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Beta Alpha Psi Mentor ProgramDeveloping Young Professionals &

Expanding the WSU Business Network

Devin Ossman - Master’s Student Audit Associate: Deloitte Fall

2014Elizabeth Steere - Master’s Student

Audit Associate: PwC Spring 2014

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Intro - The Problem

School Issues • Geographical location• Limited accessibility to firms • Limited knowledge of accounting

profession• Need for professional development

National Issues• 13.5% unemployment rate for

students• 40% underemployment rate• Growth of the accounting profession• Economic conditions

Washington State

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The Solution - Innovation Applied

• Identified the need

• Resource Utilization– Supportive alumni– Involved faculty– Beta Alpha Psi – Experienced upperclassmen

• We developed a targeted solution:

Three Tiered Mentor System

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The Three Tiered System

Professional Mentors (38)

Student Mentors (33)

Student Mentees (53)

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Measuring the Success• Soft Skill Development

– Students are often underprepared– We provide networking tips, practice interviews,

and insight on client service

• Network Expansion – 100 people involved in the first semester– Nearly a 25% increase in the program this year

• Increase Summer Leadership Invitations– 62% Increase (Big 4 + Moss Adams)

• Increased 2nd Round Internship & Full-time Invitations– 20% Increase Projected

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Where It All Fits

• Beta Alpha Psi– Officers & Advisor, Nori Pearson– Professors– Networking Events

• Meet the Firms & Panel Discussion• Spring & Summer WSU Socials• Various Social and Professional

Development Activities

• The bridge between students and professionals

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Talent Development: A Word From The Firms

“The program is very beneficial to students. It also helps the firms by creating informed candidates with knowledge about the industry and the jobs they are

applying for.”

- Jenni Gillis, Recruiter, Deloitte

“What makes this program special and beneficial, is the depth of the structure. The program has received overwhelming support from the accounting department, statewide professionals, and professors involved on campus. Most importantly, the students have really responded, as most are participating as mentees or student mentors.”

- Jared Theis, KPMG Manager

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Sustainability and Replicability • Resources:

– Student leaders– Involved alumni – A strong framework– Minimal monetary cost

• The Framework: – Structured curriculum – Expectations for the mentors – Officer position within Beta Alpha Psi– The program has already grown by over

20% under new leadership

• This Model can be Easily Replicated: – Other majors– Other universities