By Eliza Souers

Lee University’s School of Business recently held the 16th annual Meet the Firms, a networking opportunity for junior an d senior business and accounting majors to meet representatives of various businesses and firms in a professional business setting. This year, Meet the Firms took place both in person and virtually.

“This is a special event for our majors,” said Dr. Michaelia Black, an assistant professor of accounting at Lee. “It provides our students an opportunity to promote themselves to accounting professionals on their own campus. Every year we hear stories of how the contacts at this event led to employment opportunities. Students receive internships, as well as job offers, during and following this event.”

Over the years, internship and employment opportunities have included both public accounting and industry in areas around the country such as Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

“I am grateful for Meet the Firms and the variety of different employers to meet with because it gave me an opportunity to evaluate all of my options upon graduation,” said Kayla Laymance, a junior accounting and business management double major. “It also allowed me to gain connections with various representatives and practice my interview skills.”

Meet the Firms welcomed 26 representatives, including eight Lee alumni, from 13 different firms to meet with students. Students engaged in detailed discussions related to internship and full-time employment opportunities in staff accounting, auditing, tax, financial advisory, and information technology positions. The in-person event included booths and discussions, and during the virtual event, firms and students held discussions and mini meetings.

“I remember being excited about Meet the Firms as a Lee student,” said Marta Garcia-Nieto de la Orden, of Ernst and Young, a Big Four accounting firm. “As a Lee alum, this was my first time attending the event as a representative of my company, and it was a fun and special experience. I was able to relate to the students, and I truly enjoyed chatting with them. My favorite part was seeing the excitement of the students to start their careers – Lee produces competent and strong candidates, and my company really values that.”

For more information about Lee’s accounting program, visit https://www.leeuniversity.edu/academics/business/accounting/ or contact the School of Business at (423) 614-8160.