a professional future at FIU\u2019s Accounting and Business Expo."},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Finding<\/p>\n

Man Ko, a College of Business student who expects to graduate in December with a double major in Accounting and MIS, is looking for a good job with growth potential. When he made plans to attend the Ahead of the Game Accounting and Business Expo, the career fair for Florida International University\u2019s Accounting<\/a>, Finance<\/a> and Management Information Systems<\/a> students, he went deeply into research, looking into not only the companies that would attend, and each firm\u2019s representatives scheduled to staff the booths, but also what kind of position recruiters might be able to offer.<\/p>\n

\u201cResearching is part of the strategy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Hard work and preparation was key to the success of job seekers at the event, but it is also an important factor in the success of the event itself. It took coordination by the boards of Beta Alpha Psi and ALPFA, the two honor organizations that serve accounting, finance and MIS students, plus about 40 student volunteers, to pull off the event, held February 13, 2017 at FIU\u2019s Graham Center Ballrooms.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most challenging thing was communication,\u201d said Laura Campo, president elect of BAP who took a lead role in bringing more than 30 accounting firms and other businesses to the Graham Center Ballroom. \u201cIt took a lot of planning and teamwork. We do it to provide a great opportunity for students.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Finding<\/p>\n

And the effort paid off. Within a few moments of the doors opening, students were talking with recruiters from a diverse group of firms, which ranged from global accounting firms such as Deloitte, to local independents such as Coral Gables-based PAAST.<\/p>\n

The event was overseen by Sammi Rosin Lewis, assistant director of Career Management Services<\/a> at FIU\u2019s College of Business, who said that 400 students overall signed up for the event (200 per session, with two sessions). And prospective attendees had to fulfill certain criteria, Rosin Lewis said, which includes having a baseline 3.0 GPA (required by almost all firms, though some want higher averages); active status with Career Management Services; and a major in accounting, finance or management information systems. Alumni who graduated in the last semester were also welcomed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis event is critical, especially for accounting majors,\u201d Rosin Lewis said, noting that while some businesses recruit at other COB fairs, many accounting firms only come to Ahead of the Game, in large part because attendees are pre-qualified. \u201cEveryone here is a potential hire,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\"Finding<\/p>\n

The goal: widening career horizons. <\/em><\/p>\n

Andres Castro is president elect of ALPFA, and was its point man to help organize the fair. He noted that the event is especially valuable for those studying finance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it gives students exposure to a community they may not have known before,\u201d he said, adding that finance majors often assume that big banks are the only employment option. \u201cThere are private equity, boutique and regional firms,\u201d he said, and many firms have consulting and advising positions.<\/p>\n

As the afternoon wore on, students came and went, talking with recruiters \u2013 some only recently graduated themselves \u2013 and chatted with one another.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here looking for a summer internship,\u201d said Chahnaz Ksontini, a finance undergrad who expects to graduate in August. Meeting prospective employers is key, she said, giving her the opportunity to find the person who might open a door. \u201cIt\u2019s different than sending your resume,\u201d she said. \u201cYou never know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Many, like Man Ko, see the opportunities as an important piece in an ongoing career plan.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter graduation, I expect to earn different types of licenses, like the CPA, be employed by a firm I can grow with, and gain experience,\u201d he said. Eventually he\u2019d like to reach out and give a hand up to upcoming accounting professionals as well.<\/p>\n