The mission of NABA is to address the professional needs of its members and to build leaders that shape the future of the accounting and finance profession with an unfaltering commitment to inspire the same in their successors.
The NABA TCNJ Student Chapter shall unite through membership accounting, finance and business related students who have similar interests and ideals, are committed to academic and future professional excellence, possess a sense of professional and civic responsibility, and are concerned with enhancing opportunities for minorities in the accounting, finance and other business related professions.
I was selected to attend the 2018 National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Eastern Region Student Conference as a freshman. By far, this conference was the best experience in my college career so far. I was able to gain knowledge about the accounting and finance profession from professionals who were once a business student like me. The conference offered several empowerment sessions that gave me confidence and encouragement to succeed in the accounting profession. The ERSC provided seminars that were mocked as an accounting class, and I was able to get an insight into what an introductory accounting class would cover. Through this conference, I was able to network at their career fair. Being that I am a freshman, I wanted to seek leadership opportunities at firms. I was able to reconnect with the EisnerAmper recruiters I met at the “pre-conference” in preparation for the conference. Not to mention, I was ecstatic to hear some of my freshman chapter members received interviews just from networking with companies at the career fair that day!
Overall, the NABA conference is a student event every member part of the organization should be eager to participate in. It is very informative as well a great time to expand your network and build new relationships.
Best,
Anissa Crump
National Association of Black Accountants
General Body Member
My name is Danielle Edwards, and I am a senior Finance major here at the College of New Jersey. This past weekend, October 4th- 6th, I was granted the opportunity to attend the National Association of Black Accountants’ (NABA) Eastern Region Student Conference (ERSC). My mission going to the conference was to make connections and learn valuable information that I could bring back with me and apply to my journey on finding a full-time position after school. I fulfilled that mission and then some.
The group of ten from TCNJ arrived on Thursday afternoon and immediately we had events to go to. At all times, there were experiences where we could learn. All the sessions were voluntary, but myself along with the other students at TCNJ took the initiative to attend all of them because we wanted to make the most out of our experience.
Friday morning was the career fair where I connected with a couple of professionals. Although I did not get an interview, I gained connections that I can contact when I start applying for full-time positions. Besides professional connections, I gained student connections. Everyone there was there for a purpose, to make connections and find a job or internship. Although everyone was there for their purpose, there was not one student that was not willing to help another, which shows how much of a bond this organization creates. I am glad that I got the opportunity to go to the ERSC and will definitely continue to go in my professional years.
Best,
Danielle Edwards
National Association of Black Accountants
Sponsorship Chair
From October 4th-6th, myself and fellow Eboard members, as well as general body members, attended the conference in Norfolk, Virginia. Upon arrival, we attended the “Navigating the Career Fair” event, to prepare us for the Career Fair the following morning. On Friday morning, we as a group got there at the start of the day and began networking once the doors opened. I connected well with JP Morgan, KPMG, EY, and Deloitte. After the event, there were workshops that we could attend. I went to every event at every hour and did not skip a single one, as I’m sure my group did as well. The most rewarding and insightful workshops were: Hustle Hard, #BlackWomenatWork, The Brother Circle, Budgeting for Millennials, and How to Run a Successful Chapter. I learned many pointers on professional behavior, money and time management, and how to properly market myself in any setting. I highly suggest this conference for anyone looking to become the best versions of themselves, but to also make lasting friendships and connections. NABA TCNJ Chapter is definitely not done with attending these conferences, and we will surely be back for the 2019 ERSC.
Best,
Antonio Gamboa
National Association of Black Accountants
Community Service Chair
Hello, my name is Christopher James, and I am a sophomore Accounting major. This past weekend I had the opportunity and pleasure of attending the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) 43rd annual Eastern Region Student Conference in Norfolk, Virginia. At the conference, I had the opportunity to network and met with so many different people. I talked with multiple companies including, Ernst and Young, KPMG, Deloitte, Johnson and Johnson and PWC. I learned so much information about accounting and the business world in general. I felt inspired by the speakers and even shared some of my thoughts with others attending. One session that I attended was all about leadership. It taught me that no matter what your title or position is, leadership is a quality that everyone has inside them and everyone can be a leader. Meeting the other chapters was a fantastic experience because it showed that we were not the only ones who are facing similar difficulties. It gave me a sense of community and togetherness and that significantly improved my time there. I left learning not only so much about accounting, but I learned more about myself and who I am as a person. This experience is one I will never forget and look forward to attending next year with even more students from TCNJ.
Best,
Christopher James
National Association of Black Accountants
Treasurer Chair
Hello, my name is Melissa Marshall, and I’m a sophomore Marketing major at The College of New Jersey. This past weekend I was honored to be able to attend the National Association of Black Accountant’s 43rd Annual Eastern Region Student Conference. Throughout the entire conference, I was able to network with many professionals and students who are eager to diversify the business field in race, class, gender and even majors.
As a marketing major, I was able to fortify my passion in my study and learn new ways I can apply myself in my dream field. In the future I wish to work in sports marketing, and this conference taught me how to chase my dreams. At the conference I was able to attend workshops on Excel, Diversity and Inclusion and much more. Our TCNJ chapter was able to accomplish a lot as a whole during the conference from winning a scholarship and being offered interviews to winning 3rd in a school spirit dance competition. As a member of the NABA TCNJ chapter, I can not wait to send other people to this conference and nationals so they can experience the world in a more professional setting.
Best,
Melissa Marshall
National Association of Black Accountants
SCREPs Chairperson/Parliamentarian
Hello, my name is Martins Osasuwen and I am a junior Finance major. Last weekend I had the opportunity to take part in the National Associations of Black Accountants (NABA) 43rd Annual Eastern Region Student Conference in Norfolk, Virginia. Going to the conference overall was a great experience because I had the pleasure to network with not only recruiters from different companies that showed up at the career fair, but I also had the chance to network with students from other colleges/universities. This conference opened my eyes to so much, from secrets on how to get ahead in the corporate world to how to successfully run a NABA chapter on campus. I received a lot of advice from the volunteers that were also in the corporate world themselves, telling me that, “conferences and networking opportunities like the one you’re at are key because it is all about who you know.”
Best,
Martins Osasuwen
National Association of Black Accountants
Historian/ Visual Arts and Marketing (co) Chair
The Eastern Student Region Conference is truly the experience of a lifetime. As a chapter, we were given the opportunity to represent our school while showcasing our skills and interest to top-tier companies. We met and networked with professionals as well as students who provided support, as we shared similar career interest. The weekend was filled with fun and exciting moments that have continued even past the conference. The ability to attend such a conference has enabled us to help further others become successful; while simultaneously creating a culture of leaders and learners. Networking is the foundation for a meaningful and sustainable relationship, and we could not be any more thankful for this opportunity. #LIFTINGASWECLIMB
Best,
Lloyd Padmore
National Association of Black Accountants
Vice President
Hello, my name is Kelvin Paez, and I am a sophomore Accounting major here at The College of New Jersey. Through October 4th to October 6th, I attended the ERSC in Norfolk, Virginia. I am currently a general body member of the NABA student chapter but plan to move up to the e-board.
During the career fair event, I was able to secure on-site interviews for Prudential, KPMG, and Johnson & Johnson. Additionally, I was able to talk to professionals already in my fields of interest and learn about their experiences. I attended many workshops such as CPA Bootcamp – FAR, where I learned about the different types of certifications and their value in which a student can earn. Throughout the three day event, I connected with many like-minded individuals that have a well-developed student chapter and individuals that are in the process of getting rechartered on their campus. This three-day event has honestly been an honor to attend because I was able to flourish socially and professionally. Once I come back to campus, I will not hesitate to inform my fellow club members about my unique experiences and encourage them to attend the next NABA ERSC!
Best,
Kelvin Paez
National Association of Black Accountants
General Body Member
Hello, my name is Avery Phill. I am a current freshman – Finance major here at The College of New Jersey. Last Thursday, October 4th – Saturday, October 6th I had the opportunity to attend NABA’s ERSC in Norfolk, Virginia as a general member of TCNJ’s chapter.
The conference served as a life changer for me as I left the weekend feeling motivated and ready to take on new approaches to develop myself as a person. As a freshman, being at such a large conference with approximately 600 students from the eastern region of America was a different environment from the norms. Students there had strong interests and goals that they intended for themselves in their lives; they were willing to share their experiences and educate others on steps needed to succeed. Apart from the interactions with students, I attended multiple workshops where I had the chance to meet people in corporate and professional positions that were aligned with my major. Similarly, they were willing to share their knowledge of the corporate world and obstacles that may occur along the way.
Most notably, the conference featured a career fair event. Here, I was able to approach various companies and network with their representatives. Also, I was capable of interviewing with Johnson & Johnson for their summer externship program. Overall, the conference was a great event, I’ll be attending again next year, and I’ll definitely recommend anyone to grasp this opportunity.
Best,