Event Article

The Student Experience at the 2011 Regional NABA Conference

Posted on by Claire Hall

2011 Regional NABA Conference

On October 6th-9th, students from the University of Connecticut School of Business and other schools and colleges from the eastern region of the Unites States had the opportunity to attend the 2011 Regional National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) conference in Bethesda, Maryland. The conference included two and a half days of workshops, seminars and interview sessions.

The program was designed to help better prepare minority students for careers in accounting and financial management.  The major objective of the conference was to encourage student involvement in NABA and to assist in the development of leadership skills.  The other objectives include providing an opportunity for students and professionals to share their goals and objectives, a forum to discuss student issues and to present positive alternative resolutions, opportunities for students to develop and exhibit their organizational and planning skills, and to provide a cost-effective method for students to interview for different corporations for entry-level positions and internships.

In the paragraphs below, UConn students recount their experiences at this year’s NABA conference.

Christopher Sanchez ‘12 (Accounting) – My experiences at the 2011 Regional NABA conference were truly unforgettable. There was not a single element of the conference that was not perfect. Not only was the landscape and the hotel beautiful, but the seminars were all extremely touching and helpful. Even more importantly the atmosphere really changed me and molded me into a much more professional and career focused individual. Surrounding yourself with so many professionals who want to assist you is important, and I believe that NABA provides this to their students more than any other organization I have ever had the privilege of being associated with. The networking and career opportunities that were available to everyone this weekend were something unlike anything I have ever been exposed to before, leading me to believe that through NABA students are definitely destined for success. All of my experiences from this conference have done nothing but further my appreciation and admiration for NABA, and it has definitely made me realize that I want to become more involved and continue taking part in NABA post-graduation.

Venice Sterling ’13 (Psychology) – For me it was more than the all of the great companies that were at the conference, giving advice and conducting interviews; it was important to see all of the other NABA chapters in attendance at the conference. Knowing that NABA is such a huge part of so many individuals’ lives helped brand the experience for me. There were many other chapters from different schools such as Morgan State University, Maryland University and many more. The experience was one that I cannot forget. The interactions that took place and the enthusiasm that each school had for their own individual chapters helped to create a live environment. Everyone represented his or her school well, and this is something I believe UConn should also be able to do. One of the sessions that I attended was “NABA on your campus”, and my intentions were to learn how I could help build our NABA Chapter up even higher and be more active in our community. The most important thing that I learned at this conference and in this session was being able to appeal to different individuals through different programs and activities. Though our chapter here at UConn is well on its way, I still believe with some more work we can be one of the schools that had over 20 members at the conference, in the future.

Christina Headley ‘14 (Accounting) – My experience at the Eastern Region Student Conference for National Association of Black Accountants was a weekend filled of enlightening and informative sessions, combined with opportunities to network with peers with similar interests as mine. The energy during the entire weekend was high and the session that began it all was the opening conference about personal branding. A quote that stuck out to me during the session was entitled “Words to Brand By”, they stated, “You must make your name a best-selling product…something others aspire to be or seek value from… be someone that matters…”

These words resonate with me because throughout the conference this notion was enforced on many occasions. The importance of your colleagues and employers knowing who you are and that you are a quality individual, can say a lot about you. This is true especially when they are able to speak on your behalf when you are and are not present. Also being able to speak with representatives from the big four accounting firms and institutions such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was a great way to learn about and network with them. Many of the companies that are sponsors of NABA also facilitated sessions not only about their companies specifically, but also information that we as young professionals may find useful. The sessions ranged from how to handle conflict to even studying abroad. Overall, the conference exposed me to a world of accounting professionals and an organization that has helped to support me in my career pursuits.

O’Rayne Clarke ’14 (Accounting) – Going to the Northeast Regional NABA conference was truly a blessing. It has increased my knowledge through its many seminars. The information that was provided had a wide range of topics that will be useful in my personal, professional, and academic life. Learning more about NABA and seeing the passion of the professionals, volunteers, and students has inspired me to help with the growth of NABA here at the University of Connecticut. Another great thing about this conference was that I was able to network with professionals and also students. The length of the conference made it easier to build relationships that will last beyond our departure. Many of these things are things that all who participated in this conference could possibly agree upon. One way that my experience may have been different from most of my peers, was that I had already obtained an internship prior to attending the conference. The conference presented students with the opportunity to network with different companies, gain an interview and possible a job offer. When I went into the career fair I bumped into my recruiter from KPMG. We talked for a while then she asked if I wanted to assist with recruiting by sharing my experience and knowledge on the accounting profession, and I immediately agreed. I enjoyed assisting with recruiting because people seek knowledge that I had obtained through my internship experience. Undergraduates and even graduate students came to me seeking advice and this felt great, being that I was only a sophomore. Overall, the trip was a wonderful experience and I would recommend that future NABA students take full advantage of this opportunity.

Overall the conference was a learning experience. This is something that we all look forward to attending in the future, be it as Alums or still as an undergraduate member. We believe that this experience has helped us to have a greater connection to our chapter and a greater respect for the behind the scenes work. The networking opportunities were endless, the spirit of each individual school was incredible, and the overall session taught us about branding ourselves as a person. We would like to thank the Office of Diversity Initiatives, the Travelers EDGE program and the University of Connecticut for helping to fund this amazing experience.

Photo: Students Christopher Sanchez, Venice Sterling, Christina Headley, and O’Rayne Clarke.

Never Underestimate the Power of Teamwork: Paralympian Ron Williams Speaks to Students at 30-20-10

Posted on by Claire Hall

On Thursday, October 6, Ron Williams, a U.S. Paralympic medalist, spoke to University of Connecticut students in a presentation titled “Achievement without Limitations – Leadership and Inspiration.”  This event, sponsored by the Hartford Financial Services and the UConn School of Business Career Center (SBCC) was part of a speaker series called 30-20-10.   This speaker series features events that follow the same format: a 30-minute presentation on a contemporary business topic, a 20-minute sponsoring employer infosession, and a 10-minute Q&A session, which is followed up by networking opportunities with the employer representatives.

The animated and engaging presentation of Ron Williams charmed the students as he told stories about dealing with his disability.  Before losing his left leg, below the knee, at the age of 15, Williams was on the U.S. Jr. National Soccer team and had a dream of playing in the World Cup for the U.S.  This all changed when he went to the doctor’s to take a look at a sore left shin.  Williams was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, a malignant tumor of the bone.  He beat the cancer, but with the cost of losing part of his leg.  After his recovery, Williams went on to set two world records in water skiing: the World Disabled Slalom and the World Disabled Jumping records.  He also went on to join the U.S. Paralympic Cycling team, and medaled twice: a bronze in the Men’s Individual Road Race and a silver in the Men’s Team Sprint.

Williams spoke to the audience about his experience with losing part of his leg.  A story that he told was one about how every time he went to a new hotel or place he would always struggle with finding a way in and out of the shower.  He would always check to see if there were any railings, or perhaps use the toilet, or the curtains, to help himself get in and out.   He always found a way.

It was with the help of Williams’ close-knit family and friends, he notes, that he could “Make a plan, and plan to make it.” This is his motto. He captivatingly spoke about how making a plan and sticking to it is important.  He told the audience, to never let anything get in their way.  Williams’ talk can be summed up into the three large points that he stressed: One, “Embrace change by seeing the long term possibilities;” two, “Make a plan, and plan to make it;” and three, “Never underestimate the power of teamwork.”

After Ron Williams spoke, Mark Gelinas, the Director of College Relations for The Hartford, came out and spoke to the audience about how The Hartford empowers their employees and they believe that there is “infinite potential to grow and improve.”  The Hartford also “continually develops employees by providing them with tools to maximize their potential.”  Hearing Gelinas speak about The Hartford and how they operate really encourages the audience to want to apply for a job with them.

The presentations by Ron Williams and The Hartford were not only informative, but it was also extremely insightful and entertaining. Open to all UConn students, the 30-20-10 series is the perfect opportunity to learn and network.

Photo: Ron Williams (center) with representatives of the Hartford and UConn School of Business

All-Intern Team Places Second in Case Competition at Walmart

Posted on by Claire Hall

This past summer, Vipul Chawla, a 2nd year UConn MBA candidate, interned at Walmart and had the opportunity to participate in a case competition that was conducted across the Walmart corporate office.  The business case competition was hosted by the New Professionals Advisory Council, and is the first one to ever take place. Continue Reading

2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN MBA’S HOLD CONFERENCE IN DALLAS

Posted on by Claire Hall

Marlys Rizzi and Angela Atkinson represented UConn at the 2011 NAWMBA conference.  The 2011 National Association of Women MBA Conference and Career Fair were held on September 15-17, 2011, in Dallas, Texas.  The theme was “Are you Ready?” The Conference was designed to assist both students and professionals on their journeys to develop and enhance their leadership skills. The conference was attended by student MBA chapters and by the seventeen professional chapters.

During two jam-packed days, attendees had the opportunity to attend networking receptions, participate in development panels and workshops, hear keynote speakers share their insights and experiences and visit with company representatives at the Career Fair and throughout the conference. Conference sponsors included American Airlines, MetLife, McDonalds, The Home Depot, AT&T, Dell, Ford and others.

During the career fair, participants met with over 30 sponsors to interview for internships and full-time positions.  Many interviewed at the conference with job offers to follow.  Included in the event were case competitions where three teams received monetary awards for their achievements. These teams were from Notre Dame, University of Chicago, and the University of Texas at Dallas.  Women were also awarded scholarships at the closing reception for their outstanding contributions to NAWMBA.

Marlys Rizzi was the chairman of the national logistics committee, recruiting volunteers for the conference events for the fourth year in a row.

Photo: Rizzi andAtkinson at the 2011 NAWMBA Conference, in Dallas.

UConn Teams Among Finalists in Statewide Business Plan Competition

Posted on by Claire Hall

Four teams from the University of Connecticut were amongst the 15 finalists out of over 80 submissions in the Statewide Business Plan Competition run by the Entrepreneurship Foundation.  The competition was held on Friday, April 22 at the New Haven Lawn Club.

The competition presented four awards. UConn undergraduate team, “Innovrr”, led by senior business student Wen Jie (Jolina) Li, won the Best Pitch Presentation Award.  Also in Jolina’s team were fellow business students Yuan (Eva) Xue, Lucian Stroie, and May (Maggie) Li.   Other awards went to teams from Quinnipiac, Yale and the University of Hartford.

For more information on this competition, please visit .

Pictured (left to right): Lucian Stroie, Wen Jie (Jolina) Li, Prof. Luke Weinstein, and Yuan (Eva) Xue.

UConn Business Students Win Annual Campus Case Competition

Posted on by Claire Hall

Three UConn School of Business students win The Hartford Financial Services Group’s inaugural Annual Campus Case Competition at The University of Connecticut.

On Friday, April 1st, Christopher Laliberte, Seth Rosenberg and Christopher Meyer, all juniors, won 1st prize in a case competition which was focused on a team’s ability to research and analyze a business technology issue and to provide creative solutions.  The other participants were Elizabeth Gingrave, Michael Ford, Daniel Hanley, Michael Koltracht,
Kevin Milot, Loi Nham, Ava Xue, Kyle Haythorn, Dominick Fatibene, Jeff Scapinni, Jovanni Valentini, Christopher Czarnowksi, Mike Keller, Kellie Morrissey, Darryl Blain, Jose Cabanero, Juan Ramos, and James Dey.

Six teams participated in the competition, assisted by mentors provided by The Hartford Financial Group.  At the conclusion of a week long process, the teams presented their solutions to a panel of judges consisting of senior executives from The Hartford.  Mark Gelinas, College Relations Director, stated that his team was impressed by the UConn School of Business students’ passion, creativity and professional style during the presentations.

First Annual Etiquette Training Event

Posted on by Claire Hall

The UConn School of Business hosted its first annual Etiquette Training event on April 6, 2011. The event speaker, Dan Post-Senning (the great-great grandson of Emily Post), explained to students that etiquette is not just about knowing which fork to use; more importantly, etiquette is the power that fuels our business relationships and offers a guide to success by combining manners and principles.   The Emily Post Institute’s principles have been guiding business professionals since 1922 when Emily Post first wrote “to make a pleasant and friendly impression is not only good manners but equally good business.”

Two events were held on April 6th, each specifically geared toward MBA’s and Undergraduates, respectively, for a total of over 145 students. These events were both sponsored by our corporate partner Pepperidge Farm, located in Norwalk, Connecticut.