As accounting students, we spend a lot of time honing our technical skills, whether it is job costing in Acct 152 or Excel in BIS 111. But one thing that is just as important, and often overlooked, is networking. No matter if you are aiming for a job at a Big Four firm, looking into corporate accounting, or considering something entrepreneurial, building a strong professional network is an important skill.

Why Networking Matters

1. Relationship Building:
   • In the Accounting profession, networking is not just about showing up to career fairs and handing out resumes. It is about building relationships with people who can offer advice, share job opportunities, and maybe even become mentors.
   • The accounting industry is competitive, and sometimes landing an internship or job is not just about your GPA,it is about who you know. By networking early and often, you can give yourself an advantage in landing your first career opportunity.
2. Exploration of Career Paths:
   • Also, accounting is a collaborative profession, so connecting with other professionals will expose you to different career paths, tools, and trends (like sustainability reporting or the rise of AI in auditing). Having these relationships can help you stay informed and give you an edge in both job searches and career growth.
   • Master tools like Python, R, or SQL for data manipulation and visualization. Proficiency in programming languages and data analysis tools empowers accountants to extract, transform, and analyze data effectively, enabling them to derive actionable insights and enhance organizational performance.

Where to Network

1. On-Campus Events:
   • On-campus events can be a great place to network. The Accounting Club hosts information sessions featuring Big4 and national accounting firms. These events are not only great for hearing from experienced professionals but also for engaging with potential employers. The key is to be proactive: introduce yourself to guest speakers, ask questions, and follow up afterward. These events often serve as recruitment opportunities, so making a good impression can help build connections that may lead to future job or internship offers.
2. Finding Alumni on LinkedIn:
   • One of the most effective ways to network is through alumni. LinkedIn makes it easy to find graduates from your school who are already working in accounting or related fields. Start by searching for Lehighs alumni page and narrowing it down to those who work in accounting, finance, or firms you are interested in. Once you identify alumni, do not be afraid to reach out. Most alumni are open to connecting with current students and are happy to offer advice or insights into their career paths. When reaching out, keep your message short, friendly, and professional. Introduce yourself as a fellow student, mention your shared school connection, and explain why you are reaching out. Whether it is for career advice, insights into their company, or general guidance, alumni can be valuable resources and may even help you secure internships or job leads. Following up after your conversation is key, whether it is through a thank-you note or staying in touch for future advice.
3. Internships and Job Fairs:
   • Internships are golden opportunities for networking. Even if the internship is not exactly what you want, the connections you make can be valuable later on. Internships give you a chance to form relationships with managers, coworkers, and others who can serve as references or help you get that full-time gig. Do not forget to hit up job fairs and open houses, too, these are perfect places to meet recruiters who are actively looking to hire.
4. The Power of Coffee Chats:
   • One of the most underrated networking tools is the informal coffee chat. It is exactly what it sounds like: a casual meeting over coffee (or Zoom) where you can connect with someone on a more personal level. These chats are especially useful for getting to know professionals in the accounting world without the pressure of a formal interview or networking event. They are a great way to ask questions about someones career path, get advice on how to break into a specific field, or just learn more about a company or role that interests you.
   • Coffee chats give you the opportunity to build relationships in a more relaxed setting, making it easier to have authentic conversations. You can reach out to alumni, professionals you met at events, or even people on LinkedIn who work in roles you are curious about. The key is to keep it short and friendly most people are more than happy to share their experiences over a 20-minute chat, especially if you come prepared with thoughtful questions.

Networking might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to building a career in accounting, but it is just as important as mastering your technical skills. The earlier you start, the better off you will be. Engage with professionals, attend events, and build relationships that will help you succeed long-term. If you keep at it, networking can become one of the most powerful tools in your accounting toolkit.