A student’s career decision is often made at the high school level. MACPA’s goal is to motivate them to consider a career in accounting as they plan the next step in their education.

The Association recently wrapped up its fifth year of High School Leaders Conferences. These fun-filled and informative events are tailored to college-bound high school students to get them excited about a career in accounting. Universities and colleges throughout Michigan host the half-day conferences featuring presentations and exercises about various aspects of the profession. Board members and other members of MACPA graciously volunteered their time as speakers.

Conferences were held at Michigan State University (January 30), Aquinas College (February 13), Western Michigan University (February 21), Wayne State University (February 27) and Oakland University (March 1). Students and their teachers gained clear insight on what it takes to be an accountant, as well as the perks and opportunities that come with the CPA credential.

Overall, the conferences garnered an excellent turnout of students and educators. Nearly 540 students, along with 90 educators, attended the events.

Benjamin Bankes stopped for a photo op with students at the Wayne State Unviersty High School Leaders Conference

This year, one of the highlights was a “Feed the Pig” exercise. As an extension of the AICPA and Ad Council’s national Feed the Pig™ campaign, the goal of the exercise was to encourage young adults to take control of their finances at an early age and save their money. Several students and teachers remarked it was “very entertaining.”

According to one teacher from Rockford High School, “This is an outstanding conference that gives students an overview of the many exciting careers in the field of accounting.” Teachers, as well as the students, thoroughly enjoyed themselves as the speakers navigated through the accounting profession.

A student from Fowler High School commented, “The speakers were very informative and prepared. They are passionate about what they do and it makes for a great atmosphere.” Another student from South Christian High School simply stated, “This conference helped me to decide my future.”

The MACPA thanks our partner, The National Association of Black Accountants, as well as our sponsors: Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Plante & Moran, for helping to make these conferences a success!

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