Not just crunching numbers
High school students get a glimpse into accounting careers
By Jacqueline Molik Ghosen
The School of Management and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) collaborated this summer to introduce high school students to the real world of accounting.
Metzger
The Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP) program, a mini summer camp, hosted 13 students from Western New York high school students (grades 9-12) at a two-day program on June 26 and 27 on UB’s North Campus.
“The goal of the program was for students to learn more about the accounting profession,” says Lorrie Metzger, clinical assistant professor of accounting and law in the UB School of Management. “It was a great opportunity for students to see the scope of the field, beyond the stereotypical impression of an accountant.”
Eight organizations were represented in the program, which featured a comprehensive series of breakout sessions, guest speakers, firm visits and activities that provided participants with insights into all the components of an accounting education and career, as well as free food and giveaways.
“This program gave me more information than any high school class taught me, said Sabrina Sugg, who just graduated in June from Lancaster High School. “It gave me a great look into all that the accounting world has to offer, totally worth my time.”
Sugg will be attending the UB School of Management in the fall as an intended accounting 4+1 major.