Students and faculty of the Western New England University (WNE) Accounting program had the opportunity to network with industry professionals from twelve national and regional accounting firms at the College of Business "Meet the Firms Night" on Monday evening in Rivers Memorial Hall at Western New England University.
According to College of Business Dean Sharianne Walker, the event is critical to our Accounting students' educational program as they learn first-hand from accounting professionals about the opportunities and realities of a career in accounting. "I am so proud of our Accounting faculty and students who work tirelessly to assure that all of our students have myriad opportunities to connect with industry, to learn from those on the front line of the accounting field, to practice their networking skills, and explore career opportunities in accounting," Walker said.
The program included a career fair atmosphere where students across all accounting classes had an opportunity to connect with accounting professionals—including WNE Accounting alumni—to discuss evolving industry standards, the future of work in accounting, and how their industry-aligned educational program is critical to their success in accounting and mastery of the CPA exam.
Students also were able to learn more about the accounting field in general and discuss internship and employment opportunities with representatives of each of the firms. Firms in attendance included PricewaterhouseCoopers; Ernst & Young; Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.; Whittlesey; Aaron Smith, P.C.; Wolf and Co.; Fiondella, Milone & LaSaracina LLP; MP Group; MSCPA; Melanson CPAs; Baystate Health; and Wiley.
Accounting Professors Tara Grealis, Paul Tomolonis, and Steve Sugermeyer worked with student in Accounting leaders and the Accounting Advisory Board to organize the program, which received rave reviews from students.
"This kind of direct connection with different accounting and business organizations gives our students a distinct advantage in the marketplace and ensures that they are well-positioned to succeed upon graduation," said Walker. "One of the real strengths of our AACSB-accredited business school is the collaboration between our faculty and students and the commitment of our business and industry partners to bridge business and academia in order to foster student success from the moment they step on our campus," added Walker.
