North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s College of Business and Economics (COBE) demonstrated its commitment to fostering the next generation of business leaders by hosting the Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP) in 2016. This pivotal initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Accounting and Finance, marked the revival of a vital program aimed at illuminating career pathways in accounting and business for underrepresented students.
In collaboration with the Greensboro chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the 2016 ACAP at N.C. A&T aimed to reinforce the pipeline of aspiring accountants. Dr. Ron Campbell, a key figure from the COBE Department of Accounting and Finance, emphasized the program’s core mission: to build significant awareness of diverse business career possibilities among ethnic groups that are historically underrepresented in the field.
The ACAP 2016 curriculum was carefully designed to be both insightful and engaging. COBE faculty members, alongside recent alumni and experienced business professionals from the region, delivered sessions covering a broad spectrum of essential topics. These ranged from the historical evolution of accounting principles to explorations of contemporary career trajectories within the industry. Crucial areas such as necessary academic coursework, professional certifications, effective resume writing, and mastering interview techniques were also addressed. Furthermore, the program extended beyond technical skills to include vital soft skills, such as personal branding, social etiquette in professional settings, and strategies for achieving a healthy work-life balance – all deemed essential for holistic career success.
Dr. Campbell aptly summarized the dynamic nature of modern accounting careers, countering outdated perceptions. “Accountants don’t run adding machines all day, as many people may think,” Campbell stated. “They can work as advisors and consultants and run businesses as CEOs,” highlighting the multifaceted roles available to those in the accounting profession.
A key component of the ACAP experience in 2016 was the practical application of learned concepts. Participating students were strategically divided into teams and tasked with a real-world challenge: developing comprehensive business plans. This collaborative project culminated in formal presentations to a panel of judges, comprised of business experts and academics. The competitive element not only fostered teamwork and critical thinking but also provided valuable feedback and recognition, with awards presented for outstanding business plans and individual achievements throughout the intensive program. According to Campbell, the talent displayed by each student was a source of inspiration for the program facilitators, underscoring the effectiveness of ACAP in nurturing potential.
To broaden their horizons and provide firsthand exposure to the professional world, the 2016 ACAP students embarked on an enriching field trip. A visit to Ernst & Young provided an inside look at a leading global professional services firm. Additionally, a tour of the Spectrum Center in Charlotte offered insights into the diverse business operations of a major entertainment and sports venue. During these visits, students had the invaluable opportunity to connect with both seasoned employees and current interns, gaining practical knowledge about day-to-day work experiences and the vast landscape of career advancement opportunities within these organizations.
The 2016 ACAP marked a significant resurgence for North Carolina A&T, reinstating a program with a rich history. Previously known as Professional Accounting Career Exploration (PACE) until 2007, its revival as ACAP in 2016, mirroring the national model established by NABA in 1980, reaffirmed the university’s dedication to career awareness and diversity within the accounting profession.
“This program does what we want it to do and ultimately pays great dividends,” Campbell concluded, emphasizing the long-term positive impact of ACAP on both individual students and the broader accounting field by fostering a more inclusive and skilled workforce.
