Beta Alpha Psi held its first meeting Aug. 27. At the meeting, members invited a guest speaker from Forvis Mazars to speak about its business and career opportunities they could offer students.

The Forvis Mazars speaker was David Kappler-Wilson, local campus recruiter. He offered his opinions on the business he represents as well as the difference that internships can make for students. 

“[My] internship really helped me understand what it is that I wanted to do,” Kappler-Wilson said. “It really helped me understand what pathway I wanted to take.”

Students around campus have participated in internships, both paid and for credit. They are opportunities that allow students to explore jobs they would want to pursue after college. 

Morgan Stous, sophomore economics, finance and management major, is currently working as an intern for Advisors Excel. She hopes to become an official member of Beta Alpha Psi in the coming year when she meets the credit requirement. 

“I’ve got a lot of networking done. I feel like I’ve met a bunch of people and made a bunch of connections on LinkedIn with people I work with. I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I started college, I knew I was going into business, but this has shown me how many different opportunities there are in literally one company,” Stous said.

Internships don’t only offer opportunities to learn more about how a company fits with an intern, but also an opportunity to make connections with people one otherwise wouldn’t. Connections can play a part in new opportunities that come up in the future.

Making connections with coworkers can offer future benefits as can making connections with materials in classes.

Classes at Washburn are focused on preparing students for their future careers.

“I just started management information systems, which you work a lot on, [Microsoft] Excel and Access, and I do that literally all the time at work,” Stous said. “But … in my classes like accounting, I’m learning stuff that I’ve heard and didn’t really know what it meant, so I feel like I learned a lot of the same information just being a part of the company.”.

Being prepared, making connections, and having a feeling of belonging are indicated as the most important pieces of a good internship.

“My team is really good about hyping me up and making me feel valued, even as an intern. I think that makes it a little more fun and enjoyable,” Stous said.

Getting an internship can be challenging, but it is possible for every student. Recruiters and parties that are hiring typically look for a good GPA and extracurricular involvement. 

“What I’m looking for is something outside of accounting,” Kappler-Wilson said. “I’m looking for something that you do, that you can speak on, … that you are involved on campus, that you’re doing something that’s not just academic,” 

For students who are pursuing an accounting career, internships can offer full-time careers. 

“They should talk to somebody they consider like a mentor,” said Jim Martin, faculty advisor of Beta Alpha Psi and senior lecturer. “Talk to a professor, a friend or a family member or something. But commonly, our students network amongst themselves.”

Finding a trustworthy person to go through the process with can help alleviate stress before or during the internship.

A place to apply for internships is through Washburn’s Handshake Application. This is where businesses post internships and connect with students. Students can also reach out to faculty to get connected with internships.

Edited by: Stuti Khadka and Jeremy Ford