CSUMB Accounting Networking Event connects students with employers

By Sharon Hua

The 2025 CSUMB Accounting Networking Event, which took place on September 24 at University Center, connected more than 130 students with 75 professionals from 33 organizations, highlighting student preparedness and enthusiasm. With support from faculty, alumni, and employer partners, students refined resumes, elevator pitches and interview skills.

Employers praised the preparedness and enthusiasm of CSUMB students. Michael Arensdorf, a partner at Scholl & Arensdorf accounting firm, noted, “This year was the most active in terms of student interaction. I had many great conversations, and the students were extremely well prepared.”

James Koller, senior tax auditor at the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, shared similar praise: “The attendees were terrific, super engaged… This was one of the best events I’ve attended this year.”

Students also found the event highly rewarding.

“The Accounting Networking Event was an incredibly valuable experience, far exceeding my expectations,” said accounting junior Dulce Hernandez. “ What stood out most was the welcoming and approachable atmosphere, which made it easy to move beyond basic introductions and engage in meaningful conversations.”

Renz Maniulit, an accounting senior, added, “Speaking with experienced accountants gave me fresh insight into current industry trends and what to expect as I enter the profession. I also received helpful advice on certifications, career growth, and internships.” 

The success of this event is the result of remarkable teamwork. In the weeks leading up to the event, Kim Said (Class of 2010, partner) and Nadia Vargas (director) from Hutchinson & Bloodgood, Laura Arbruster (manager at McGilloway, Ray, Brown & Kaufman), and College of Business faculty Gary Schneider, Maj-Britt Kimm, and Susan Harker coached 128 junior and senior accounting students on their 30-second elevator pitches.

Additionally, Schneider and I provided guidance on more than 130 student resumes and offered academic advising on CPA licensure requirements. Participating organizations also received exclusive access to an online resume book, giving them an early look at top student talent before and after the event. Many students have already been contacted by recruiters for interviews.

Beyond the resume and elevator pitch, students also had access to free professional attire through the Student Center. The College of Business further sponsored 25 professional portrait photoshoots for students to use on their online profiles, helping them present a polished and professional image to employers.

Following the event, accounting seniors Lucie Lepacena, Philip Tuffs and Alexandro Hernandez volunteered to host lunch with community college students, sharing their internship experiences. The guests were excited to learn that CSUMB students work directly on client audits, tax returns, and global business transactions.

The College of Business extends sincere gratitude to the following participating organizations:

Alliance on Aging; Moss Adams x Baker Tilly; Bay Federal Credit Union; Becker; Benevento; BryMar CPA; Bud Antle; CalCPA Silicon Valley & San Jose Chapter; California Department of Finance; California Department of Tax and Fee Administration; California Giant Berry Farms; Church Brothers Farms; City of Monterey; CLA; Driscoll's; Enterprise Mobility; Finn & Cohen CPAs; Frank, Rimerman & Co.; Hutchinson & Bloodgood; Integris Wealth Management; Jobby Aviation; McGilloway, Ray, Brown & Kaufman; Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management; Pence Financial Group; Scheid Family Wines; Scholl & Arensdorf; Scudder Roofing & Scudder Solar; Sensiba; Stevens, Sloan, and Shah CPAs; United Way of Monterey (VITA); Van Ruler & Company; Ward Accountancy; Wealth Architects.