On September 5, 2024, I had the opportunity to attend a UBC Okanagan Accounting Club networking event, hosted by KalTire. Held at the BNA, the event offered Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA) students an opportunity to learn about job openings and to gain insights into the company culture from current employees' firsthand experiences. The employees at the event belonged to different management streams, and were excited to offer advice. Even though I am not a CPA student, the experience proved to be surprisingly beneficial. The event highlighted the immense value of niche clubs on campus, particularly for students seeking to carve out their future in specific fields.
Niche clubs like the Accounting Club play a pivotal role in connecting students with industry professionals and fellow classmates who share similar academic interests. They create a space for meaningful conversations, allowing students to ask questions about career paths and gain insights that are not easily accessible in a typical classroom setting.
When asked about the purpose of the Accounting Club, Akshay Mahi, Co-President of the Accounting Club, aptly stated:
“As a student, it is really difficult to put yourself in a position to utilize resources that are available from accounting firms, especially in a community that is so niche. When you compare our program to something like Okanagan College or UBC Vancouver, [the programs at bigger universities have] quite a strong framework where you come in, it is very directed, and you don't need to be very cognizant of what's going on; a lot of opportunities will fall into place. However, in a smaller community, you need to have people taking initiative and speaking in our smaller communities to make opportunities happen.”
This perspective underscores the importance of the Accounting Club in fostering a proactive environment. In smaller communities, students often rely on such organizations to help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience. As students balance academics, work, and personal responsibilities, it is often difficult to network, especially if you don’t know where to start. Networking events provide an opportunity for upper year students to get to know the environment of the companies they are aiming to land roles in, and they help first and second year students decide if they see themselves working in different industries with the people they interact with. Mahi says that is the value of such events:
“[W]e want to make that accessible for students [by] doing it at a convenient time, doing it on campus, providing food, and [the opportunity for] a variety of individuals to come in so they can all go with their friends. And to give students opportunities to get their foot in the door with these firms that they might be interested in hiring in the future.”
At the KalTire event, I witnessed firsthand how students make connections with potential employers and with one another, forming a supportive network that can lead to job opportunities and internships. Clubs like the Accounting Club not only facilitate networking but also provide resources and workshops tailored to their members' specific academic backgrounds. This targeted support helps students develop essential skills and knowledge crucial for their future careers. Besides, the advice from other experienced students can help shape members’ paths and help them make more informed decisions.
The club has many ambitious goals and plans to host not just networking events, but also provide skill development opportunities like getting involved in the SUO Tax Clinic and Resume Building Workshops. Justin Dean, the co-president of the club, says that their main challenge is fostering interest among students in the field. Accounting is said to have more challenging coursework than other management fields, so the percentage of students going into accounting every year is low, and the numbers are declining over the years. This can be addressed by holding information sessions targeted towards first year students to garner interest in the field.
If you are a student interested in accounting, or just a first or second year management student unsure of what you want to do in your professional life, following the Accounting Club’s socials and attending an event could help you gauge your options.
Niche clubs on campus are vital in helping students navigate their career paths. They help build valuable connections and cultivate a sense of community among like-minded individuals. UBCO has several of these clubs, like the Finance Club, Pre-Med Club, and Pre-Law Society, among others. As they often face challenges related to awareness and interest among students, it is important to promote them and help them organise more successful events. These clubs act as a bridge to the professional world, making them an invaluable asset to any campus.
You can follow the activities of the Accounting Club on their Instagram: @msa_accounting.
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