As an accounting student at WVU, I’ve had support from a number of faculty since the beginning of my time in the Chambers College. From mentorships to job opportunities, the WVU Accounting department fully prepares its students for their unique career paths.
Like most first-year students, I started my college career not knowing where I was going to end up. However, through the years, my professors provided information about employer events, career fairs and various student organizations to join that would help me find my path. At the beginning or end of class, they will often talk about their experience in the industry. These conversations sometimes focus on the Big 4 accounting firms – Deloitte, Ernst & Young, PwC and KPMG – where many WVU Accounting students are employed.
Other professors discuss areas of accounting that are less known to students, like forensic and fraud investigation. Professor Dick Riley brings a unique perspective about the different paths an accountant can take in this field. I often spoke to my professors about changes in the public accounting field and what certifications I should focus on.
Additionally, through the Research Apprenticeship Program, Assistant Professor Lauren Cooper allowed me to assist in one of her many research projects. Her guidance and mentorship showed me the research side of accounting that I would not have learned by sitting in the classroom alone.
Every month, my inbox receives several accounting job opportunities, from internships to full-time positions. This open communication demonstrates how invested the WVU Accounting department is in ensuring all accounting students find the career for them before graduation. Thanks to their guidance, I’ve accepted a full-time offer with Ernst & Young for Summer/Fall 2024 and am on my way to becoming a CPA.
No matter what you want to do in accounting – whether it’s public accounting, forensic and fraud investigation, data analysis, or something else entirely – you’ll find the support and resources you need at WVU.
Emma LaBombard
Chambers College student
Accounting and Management Information Systems major
"Let's Talk Business" is a series of guest blogs written by members of the Chambers College community. All views expressed in this post are the author's own.
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