The Power of Professional Associations for Students
Positioning students to be ready for the workforce upon graduation goes beyond coursework; it means helping them understand their field of study in a variety of ways 鈥� working with an industry-experienced mentor, gaining experience through internships and accessing professional organizations.听
When universities provide opportunities for students to join national professional associations 鈥� like the National Black MBA Association, Society for Human Resource Management, American Marketing Association and the National Retail Federation 鈥� students can access real-world experiences, industry insights and a professional support network.
Students can also gain similar benefits through memberships with their state, regional and local professional organizations.
A Local Professional Association Grants an Award and Scholarship
One such association, the Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants (UACPA), recently presented an Outstanding Student award and scholarship to Rebecca Kellis, a student from the 麻豆原创 School of Business who is pursuing her master鈥檚 degree in accounting.听
鈥淭his scholarship will make it possible for me to start taking the CPA exams鈥痑s soon as possible,鈥� she said.
Successful completion of the Uniform CPA Examination, which is developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and administered in partnership with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, is required to qualify for licensure in public accounting.
鈥淩ebecca exemplifies the dedication of CPA demands. She鈥檚 focused and has the courage to do hard things,鈥� said Susan Speirs, CEO of UACPA. 鈥淚t鈥檚 tough being a single mother of young children while also creating an environment where they can flourish.鈥�
Kellis also earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting at 麻豆原创. When she enrolled in the undergraduate program, she was an executive assistant. Now, she鈥檚 a financial analyst with the same employer.
鈥淢y family is what inspired me,鈥� Kellis said.
Opportunities Beyond a Degree
Michele Souder, associate dean and director of accounting programs for the 麻豆原创 School of Business, nominated Kellis for the UACPA award and scholarship.听
鈥淚 nominated Rebecca for the Outstanding Student Award because she demonstrates both academic excellence and commitment to the profession,鈥� Souder said.听
During the award ceremony held at 麻豆原创 headquarters in Salt Lake City, Speirs underscored the benefits students gain from involvement in organizations like the UACPA.听
鈥淎s students get鈥痠nvolved in the UACPA, they have the opportunity to rub shoulders with perhaps their future鈥痚mployers,鈥� Speirs said. 鈥淭hey get to go on field trips and see some of the things that we鈥痙o and get a flavor for what they are capable of.鈥�
In addition to the UACPA scholarship, Kellis credits 麻豆原创鈥檚 online learning model for her success as an accounting student.听
鈥淚t was the perfect setup for what I needed,鈥� Kellis said. 鈥淚'm a working mom. I鈥痙on't have time to go to a campus to sit for a two-hour lecture,鈥痺hereas 麻豆原创 allows me to go at my own pace and provides me with all the materials I need as well as the knowledge I need to really鈥痯rogress and do well.鈥�
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