It’s not every day that a wide variety of top accounting firms travel to a college campus with the goal of recruiting students for employment opportunities. But at the CU Denver Business School Beta Alpha Psi’s (BAP) recent Meet & Greet, that’s exactly what happened. As a precursor to BAP’s more formal fall career fair, the Meet & Greet serves as a great opportunity for students to brush up on their networking skills and begin building relationships with alumni and future employers.
As the premier professional business and financial information fraternity, Beta Alpha Psi recognizes academic excellence and complements members’ formal education by providing interaction and networking among students, faculty and professionals. The club’s aim is to foster lifelong growth, service and ethical conduct. A highlight event for the organization is their Meet & Greet, where students and top accounting firms can network.
The Meet & Greet began as any good gathering would: with plenty of delicious food and ample space for mingling. Although scheduled for four o’clock, the Laube Commons began filling up long before that, with students eager to meet with potential employers. Shortly thereafter, the room became a networking extravaganza of-sorts, as students and firm representatives alike milled about the room, swapping everything from industry advice to favorite phone apps.
Aside from the formality brought by everyone’s business attire, the atmosphere itself was relaxed and comfortable, allowing for meaningful, low-stress dialogues between students and firms. This had to do, in part, with the creation of a dynamic unique to the organization’s Meet & Greet—a number of the firm representatives were former BAP members themselves. These representatives not only had a strong understanding of each student’s background, but a broad base of knowledge and advice for those whose position they had recently inhabited. These conversations between current and former students exemplified how powerful an alumni network can be.
About a half-hour into the event, BAP’s faculty advisor, Assistant Professor of Accounting Craig Sisneros, invited each firm to introduce themselves to the group. In addition to the “Big Four” accountings firms—Deloitte, Ernest & Young, KPMG, and PwC—were a variety of smaller companies, some of which were headquartered only a few blocks away from the business school.
While the sizes of the participating firms varied greatly, each shared an interest in attracting new talent. Almost every firm plugged their respective leadership programs—all expense paid trips in which students focus on professional development—as well as their internship and employment opportunities.
BAP student enthusiasm was immediately apparent. Whether they were looking to take advantage of the numerous opportunities presented that evening, or to make industry connections, it was clear that the Meet & Greet offered something for everyone.
Interested in all that BAP has to offer? Learn more about how to become a member.
