Eastern Connecticut State University students came eager with resumes in hand for the 18th annual accounting fair. Hosted by the Department of Accounting and Business Information Systems, the event took place in the Betty R. Tipton room on Sept. 22 and brought together more than 70 students who met with 13 different firms and companies.

Among those in attendance were representatives from Big Four accounting firm Ernst Young, Travelers, Pratt & Whitney, Cohnreznick, U.S. Department of Defense/Defense Contract Audit Agency, Fiondella Milone & Lasaracina, and others. Twenty-two Eastern accounting alumni were among the employer representatives in attendance.

Applying classroom knowledge to real-world experience is crucial, explained Accounting Professor Moh’d RuJoub, associate department chair and coordinator of the Accounting Program. “The accounting profession hires a year in advance, so students often get jobs a year or two before they graduate. Many will start with internships, and eventually transition to employees of the same place they interned.”

Ravin Small-Brown, a manager for commercial accounting with Pratt & Whitney and certified public accountant (CPA), agreed: “Internships are very important for corporate experience. My internship was with Pratt & Whitney, and I’ve been here ever since,” said Small-Brown. “We are always looking for the next great person, we are always looking for diversity of thought.”

Students came ready for the event, many asking important questions regarding training opportunities and real-world applications to the lessons they’ve learned with Rujoub and other accounting professors at Eastern. Thsarny Pierre, a junior accounting major and secretary of the Accounting Society, like many of her peers, was eager to hear from professionals in the field. “I came to this event because I wanted to explore the real-world opportunities that are available to me.”

Due to the accounting fair and other networking opportunities provided by the department, many Eastern alumni have found successful careers in accounting. Jonathan Blejewski ’21, a CPA for CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) said that his time at Eastern and with Rujoub was crucial to his success. “The only reason I am where I am is because of Dr. Rujoub and Eastern’s accounting department,” said Blejewski. “They got me what I needed and put me on the path to a strong career. I’m honored to be able to come back. I work with eight other Eastern alumni, and we all agree that Dr. Rujoub was a key component of our success.”

"Employers were happy with the turnout... The students looked professional and ready to work in the accounting industry," said RuJoub, adding that since the event several students have already received calls for interviews.