Students Should Richardson has solid advice for other studentsBegin Building with respect to building relationships:Relationships, Too Take advantage of opportunities on yourBy Miriam W. Tarver campus such as lectures from people in your field or even your professors. Sylvia Richardson, a NABA student member at North Get to know your professors, especially the Carolina Central University, has ones in your field. begun building relationships, although she says “it has not Join NABA on your campus, be an active been easy...I am nervous member, and attend the student coBnyfEelraeinneceW. . Smithwhen it comes to talking or interacting with Get to know your peers.professionals.” It’s never too early to start discovering whatNevertheless, she has begun to build her professional you are good at and improve. Learn thenetwork by taking advantage of opportunities offered on areas that you struggle with and continue tocampus. “My campus has an abundance of ways to meet develop the skills you may lack.people, including resume building workshops, career fairs,and required classes that help build students’ confidence Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot dowhen talking to people,” Richardson said. “Also, after or have something that you want. If you havelectures in my field of interest, I have made it a point to a goal, don’t let anything or anyone stand inintroduce myself and have a one-on-one conversation with your way, even you.the speaker. It gives me a chance to ask questions and geta professional mentor/contact who is doing exactly what I Remain humble, but exude confidence.want to do.” “These organizations have enabled me to developRichardson believes that professors and peers also play my leadership skills, communications skills, soft skills,an important role in building her networks.“Most college and have given me access to many opportunities. Sheprofessors have either worked in their field or have especially loves being a member of NABA.personal relationships with people in the field. The firstday of school, every semester, I introduce myself to my “It is an organization filled with people who are on theprofessor. If professors know you personally, when the same or similar path as myself. This year I attended theopportunity arises for an internship, networking event, NABA Southern Regional Conference, where I was ableor job offer, they can vouch for your character.” With to meet students from all over who are accounting orrespect to peers, Richardson said, “You never know who finance majors. I was also able to meet and interview withwill be a major influence in their field and can give you several companies for an internship. Since the conferencean opportunity in the future. You also need your peers to I have been offered two internships with Big Four firms.challenge and support you.” I know that I would not have gotten that opportunity if I had not gone to the conference and networked.”Richardson is a staunch believer in joining organizationsbecause they have been invaluable to her in building Regarding her career goals, Richardson explained thatrelationships. At NCCU, she is a member of Zeta Phi Beta she wants to graduate with honors, obtain a master’sSorority Incorporated, NABA, Sigma Alpha Pi National degree in accounting, and work for a public accountingHonor Society, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. firm, preferably a Big 4 firm. “I want to be a leader in my field and I want to have the knowledge and experience to give back to my community.” ▲18 SPECTRUM | WINTER 2016
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