Southeast Missouri State University’s Beta Alpha Psi hosted its 17th annual Meet the Firms Night on September 23, which included more than 18 companies in a career fair style event for accounting majors. Beta Alpha Psi is an honorary and professional organization dedicated to promoting the study and practice of accounting while providing valuable professional opportunities for its members.
This year’s event featured several firms from both the St. Louis and Southeast Missouri regions, including Anders, Armanino, EY, Forvis Mazars, RubinBrown, Delta Companies, Toyota Gosei and more. Many of the representatives at the event were alumni of SEMO and members of Beta Alpha Psi, highlighting the real-world connection between current students and successful professionals.
“I have students secure internships at this event every year,” said Rebecca Lohmann, accounting instructor and faculty advisor of Beta Alpha Psi. “Meet the Firms Night is the perfect place to network. Many of the firms are SEMO alumni, so they know what it’s like to be in those shoes.”
Open to all accounting majors at no cost, Meet the Firms Night attracts a significant number of participants. Last year, approximately 50 students attended, with many securing internships as a result. In the coming years, Lohmann hopes to see the event grow even further.
“Meet the Firms Night is a must attend event for accounting majors,” said Lohmann. “There are so many opportunities for internships and full-time positions in accounting right now, and firms are starting to recruit as early as sophomore year.”
One alumnus, Reed Carlson, now a senior accountant at SIKICH, returned to the event this year representing the firm he joined through Meet the Firms Night.
“Going to these events helps our firm identify potential candidates for our internship program or full-time hires,” said Carlson. “I remember going to Meet the Firms when I was a student at SEMO and being so nervous. Now being on the firm side, my goal is to assist students in finding the right fit while providing insights into the realities of working in public accounting.”
“A career fair exclusively for accounting majors at SEMO is an incredible concept,” said Dr. David Yaskewich, Chair/Professor of Accounting, Economics & Finance. “The strong interest among recruiters not only reflects the high demand for accountants in the workforce, but also the significant skillsets developed by our graduates, thanks to the commitment of our faculty members in the accounting program who encourage students to meet their full potential outside the classroom.”
For more information on Beta Alpha Psi or accounting at SEMO, contact Rebecca Lohmann at rlohmann@semo.edu.
Applying To SEMO
Eligible new Missouri undergraduate students with a 2.75 high school GPA and who are eligible for Pell Grants won’t pay any tuition or fees at Southeast Missouri State with the Will To Do Award. SEMO also offers one tuition rate nationwide for domestic students. Apply at semo.edu/apply.
Prospective students are encouraged to visit campus. For more information or to visit campus, visit the Southeast Admissions page or admissions@semo.edu.