2026 CSUMB Accounting Networking Event

Alex Black (Advisor), Robert Hood (Paraplanner), and Julia Wood (Client Service Associate) recently represented Integris Wealth Management at the 2026 CSUMB Accounting Networking Event, where they met with students interested in exploring careers in accounting and finance.

The event brought together approximately 200 students from CSUMB, Hartnell College, Monterey Peninsula College, and Cabrillo College, along with more than 30 employers offering internship and employment opportunities. This annual networking fair provides students with direct access to industry professionals, giving them valuable exposure to a variety of career paths and helping them build connections as they prepare to enter the workforce.

Throughout the event, Alex, Robert, and Julia spoke with students about their own roles at Integris and answered questions about the Integris internship program and highlighted the many ways financial planning differs from accounting.

Reflecting on the experience, Robert Hood shared: “It was inspiring to see the level of interest and enthusiasm the students showed in learning about the industry. They are all taking great steps to further their future. A few years ago, I was in those students’ shoes, and I still remember how valuable it was to have the opportunity to connect with professionals and learn from their experiences.”

Julia, our most recent college graduate shared, “One trend I noticed was that many students were unfamiliar with the financial planning profession. After explaining what financial planners do and the impact we can have on clients’ lives, several students became genuinely interested in learning more. It highlighted how valuable events like this are in exposing students to career paths they may not otherwise consider.” said Julia, “I can relate to that experience myself. As a student, I wasn’t aware of financial planning as a career until I was introduced to it, so it’s rewarding to help students discover opportunities they may not have known existed.”

Alex Black emphasized the significance of connecting students with employers and creating opportunities for real-world engagement. “Events like this place students in front of potential employers and help bridge the gap between education and the workforce. CSUMB’s business department has done a wonderful job creating concentration programs that equip students with practical, marketable skills and prepare them for meaningful careers.”

We look forward to continuing to support local students at CSUMB as they explore their futures and discover rewarding careers in financial planning.