The Power of Professional Associations for Students
Positioning students to be ready for the workforce upon graduation goes beyond coursework; it means helping them understand their field of study in a variety of ways — working with an industry-experienced mentor, gaining experience through internships and accessing professional organizations.
When universities provide opportunities for students to join national professional associations – like the National Black MBA Association, Society for Human Resource Management, American Marketing Association and the National Retail Federation – students can access real-world experiences, industry insights and a professional support network.
Students can also gain similar benefits through memberships with their state, regional and local professional organizations.
A Local Professional Association Grants an Award and Scholarship
One such association, the Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants (UACPA), recently presented an Outstanding Student award and scholarship to Rebecca Kellis, a student from the WGU School of Business who is pursuing her master’s degree in accounting.
“This scholarship will make it possible for me to start taking the CPA exams as soon as possible,” she said.
Successful completion of the Uniform CPA Examination, which is developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and administered in partnership with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, is required to qualify for licensure in public accounting.
“Rebecca exemplifies the dedication of CPA demands. She’s focused and has the courage to do hard things,” said Susan Speirs, CEO of UACPA. “It’s tough being a single mother of young children while also creating an environment where they can flourish.”
Kellis also earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting at WGU. When she enrolled in the undergraduate program, she was an executive assistant. Now, she’s a financial analyst with the same employer.
“My family is what inspired me,” Kellis said.
Opportunities Beyond a Degree
Michele Souder, associate dean and director of accounting programs for the WGU School of Business, nominated Kellis for the UACPA award and scholarship.
“I nominated Rebecca for the Outstanding Student Award because she demonstrates both academic excellence and commitment to the profession,” Souder said.
During the award ceremony held at WGU headquarters in Salt Lake City, Speirs underscored the benefits students gain from involvement in organizations like the UACPA.
“As students get involved in the UACPA, they have the opportunity to rub shoulders with perhaps their future employers,” Speirs said. “They get to go on field trips and see some of the things that we do and get a flavor for what they are capable of.”
In addition to the UACPA scholarship, Kellis credits WGU’s online learning model for her success as an accounting student.
“It was the perfect setup for what I needed,” Kellis said. “I'm a working mom. I don't have time to go to a campus to sit for a two-hour lecture, whereas WGU allows me to go at my own pace and provides me with all the materials I need as well as the knowledge I need to really progress and do well.”
