[kky617]

Hi

I am a non-accounting major who is scheduled to take the REG exam on April 1, 2014 (and hope to pass all 4 sections of exam by October, 2014).

After contacting recruiters of public accounting firms, I decided to go back to school and get BSBA (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration) in Accounting. I am married to a husband who is a state government employee, so I can’t attend a school that’s too far away. So, I decided to get my degree from the a state school, which is the only AACSB accredited school near my home. All is good except that the school does not have the Beta Alpha Psi and that none of Big 4 come here (no meet the firms and no campus recruiting with Big 4).

Reading through Ninja forums, I realized that it is very important to network and many recommended to join Beta Alpha Psi.

Long story short, I was allowed to apply for the membership in the Beta Alpha Psi chapter at another school. I will have to attend 8 professional meetings and 2 community services per semester as a Pledge member. Even with the long commute, I am going to try, because it is only one day a week (or less).

Do you think being a member of Beta Alpha Psi at another school carry the same value as being a member of Beta Alpha Psi at one’s own school? As a non-target school student attending the “Meet the Firms,” will I have the same chance for securing an internship position at Big 4?

Looking for advice :)!

Please help!

[Anonymous]

In my experience, any exposure is good exposure. My school has a well established BAP chapter for years now but only 1 of the big 4 come to the campus and its very hard to get access to the other 3. I had to step out, join other accounting associations along with being an officer at my school's BAP, to get some much needed exposure and facetime with recruiters from big 4. It paid off. Try to become as active as you can with BAP events. As long as you are involved and you can stand out I dont think it would matter what school you are from, IMHO.

[Anonymous]

In my experience, any exposure is good exposure. My school has a well established BAP chapter for years now but only 1 of the big 4 come to the campus and its very hard to get access to the other 3. I had to step out, join other accounting associations along with being an officer at my school's BAP, to get some much needed exposure and facetime with recruiters from big 4. It paid off. Try to become as active as you can with BAP events. As long as you are involved and you can stand out I dont think it would matter what school you are from, IMHO.

[kky617]

Thank you for your input ayafzal78! Can I ask what associations you joined to gain more exposure?

[kky617]

Thank you for your input ayafzal78! Can I ask what associations you joined to gain more exposure?

[Anonymous]

CalCPA (California CPA assosiation), National Association for Black Accountants and Financial women's association. All of these host various events where big accounting firms attend so its a great way to network.

[Anonymous]

CalCPA (California CPA assosiation), National Association for Black Accountants and Financial women's association. All of these host various events where big accounting firms attend so its a great way to network.

[kky617]

Thank you! I will look into applicable associations in my area :)!

[kky617]

Thank you! I will look into applicable associations in my area :)!

[Author]

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