2024 CSUMB Accounting Networking Event

Alex Black (Advisor), Cynthia Guerrero (Paraplanner), and Michelle Arroyo (Office Manager) attended the 2024 CSUMB Accounting Networking Event this year to speak with local students exploring career opportunities in accounting and finance.

The two-hour event took place on September 19, 2024 with another year of great attendance: approximately 100 students from CSUMB, Hartnell College, Monterey Peninsula College, and Foothill College networked with a growing community of 27 firms. The energy in the room was palpable and filled with nervousness as many students came eager to make connections, explore industries they were interested in, and discover new fields.

Cynthia represented Integris as our newest Paraplanner, alongside Alex and Michelle, who were already veterans to the CSUMB Accounting Networking Event. Many students had limited prior exposure to wealth management and were curious about the differences between financial planning and accounting. Cynthia, Alex, and Michelle spoke to the students about their own roles at Integris and answered questions about the career pathways in financial services. They also spent their time speaking on the various skills needed to succeed in financial planning and wealth management.

When asked about why the experience was meaningful, Cynthia said, “Just last year, I attended this event as a student hoping to make a good impression, so to be here today standing behind the table with the firm I spoke to last year is very special to me. It was great meeting so many students and sharing my experience with them having just graduated from CSUMB’s financial planning program.”

Alex commented, “I congratulate the CSUMB students for their eagerness to pursue internship opportunities and making the most of their college experience, and my biggest piece of advice for the students is to look beyond their interactions at the career fair and really understand the work that they will be getting into, whether that be financial planning or accounting.”

Michelle, who oversees the  Integris Internship program, was able to offer an overview of the program training and share her perspective on the ideal qualifications to hopeful candidates. “It is inspiring to see so many bright and talented individuals taking a moment to further their knowledge, gain exposure to relevant industries, and investing in their future by taking advantage of this networking event,” reflected Michelle.

When asked about her most memorable moment of the day, Michelle said, “There was a student who was particularly interested in our internship program, who stopped by our table multiple times to ensure we remembered him. I truly admire the students that go above and beyond and seek out these opportunities.”

Alex, Cynthia, and Michelle enjoyed supporting CSUMB’s mission to prepare students to contribute responsibly to their community by providing transformative learning experiences in an inclusive environment.