Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024 Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Location: Harper Alumni Center - Sacramento State About Meet the Firms A career-fair style event, Meet the Firms is specifically designed for the accounting industry and students in the accounting, finance, accounting information systems field. With three hours of networking opportunities, students are able to meet and ask questions to a variety of companies. Dress Code Meet the Firms is the best time to put your best foot forward. Business Professional dress is strictly enforced. Business suits for both men and women; but show your individualism with a colorful tie or other small accessories. Pre-Meet the Firms To Do List:
Dry clean/iron suit
Practice a nice firm handshake; remember, V-to-V with two to three shakes
Prepare a list of questions to ask professionals
Research the companies attending; even a quick glance at the website can give you valuable information about the company
Read up on current news and events (Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento Magazine, Wall Street Journal, SF Chronicle, etc.)
Have a game plan - What companies and professionals do you want to talk to?
Turn off your cell phones! If you are expecting an important call, turn your phone on vibrate. It is considered improper (and just plain rude) to answer your cell phone in a middle of a conversation. Hide your phones in your pockets or purses.
Eat an early dinner; do not waste valuable networking time at the appetizer table.
Relax, professionals are people too.
Come early and prepare for networking by speaking with the Board.
What to Bring Besides an item for the Silent Auction to help fundraising (not required but highly encouraged and members are awarded three points for doing so), bring plenty of good questions for different companies. Although resumes are not necessary, it is always a good idea to have a few on hand where ever you go. Questions for Meet the Firms Whether it is company culture, upward mobility opportunities, or internships, gather information that is important to you. Do not waste your time and the time of professionals with questions just for the sake of asking. Have different questions for different professionals. A CFO of a company may not necessarily know specifics about training for new-hires just as a new-hire may not necessarily know the high-level expansion plans for the next ten years. Think about who you are talking to and ask questions on the appropriate level. Do not be afraid to ask the same questions to different people or companies; it gives you opinions from different perspectives. Sample Questions and Conversation Topics There will be more than 100 students at Meet the Firms and everyone will have similar questions. Think of general questions and specific questions that will reflect what is important to you. Stay away from inappropriate and offensive conversation topics. If you are unsure if a topic is appropriate, it is best to pick another topic. For a list of tips on how to network confidently at Meet the Firms, please click here
General:
Company culture/environment
Current workload/duties
Number of entry-level positions available currently and in the future
Differentiating characteristics of company
Personal experience with the company
Company events (picnics, holiday parties, and annual outings)
Hobbies and interests outside of work (sports, cooking, food, cars, music, movies, etc.)
Internship/job shadow opportunities
Vacation plans/travel experience
Executive/Partner Level:
Current industry news/events
Company's long-term and short-term plans for growth/success
Manager Level:
Qualifications/characteristics the company looks for in new-hires
Personal and company management style
Advice for new-hires
New-Hire/First-Year Level:
Training or new-hire/first-years
Job duties
Benefits/vacations available
Personal experiences with the company
Company policies (dress codes)
Travel opportunities with company
Have questions or concerns, or just want advice? Contact Michaella Griffiths, at [email protected]
