Travel Recap

2017 NABA Western Region Student Conference

November 2017
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Houston, Texas – October 12-14, 2017

Submitted by: Whitney Arnic, NABA President

The 2017 NABA Western Region Student Conference was held in Houston, Texas during the month of October. NABA's Regional Student Conferences brings together hundreds of professional and student members, academe's, and corporate representatives in a venue focused on the unique needs of minority students pursuing an accounting or finance degree. At the conferences, students can interview for internships and permanent positions, in addition to attending interactive sessions on topics such as: Interviewing Skills, Dressing for Success, Transitioning from College Student to Business Professional, and Communications Skills. While the student conference is primarily focused on career development and job placement, there are many opportunities for social networking as well. SHSU student Tia Shofner, received a scholarship from KPMG, and 5 members of SHSU NABA that attended the conference, were granted interviews.NABA 2

The Sam Houston chapter of NABA gained practical knowledge on personal branding, how to align their values and purpose with their career, the forensic accounting field, along with many other topics. The personal branding session taught the members how to make good first impressions, dress for success, as well as maintain a good image on social media platforms. NABA members participated in an evaluation to assess their values and how they work in a team. With the results from the assessment, the members now have a better understanding of who they are, what they want, and what to look for in a company when researching and interviewing for positions. According to Whitney Arnic, NABA President, “Forensic Accounting has been a popular topic among our members. We learned what a Forensic Accountant does, how to get in that line of service, and make connections with those already in the profession.” Participants were able to build networks with students from other university's in their region as well as with professionals. They were able to create a relationship with a Forensic Accountant who will be speaking on a panel that they are co-hosting with ACFE. Members were also able to network and pass out their resumes to professionals at the Career Expo on the first evening. The Career Expo included: the Big 4 Accounting Firms, Goldman Sachs, and Amazon, to name a few. Multiple students left the Career Expo with interviews for internships and full-time positions.

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