Westminster College Students Network with Area Professionals
Posted on Friday, October 11, 2013
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Twenty-two senior Westminster College students from the "Auditing" course visited New Castle-based accounting firm Carbis Walker LLP in mid-September for a presentation and networking luncheon.
Students enrolled in the Auditing course study auditing standards and are introduced to the evaluation of internal control, preparation of work papers, report writing, professional ethics, and current auditing trends. They are also taught tools to pass the CPA exam, required for becoming a certified public accountant. According to Jesse R. Ligo Jr. `82, professor of accounting and course instructor, trips to businesses like Carbis Walker allow students to experience the accounting field in a real-world setting.
"It gave our students the opportunities to experience a business luncheon in a relaxed atmosphere and to interact with current accountants and CPAs about their careers and plans," said Ligo. "Carbis Walker provided a professional level experience for Westminster's students as they begin to prepare for interviews and career decisions."
Carbis Walker routinely welcomes area college and university students to their facility to give them background and first-hand information about the public accounting profession. Westminster students attended presentations by Managing Partner James Hunt, Partner and Coordinator of Audit and Accounting Services Brian Kassalen, and Director of Human Resources Natalie Campbell.
"The trip to Carbis Walker was one of the most valuable experiences I have had regarding my education here at Westminster," said business administration major Celeste McBride. "Not only did I learn about the accounting field itself, including information about the CPA exam and the daily responsibilities of the accountants, but Mrs. Campbell was also able to give me direction for my future goal of obtaining my CPA license and information about what to expect in the business world."
"The knowledge I gained from this experience is invaluable simply because it is not the kind that is found in our textbooks, but rather, it is the real-life knowledge that will give me an advantage after graduation," McBride continued.
McBride is a daughter of Kevin and Tracy McBride and a graduate of Grove City High School.
"Going to Carbis Walker was a great experience. It provided us the opportunity to talk with experienced professionals and the see the line of work we would likely get into," said accounting major Sean Figore. "We learned the importance of obtaining a CPA license and the different paths it allows one to explore. This trip allowed me to realize the type of person that public accounting firms are looking for. I feel confident in job searching knowing that Westminster students were able to obtain jobs at respected institutions such as Carbis Walker."
Figore is a son of Timothy and Debbra Figore and a graduate of Springdale High School.
Several Westminster alumni were also at the luncheon as current Carbis Walker staff: Corey Altman `10, Joshua Masters `12, and Kevin McCarty `13.
"I find it very reassuring that firms like Carbis Walker are looking for and hiring Westminster students and graduates," McBride said. "It makes me feel as though my education here at Westminster has real value in the business world."
The accounting major at Westminster is under the Department of Economics and Business. Recent graduates have found employment with PNC Financial Services, UPMC, Moody Investor Services, Ernest & Young LLP, Deloitte LLP, and more. Furthermore, Westminster graduates have recently held or are currently holding six seats on corporate boards of directors, more than 40 presidential positions, and more than 30 vice presidential positions in corporations such as Aetna, Alcoa, Citigroup, Columbia Gas, Fireman's Fund, General Electric, Liberty Mutual, Mellon Bank and PNC.
Contact Ligo at 724-946-7167 or email for additional information.
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