Members of the GSU NABA groups attends the 35th national students conference in Dallas
A group of 18 students and two faculty members of Grambling State University attended the 35th National Association of Black Accountants, Inc (NABA) Southwest-Western Region Student Conference in Dallas. The conference was held from Oct. 16 – 18.
Several accounting firms and companies such as Deloitte, KPMG LLP, Ernst & Young, PwC, Grant Thornton, Chevron, Dell, GE Capital and GE Oil & Gas were at the career expo.
“Our students interacted and networked with companies, as a result, six students were able to secure interviews, which took place on Friday. Some students had two interviews with different companies while two students are expected to travel for office visits in the upcoming month,” said Nonso Okpala, GSU accounting instructor and NABA faculty advisor.
One GSU student was awarded a $1,000 scholarship at the conference.
“The students attended various networking, professional and leadership development sessions during the conference,” said Sharieka Benjamin, GSU NABA president.
Several of the conference attendees talked about their experience.
Abigail Newton, a senior accounting major from Domina, said “This conference was simply a phenomenal experience. It was a professional career fair. I interacted with like-minded students and was introduced to new mentors. I would recommend any fellow student to jump on board. Any opportunity to develop ourselves should be taken advantage of without a second thought.”
“The professionals at the conference were extremely helpful. They educated us on what it truly takes to become a professional. Additionally, technical sessions were held, all geared at preparing us for the accounting profession and working in corporate America.
“I was extremely grateful and excited to be interviewed by recruiters representing two of the “Big Four” accounting firms. I would like to encourage all students who are aspirating to become an accountant, to join NABA,” said Nadisha Guavo, junior, accounting major from Domina.
Sarah Wabo, a senior accounting major from Cameroon, said “The conference was a great way to network with students, professionals and build tremendous relationships.”
She said there were technical sessions and students learn how to carry themselves in a professional setting.
This was Wabo’s third conference and she said there has been something new that she has learned from each experience.
Wabo said since she was familiar with the overall conferences activities, she was able to guide some of her peers and other students.
“I have received a lot from NABA in the last three years and it’s definitely an incentive to give back to other students. This could be achieved by continuing to run an effective chapter as the current vice president of the NABA GSU Student Chapter and definitely making NABA a lifetime commitment,” said Wabo.
For more information about NABA contact nabagsuchapter@yahoo.com.