EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (July 18, 2019) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s College of Business and Economics (COBE) made a significant impact on aspiring young professionals by hosting the Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP) from July 7-12, 2019. The Department of Accounting and Finance spearheaded this initiative, aiming to cultivate interest in accounting and business careers among students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds.
In collaboration with the Greensboro chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA), the 2019 ACAP welcomed 20 ambitious student participants. Dr. Ron Campbell, Assistant Professor of Accounting and Director of Student Affairs at COBE, expertly directed the program, emphasizing ACAP’s crucial role in nurturing a pipeline of future accounting professionals.
The program was meticulously designed to broaden the horizons of these young minds, showcasing the diverse career pathways available within the business world. COBE faculty members, recent alumni, and accomplished business professionals from the region contributed their expertise by leading engaging sessions. These sessions covered a wide spectrum of essential topics, including the historical evolution of accounting, a detailed exploration of potential career opportunities, the necessary academic preparation and professional certifications, effective resume and cover letter writing techniques, mastering interview skills, crafting a strong personal brand, understanding professional social etiquette, and achieving a healthy work-life balance.
Dr. Campbell effectively dispelled common misconceptions about the accounting profession, stating, “Accountants don’t run adding machines all day, as many people may think. They can work as advisors and consultants and run businesses as CEOs.” This insightful remark highlighted the strategic and leadership roles accountants can assume in today’s dynamic business environment.
The ACAP program incorporated a dynamic team-based learning experience. The 20 student participants, comprising an equal number of young men and women, were divided into five teams. Their challenge was to collaboratively develop comprehensive business plans, which they then presented to a panel of judges. The judges recognized outstanding performance by awarding first and second place, along with special recognitions for exceptional contributions throughout the intensive program. Dr. Campbell lauded the students’ impressive talents, which greatly impressed the program facilitators.
Beyond classroom sessions, the program offered immersive experiences. Students embarked on a tour of the N.C. A&T campus, gaining insights into university life. A particularly enriching field trip to Charlotte included visits to Ernst & Young and the Spectrum Center. These visits provided invaluable opportunities for students to engage directly with professionals and interns, learning firsthand about their daily work and the vast potential for career advancement in these organizations.
The 2019 ACAP marked a successful revival of the program after a brief hiatus. The participants comprised rising freshmen at N.C. A&T, as well as high-achieving high school juniors and seniors. While the majority of students hailed from North Carolina, the program also attracted talent from Georgia and New York, demonstrating its widening reach.
Historically, the program at A&T was known as Professional Accounting Career Exploration (PACE) until 2007. COBE’s re-establishment of the program as ACAP in 2016 aligned it with the nationally recognized initiative founded by NABA in 1980. Dr. Campbell concluded, “This program does what we want it to do and ultimately pays great dividends,” underscoring the long-term positive impact of ACAP in shaping the future of the accounting profession and fostering diversity within the field.
