Meet the Firms is one of our major recruiting events.  Beta Alpha Psi holds a general meeting every Friday at 6:00 pm.  After our general meeting, the members are given the opportunity to network with each other as well as with professionals.  We invite a firm or two, to give a presentation on their services, career opportunities etc.  Presentations can be given in a style of a firm's choice.  From past experience, most firms gave a power point presentation and interacted with the members.  The firms are exposed to a diversified body of qualified members and it is a great way to start networking with professionals directly. 

On-sites Meetings
An on-site meeting is another recruiting event where the firms invite Beta Alpha Psi to their office location to learn more about the work atmosphere and a day in the life of a firm employee (in accounting, finance, and information systems).  During the event our members will tour the facilities and speak with professionals and learn about their experiences.  It’s always an exciting event for the members as well as the professionals and the wealth of information shared is valuable.

What is the recruitment process?
One of the most important parts of your last year in college will be devoted to securing an entry level position that will launch you into your desired career. Many schools schedule various functions enabling students to meet and network with firm members. These events include mixers, receptions, and informal meetings and are referred to by a variety of names, including "Meet the Professionals" or "Meet the Employers". The employers will include CPA firms, governmental agencies, and private industries. The representatives range from newly hired staff, all the way up to partners of CPA firms and executives. Regardless of their level, each of these representatives have the potential to influence a hiring decision.

Your goal will be to meet as many potential employers as possible and to make a positive and lasting impression. You will need to take the initiative to introduce yourself to a variety of strangers. If you are frightened, shy, or concerned about your language skills (especially if English is your second language), this publication will address your concerns. It is designed to prepare you for a successful recruiting function. You may find it useful to read it thoroughly prior to your first event. You will gain the most benefit from it, however, if you keep it handy and refer to it periodically as you proceed through the recruiting season.

How do you prepare for the recruiting process?
The financial information professoin very competitive. Employers often have to choose among many qualified individuals for relatively few positions. As a result, a high grade point average and an impressive resume are just two factors among many that can contribute to your success.

Today's successful professional exhibits a combination of technical skills, as demonstrated by grade point average and people skills. These form the basis of effective leadership and client relations. They include written and verbal communication skills, the ability to listen, and the ability to convey a feeling of confidence. Many of these skills can be learned or enhanced through involvement in a campus organization, such as Beta Alpha Psi or other associations (or societies). Involvement may include some or all of the following:

Attending as many functions as possible including meetings, social events, sporting activities, seminars, recruiting functions, Mock Interviews, and "Meet the Firms."

Become active in a committee and consider serving as a chairperson.

When should you attend?
The earlier you begin attending functions like "Meet the Firms," the better. By starting to attend functions early, you will meet more people, become more comfortable, and learn more about what the firms are looking for. Even if you are attending your first recruiting function just prior to graduation, it is not too late. Every person you meet and every conversation you have will increase your opportunities of obtaining and succeeding at interviews.

What are employers looking for?
While technical skills are always important, firms will evaluate your ability to learn through your grade point average. At "Meet the Firms," the recruiter is looking for individuals with personalities that will match the atmosphere in the company. They will be interested in: your goals and ambitions, communication skills, leadership skills, ability to get along with others, and your poise and confidence.

What should you be looking for?
One of your goals is to learn about the potential employees. You should try to learn about: the types of work you will be doing, the types of clients you will be working on, the personality of the office and the people you will be working with, and how you can enhance your opportunity of getting hired by the firm.

What is "FIRMS' NIGHT?"
Firms Night is our major and most successful recruiting event that that is very similar to “Meet the Firms.” It is generally in the form of a formal reception with beverages and appetizers.  This event creates an opportunity for our members to experience an evening of networking development with approximately twenty firms (with up to five representatives from each firm).  During the event, members and firms participate in what is called "speed dating" where each firm occupies a table and our members will rotate in groups of five and sit with each firm for five minutes.  During those five minutes, representatives will share information about the firms and our members will hand out their resumes and converse with professionals one on one. 

How will Firms Night assist in the transition from a student to a professional?
Firms Night is a major and successful recruiting event that will enable students to capitalize on their communication skills, interviewing skills and people skills.  This is the opportunity for students to make a first impression and represent themselves by dressing professionally and showing signs of self confidence through their interaction with others.
Resume presentation is vital during Firms Night and is one of the tools that allow a student the opportunity to receive an on campus interview with an employer.  A member will be setting the bar by attending Firms Night because they will be given the opportunity to network with professionals and build relationship before others can do so.

What Firms Night will do for you?
After experiencing a night of “speed dating,” many students are given a clearer understanding of what the firms are looking for in an employee.  Students are usually given first preference for on campus interviews, which may lead to a fulltime or an internship opportunity with an employer.  Their experience and exposure to the event will be a plus in their preparation for on campus interviews and office interviews.  Members will be equipped with the knowledge and understanding of the industry and will be able to ask and answer questions during an interview.  One of the most important achievements for members will be the relationships they build with professionals.  These may be the same professionals that can turn around and interview them or the same professions who will provide career advice when needed.  With an immense increase in professional development, members will be self assured and will be sending the right message to their potential employer.  Firms night is the only activity as such held on campus, therefore creating within itself a sense of prestige and uniqueness that will be reflected into every member.