 What are you studying and what made you choose this field?
"I'm an accounting major. I became interested because I wanted a major I knew I could use- one that had a defined career path and lots of opportunities. In addition, I like details and puzzles, so accounting seemed like a good fit." Since joining BAP, what has been your favorite experience? "Within a month of joining BAP, I was able to get an internship with WEC. I'm currently in the middle of the internship and I credit BAP with the opportunity." What goals do you have set for the future, either professional or personal? "My short term goals are to graduate in May, then to study and complete my CPA exam within the following year. Long term, I'm open to seeing where the future leads me, but I'm interested in starting a career in public accounting that I can learn and grow from." Outside of BAP, what are your interests? " Outside of BAP, I spend a lot of time balancing school and my internship. When I have free time, I enjoy anything outdoors, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family." What advice would you give new candidates and members? " The best advice is to attend as many events as you can, even if you feel uncomfortable. As someone who's generally quiet, networking events can be nerve-wracking. The best thing to do is put yourself out there as much as possible, to get the most out of your experience at ODU and with BAP. It's such an advantage and privilege to get to know employers and other professionals is while you're still in school."  What is your major and why did you decide to join BAP?
"My major is accounting. I decided to join BAP for all of the amazing benefits but the main reason was the ability to network and meet so many professionals in the surrounding accounting firms." What has been your favorite experience as part of BAP? "Networking with professionals as well as fellow students who may very well be coworkers in the future." What do you plan to do in your professional career? "I plan to get my CPA license and work in the audit department of a firm locally." Outside of BAP and schoolwork, what do you enjoy doing? "My kids keep me busy but I also enjoy crafting, reading and enjoying the outdoors." What advice would you give to new members and candidates? "I can’t emphasize enough to go to meetings, socials, banquets, dinners... any event you can and network! When you are interviewing for internships you will see familiar faces you know through BAP and it makes it so much easier. Getting involved by becoming an officer or director would only help you even more."  How did you hear about BAP and why did you decide to join?
"I heard about BAP through a recruiting email from Professor O’Shaughnessy via the listserve, then from the class visits from officers. I went to the new candidate social meeting to learn more, since I didn’t really know much about accounting as a profession, and what sort of jobs were in the area. I knew it would be important to network in order to find a job, so I was excited at having a student organization that could facilitate that. Plus, I wanted to get to know like-minded students so I could get to know some more Monarchs. Being a commuter, I didn’t really feel like a part of the student body; this organization became a perfect way to participate." What is your position in BAP and how has it helped you grow professionally? "I am the Treasurer, and the position has actually helped me with my duties as an intern. Part of my treasurer job is to do the bank reconciliations, and that is one of the things accountants do when they audit." What has been your favorite experience as part of BAP? "For favorite experiences, there have been many! I love the things we’ve done for community service, especially helping out at the Southeastern Virginia Foodbank, and ForKids VA. I’ve also really enjoyed the learning opportunities we’ve had at BAP conferences, like at the annual meeting in Anaheim, CA. The people we’ve had a chance to hear from and meet, like the Chair of the AICPA, are so inspiring!" What are some of your interests outside of BAP and school? "Outside of BAP and ODU, I love to hang out with my husband and my two dogs, Hunter and Lottie, work on home and landscaping projects, read, and watch movies. We especially love to go to Cinema Café down in Edinburgh for date night." What advice would you give to new BAP candidates and members? "My advice to any shy candidates and members like me is to just go ahead and take the plunge, even if it feels like it’s outside of your comfort zone and something you might not fit in with. I’m so glad I went ahead and joined, because BAP has been so incredibly rewarding!" What is something interesting about you that other people might not know? "Something interesting others don’t know: My brother and his wife are expecting a baby girl, so when the semester is over, I’ll be flying out to California to spend time getting to know my little niece!" |