Student Ambassadors: changing minds about accounting one student at a time.

"You probably don't remember me, but I came to one of your career presentations last spring," Allen Cline told Maggie Houston, CPA, accounting professor at Wright State University, on the first day of class this fall quarter. Houston and Andy Valerius, then Student Ambassador at Wright State, hosted

Cline, a junior at Wright State, says it was that presentation that changed his mind about accounting--and influenced him to change his major from mechanical engineering to accounting.

"I thought majoring in business was the only way to go for me. After hearing Maggie and Andy's presentation, I knew I would be more comfortable in accounting and I decided I wanted to change my major," Cline says. "Engineering just wasn't what I thought it would be. With a degree in accounting, I am confident that I will have many more opportunities in business. And now, I'm considering the CPA license."

The Student Ambassador Program, created in 2001 and sponsored by the Society's Educational Foundation, has touched thousands of college students in Ohio. It has exposed them to the benefits of an accounting career and provided a better understanding of the role of CPAs in the business world.

"I couldn't be more comfortable, and yet changing my major was one of the biggest decisions I have ever had to make in my life, if not the biggest decision yet," Cline adds. "I never expected to be where I am, but I couldn't be happier."

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The Ambassador program is based on the simple concept of peer-to-peer networking and counseling. The Ambassadors, who are already accounting majors, talk with other students throughout the academic year about what it's like to major in accounting, and their future career plans as CPAs.

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"I was a Student Ambassador for almost three years at Wright State. Hearing about students like Allen makes all of my efforts worthwhile," says Valerius, staff accountant at Ernst & Young in Cincinnati. "It's not about converting the masses--not every student is cut out for accounting. It's about reaching those students who do have the potential and then changing their minds about what a career in accounting and as a CPA really means."

The 2006-07 Student Ambassadors gathered at the Society in August for a day-long orientation program with Clarke Price, president and CEO of The Ohio Society of CPAs, and Lee Wunschel, CPA, chair of the Society's Educational Foundation. The Ambassadors discussed key issues facing the accounting profession, learned of best practices from years past, and shared ideas regarding events and activities to reach more students this year.

"It's always a pleasure to meet the new Student Ambassadors and this year is no exception," Wunschel says. "These students are exactly who we want promoting the profession and representing the Society--they're bright, energetic and passionate about why they chose to major in accounting."

Student Ambassadors at participating schools are selected based on academic achievement as well as on traits such as outgoing personality, motivation, and strong communication and presentation skills. In addition, Ambassadors must be accounting majors who are in their junior, senior or fifth years; or enrolled in a graduate-level accounting program.

Since orientation, the Ambassadors have been busy planning events and activities on campus. Plans are in place to reach undecided students and dispel misconceptions and negative stereotypes. Ambassadors are making classroom presentations and visiting dormitories to interest undecided and non-accounting business majors to pursue a career in accounting. In addition, some Ambassadors are keeping regular office hours for students who want a one-on-one conversation.

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Because every university is different, each Ambassador creates unique ways of maximizing his or her reach on campus. The organization of the program is flexible, which allows Ambassadors to mold it specifically to the needs of their campuses. The individual adaptations for each campus will ensure that the activities stay fresh and increase the number of students Ambassadors reach at each school.

Contributions to The Ohio Society of CPAs' Educational Foundation support the Student Ambassador Program. To find out how you can help, or to learn more about this year's Student Ambassadors, please contact Karen West at kwest@ohio-cpa.com or 800.686.2727, ext. 344.

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Case Western Reserve University

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Kent State University

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Ashley Ludrosky

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Ohio University

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Brandon Benson

The Ohio State University

Danielle Kimmet

The University of Toledo

Laura Kirkendall

Brad Berelsman

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Jessica Vater

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