Accounting and Finance Students Connect with Industry Professionals

The Accounting and Finance Professional Panel and Career Fair, held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Broken Arrow campus, offered students an exceptional opportunity to learn from industry leaders and connect directly with employers in the accounting and finance fields.

Sponsored by the Accounting and Finance Advisory Boards, Career Services, and the Department of Accounting and Finance in the College of Business and Technology, the two events highlighted NSU’s strong partnerships with the professional community and its commitment to helping students prepare for meaningful, rewarding careers. Special thanks go to Dr. Doris Feltham for coordinating the event logistics and ensuring a smooth and successful experience for all participants.

Insights from Industry Experts

The 120-minute Accounting and Finance Professional Panel, attended by 66 participants, featured distinguished speakers, all of whom are NSU alumni (Figure 1). Starting from the left: Devonté Thibodeaux from Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Frankie Horne (Eide Bailly – Tax), Annie Mills (ONEOK – Oil & Gas), Brandon Jackson (Hogan Taylor – Assurance).  Joined by Bill Clark (Forvis Mazars – Consulting) and Walid Shaker (SSB Bank).

Panelists shared experiences spanning public accounting, private industry, and financial services, emphasizing that accounting and finance play vital roles in every sector. Students appreciated hearing that while technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming aspects of the profession, there remains a strong demand for professionals who can think critically, communicate effectively, and exercise sound judgment.

One student reflected, “It was reassuring to hear that even successful professionals once had the same doubts and questions. Their stories gave me confidence about my own career path.” Another noted, “AI is reshaping the field, but it was eye-opening to learn that there will always be a need for human expertise.”

Career Fair Highlights

Immediately following the panel, students participated in the Accounting and Finance Career Fair, which featured 14 employers and 26 recruiters and drew 41 student check-ins. Faculty and staff attended throughout the afternoon to support student engagement and networking.

According to Kaitlin Tyrell, Employer Relations Career Counselor and the organizer of this Career Fair, “The biggest strengths this year were student attendance and the overall functionality of the fair. Employers especially appreciated the earlier start time and the convenience of the day.”

Student feedback reflected strong appreciation for the opportunity to engage with professionals, explore career paths, and gain practical networking experience. Many noted that the events deepened their understanding of professional expectations and how to prepare for internships and full-time positions.