Humboldt’s Accounting and Finance professional career night was held Thursday, October 25th.  Over 125 individuals attended the event (consisting of approximately 65 students, 45 business leaders, and 15 faculty and staff).   Of the 20 organizations participating at the event, there was strong turnout from local CPA firms, banks & other financial service providers, and state/local governments.  

This annual event is designed to not only connect students with local employment opportunities, but also help build mentorships.  During the event, students get exclusive access to local business leaders and recent Humboldt business graduates.   Students spend approximately twenty minutes with these experts where they get to ask questions, explore career opportunities, and get tips for succeeding in the profession.  After the 20 minutes elapse, students rotate to new career table and the cycle continues for four more rounds.  Many of the individuals participating in the event are, in fact, former Humboldt business graduates.  The following short video highlights the structure of the event: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nECcqm9HCEU0_j_IiOLo7koBbuREj3cx/view?ts=5bbf9fb3

Based on the results of an exit survey administered to the participants, all survey participants rated their experience as either “above average” or “excellent.”   A few employer comments included:

• “Students were asking great questions and were tremendously engaged”
• “It was exciting to meet with students at this early stage in their careers.”
• “I enjoyed igniting the spark in their eyes about career opportunities”

Meanwhile, students takeaways included getting invaluable career advice and learning about new job opportunities.  One student commented this event has been one of my best experiences so far at Humboldt.    

Accounting and finance career night highlights the strong partnership between the community and our campus.  Members of the CalCPA Humboldt Discussion Group and staff/faculty within the School of Business played a pivotal role in helping to coordinate the program.  Students from the Accounting & Finance club served as volunteers at the event.  Other sponsors included the Compass Credit Union, Demello, McAuley, McReynolds, and Holland, LLP, Coast Central Credit Union, Aalfs, Evans, and Company, Jackson & Eklund, Tri Counties Bank and the Humboldt MBA program.   Due to everyone’s hard work, each year this event continues to grow to new horizons; thereby, ensuring a career pathway for the next generation of business leaders within our community.