2023 CSUMB Accounting Networking Event: Breaking Records Yet Again!
Accounting Networking Event 2023
September 21, 2023
After 15 years since CSUMB started the Accounting Concentration in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, the 2023 CSUMB Accounting Networking Event (ANE) breaks records again. On September 21, 2023, 94 professionals from 39 organizations came to CSUMB University Center to share full-time positions, internships, graduate programs, and volunteer opportunities with our students. More than 90 students attended the event, interacting with company representatives and learning the next steps to reach their dream jobs.
CSUMB Alumni represent employers
Student attendees found connection and encouragement in the fact that several of the employers' tables were staffed by CSUMB alumni, including Cristal Perez Paz and Joshua Label with CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), Kyle Contreras with Moss Adams, and Kailey (Slusser) Adamski with KPMG.
From right to left: Cristal Perez Paz, Tax Associate, Joshua Label, Accounting Associate (both CSUMB alumni), and Sandee Mason, Operations Manager with CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
CSUMB Alum, Kyle Contreras (2nd from right), Assurance Senior, with his colleagues at Moss Adams
Dispelling misconceptions
Accounting has often been misunderstood, associated with the perception of challenging mathematics, isolation, and low-paying jobs. Many CSUMB accounting alumni, particularly those taught by Professor Jeff Froshman, are passionate about dispelling these misconceptions and presenting a more accurate picture of an accountant's professional life to the younger generation. These alumni actively engage with the accounting faculty's outreach efforts to community colleges, including Hartnell, Monterey Peninsula, Cabrillo, Gavilan, Mission, and West Valley. They share their enriching experiences as auditors, tax analysts, and financial planners, emphasizing the rewarding aspects of accounting careers. Community college students are enthralled by stories shared by CSUMB alumni, with 22 of them participating in the Accounting Networking Event.
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Kailey (Slusser) Adamski, Senior Audit Associate with KPMG
Students selected free professional attire donated by CSUMB faculty, staff, and alumni
Students were well-prepared with help from CSUMB faculty, staff, and alumni
Almost half of CSUMB undergraduates are first-generation college students in their families whose parents work in the fields and hospitality sector. To prepare students for the networking event, Professor Maj-Britt Kimm and Dr. Sharon Hua reviewed each accounting student's resume and conducted one-on-one elevator pitch practice sessions on a Sunday afternoon. This hands-on guidance continued with resume revisions and elevator pitch refining right up to the day before the ANE. Vincent Loforti of University Advancement sent four racks of lightly worn men's and women’s professional attire to the Business and Information Technology Building, allowing students to choose suitable outfits.
Besides the busy auditorium where students talked with employers, a professional photographer was taking headshots of students in the lobby. College of Business Interim Dean Marylou Shockley had the wonderful idea to offer professional portraits for students to use for their LinkedIn profile. This was so popular that the College of Business continued to sponsor the photos this year.
Accounting professors and senior students hosted campus tour
Following the ANE, four senior accounting students—Bianca Sigala, Jessica Dunbar, Damian Carillo, and Freddy Sanchez—along with accounting professors Dr. Tess Lou and Dr. Sharon Hua, led a campus tour for community college students. The tour encompassed the library, the Business and Information Technology building, and the Otter Student Union. During their lunch at the Dining Commons, the senior accounting students shared their valuable internship experiences and provided insights into the abundant resources available at CSUMB. The community college students were highly impressed by the mentorship CSUMB students received from professors and internship programs.
Students were enthusiastic about their experiences at the event.
Their comments included:
“I gained valuable insights into industry trends, made meaningful connections, and exchanged ideas that will undoubtedly benefit my career.”
“… I can't wait to put the new information to use as I advance in accounting, both academically and professionally.”
“ It was an event that definitely got me out of my comfort zone.”
From right to left: College of Business Dean, Dr. Marylou Shockley, Accounting Professor, Dr. Sharon Hua, and Partner of Vanderbilt CPAs, CSUMB almna Carmine Lepiane
The College of Business thanks all of our Accounting and Finance industry partners for participating in the 2023 ANE, including the following firms and organizations:
Abbott Stringham & Lynch
Bianchi Kasavan & Pope, LLP
Braga Fresh Family Farms
Brandon & Tibbs, CPAs
California Giant Berry Farms
Capital Insurance Group
Central Coast Federal Credit Union
Church Brothers Farms
City of Monterey
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) LLP
Deloitte Tax, LLP
Dole Fresh Vegetables
Driscoll's
Finn & Cohen CPAs
Glenn Burdette
Granite Construction
Green & Ward, CPAs
Hutchinson and Bloodgood, LLP
Integris Wealth Management
Internal Revenue Service
KPMG, LLP
McGilloway Ray Brown & Kaufman
Montage Health
Monterey Mushrooms
Monterey Private Wealth
Moss Adams
Pence Financial Group
Rosewood Family Advisors
JR Accountancy
Scholl & Company
Scudder Roofing & Solar
Sensiba LLP
SlingShot Connections
Stevens, Sloan & Shah, CPAs
University of California - Davis Master of Professional Accountancy Program
United Way Monterey County - IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
Van Ruler and Company
Vanderbilt CPAs
Wheeler Accountants, LLP