Resources
Internships
There are numerous internship opportunities for students. In some cases internships are established through a faculty member in the student's major. Oftentimes students find part-time jobs in an area related to their field of study. When this happens, students should discuss with their academic adviser the possibility of receiving college credit. Generally, three hours of general elective credit can be earned for a minimum of 200 hours of experience.
Advantages
- Three (possibly more) hours of course credit which counts as a general elective towards your degree
- Compensation
- Relevant entry-level experience
- Ability to make a more informed career decision and to be ahead of peers who do not have experience in the field
- Future contacts and references/networking opportunities
How to Apply and Prepare
- Visit WCU Career Services and obtain information about resumes, job searches, and interviewing
- Attend Career Services seminar on Resume Writing and schedule an appointment with Career Services for resume assistance
- Attend Interviewing Skills and Job Search Seminars
- Become involved in the appropriate student organization: The Accounting Club, Beta Alpha Psi, The Finance Club, The Association for Information Technology Professionals. Accounting majors are encouraged to attend the professional organization meetings of the (NCACPA)
- Attend Career Fairs and Meet-the-Firms Night
- Once you accept an internship offer, with permission from your academic advisor register for the internship course to obtain three hours of elective credit. All students must keep a work log, submit a written report and make a short presentation to faculty and students about their work
Each fall we hold an Accounting Career Day where WCU hosts employers for an interview
day. Employers from business, government, and not-for-profit organizations come to
campus to interview both undergraduate and graduate students for full-time, part-time,
and internship positions. We also hold a "Meet the Firms" night in Asheville each
year. These functions give students opportunities to meet local employers. Also in
the accounting area, spring internships are available for qualified students who go
through our on-campus fall interview process. These internships are competitive and
offer excellent experiential opportunities.
Accounting majors interested in applying for these internships must have an overall
GPA of 3.0. Many local businesses have hired WCU students as accounting interns. Some
of these include: Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club; Underwood, Dills & Associates; Crawley
Lee & Company; Dixon Hughes; Gabler, Molis & Company; Reznick Group; General Dynamics
Information Technology; Johnson, Price and Sprinkle; Ray Bumgarner Kingshill; Gould
Killian; High Hampton Inn and WCU Internal Audit Department.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad programs are a great way to expand your horizons and at the same time
earn college credit toward the completion of your academic program. If you want to
gain international experience and exposure and a distinguishing edge in today's competitive
job market, then studying abroad is for you. Academically, studying abroad is not
only a fun way to earn credits, but it also exposes you to different teaching methods
and perspectives on academic topics.
Western's Study Abroad opportunities are designed for both undergraduate and graduate
students. These opportunities consist of programs that are one semester or an entire
academic year, or even just for the summer. Each program has its own distinctions
and prerequisites. Learn more about these opportunities.
Student Clubs & Organizations
Participating in student clubs and organizations are a great way to enhance your educational experience and also looks good on your resume.
Beta Alpha Psi
BAP is an international honorary organization for financial information professionals, including accounting, finance, and information systems majors. If students meet the academic requirements, they can join when they are in their upper level coursework. The WCU chapter activities include holding professional meetings on campus, visiting area businesses, such as Dixon Hughes Goodman and Gould Killian, and participating in service activities. Students also have opportunities to attend regional and national meetings. Faculty advisor: Dr. Jane Livingstone, jrlivingstone@wcu.edu.
The Western Carolina Chapter of the NCACPA (centered primarily in the greater Asheville area) offers student memberships, which are available for $20 per year, and include all benefits of regular membership, including monthly business luncheons and professional development materials and events.
Accounting News & Upcoming Events
WCU FORVIS Accounting Programs Networking Reception
Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Wells Event Center, Waynesville, NC
Meet the Frims Night
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 6-8 p.m.
Wells Event Center, Waynesville, NC
