CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Networking event introduces range of employers to accounting students

Accounting students got the chance to chat with companies and learn more about the diverse career possibilities at an industry networking event.

Nearly 175 students from five accounting and related programs registered for the networking event held on September 11 at the Kitchener - Doon campus and hosted in conjunction with Conestoga's co-op department and Talent Hub to develop connections for co-op placements and jobs, and for students to learn more about employment and trends in the field of accounting.

Employers included H&R Block, Ward & Uptigrove, MNP, Grant Thornton, Linamar, WCO Chartered Professional Accountants, Famme & Co., The Charcoal Group, BDO, CPA Ontario, RLB and Conestoga College Finance.

The event was eye-opening for Josh Bester, in the third year of the Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) - Accounting, Audit and Information Technology program.

"It really broadens your perception of the accounting world," Bester said.

Bester was looking for a co-op placement and seeing the variety of employers put him at ease, along with visiting the booths to chat with them about the available opportunities.

"It's nice to get to talk to people, get some advice," Bester said.

Manahil Ihsan, also in her third year of the program, appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the companies as she looked for a winter co-op placement.

"I love it. It's so nice to see all the companies come and it makes me feel like they're interested in us," Ihsan said. "I've heard a lot of success stories from this event."

Although Jordan Martin was barely a week into the program, he came out with the hope of finding a summer job. He appreciated seeing the big companies in attendance and the opportunity to get a better idea of where to look for work at the networking event.

"It's definitely a good idea," Martin said.

Linamar's talent acquisition specialist Amanda Granby said networking events are a staple in the manufacturing company's recruitment for co-op placements and full-time hires. Every term, 150 students are hired in all areas, including accounting and finance.

"We definitely feel like it's a great way to get the business out there," Granby said. "And we can explain the positions better in person."

Granby was joined by two Conestoga graduates now working at Linamar, including Soroush Jalali who graduated from the bachelor program in December 2023 and was president of the Conestoga Accounting Association.

"It's a good feeling of giving back because I remember being in their shoes," Jalali said. "I want them to talk to me so I can help them."

He remembers being nervous to approach potential employers at networking events hosted at the college, but was keen for students to come and talk to him and learn about his experiences.

At the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario table, employer relations officer Erin McDonald loves talking about accounting and letting people know about the many options for careers to pursue.

"I always take an opportunity to educate people about the profession," McDonald said. "Just allowing them to see there's so much opportunity."

Conestoga's accounting programs include the four-year Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) - Accounting, Audit and Information Technology.

This unique degree program provides a comprehensive education in accounting, audit and information technology to produce graduates who possess the skills needed in the global business environment. The program addresses the need for professional accountants and auditors with information technology expertise and combines theory, integrated applied projects, and three paid co-op work terms to gain real-world work experience before graduation.

Students in the three-year Business Administration - Accounting program acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in an intermediate-level accounting position, along with the fundamentals necessary for advancement to managerial positions.

Accounting programs are delivered through Conestoga's School of Business.