The accounting career path is ripe with opportunity. Accountants are in demand, with demand projected to grow in the coming years. This surge creates endless options and vibrant futures for those on the accounting career track. The Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants (KSCPA) opens this door to Kansas high school students through the INSPIRE Business Camp. The camp introduces Kansas high school students to the vast array of career opportunities in the accounting profession. It is a collaborative effort incorporating Kansas high school educators, collegiate faculty and students, future employers, and impactful speakers in the business sector, specifically accounting.
The day started with insights from Whitney Beaver, Vice President - Chief Financial Officer of the Kansas City Royals. She shared the journey that introduced her to the accounting profession and ultimately landed her a position with the Kansas City Royals. It was not a linear path. There were twists and turns along the way, and she shared some valuable life lessons with the students. A panel of college students followed, providing a different perspective on entering the accounting profession. They shared their personal experiences and insights and answered questions from the group.
Participants then took a lap around the Accounting Career Track to see where a career in accounting starts and where it can lead. The track consisted of booths where students could talk to collegiate faculty, students, and future employers. Educational and professional representatives also joined the student groups throughout the day to simulate the sense of community and camaraderie within the accounting profession. In addition, their high school business teachers accompanied them to the camp so conversations could continue and expand upon returning to the classroom.
Team building through Interactive games and challenges was also integral to the day. Students were assigned groups at random, so they got the opportunity to meet and work with new acquaintances. A Minute to Win It game series got groups talking, moving, and working together. The day culminated in future-ready round tables to identify takeaways and next steps for the students as they account for their futures.
The camp and accounting profession both have bright futures with endless possibilities. The Kansas Society of CPAs looks forward to continuing to be a conduit to connect students, educators, and employers to prime the accounting pipeline for a robust and fulfilling future.
This year’s event was hosted by Norman Hope and McPherson University staff. Organizations who sponsored and participated in the event were: Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Kansas State, University of Kansas, Mcpherson College, Southwestern College, Washburn University, and Wichita State, as well as sponsors: Adams Brown, Deloitte, Koch, KSCPA Educational Foundation, Pinion, PWC and Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk and Loyd.
