By Courtney Forbis, Beta Alpha Psi Digital Media Coordinator
If you walk through the school of business (Morken?), you might notice students wearing a gray hoodie with a red triangle and the letter ‘P’ on the front. If you ask one of the wearers, you will learn they are members of Pacific Lutheran University’s Delta Rho chapter for the accounting and finance club, Beta Alpha Psi. If you’re already picturing a club where students meet once a week to count money — think again.
Beta Alpha Psi is a nonprofit international honorary and service organization for financial information students and professionals. It focuses on promoting the study and practice of accounting, finance and management information systems, providing opportunities for self-development and associations among members and encouraging a sense of ethical, social and public responsibilities.
PLU’s BAP chapter, Delta Rho, offers many opportunities for students who want to have an advantage over their peers in the accounting and finance fields. It is a great environment to develop professionalism, improve communication skills and meet new friends with common interests.
In the beginning of the fall semester, the chapter hosts workshops where students receive great advice on how to dress for success, write the perfect resume and network with professionals with confidence. These workshops prepare members for networking events hosted by big firms where they connect with recruiters to learn more about the company and potential careers.
For instance, a few members attended the Washington Society of Public Accountants’s event at Emerald Downs while others connected with Boeing employees during a tour of its aircrafts’ interior designs. Even last fall, Delta Rho teamed up with the Mary Lund-Davis Undergraduate Student Investment Fund to host its first accounting and finance networking event at PLU.
Commitment to the organization typically ranges from 1 to 7 hours per week, depending on meetings and additional events. Delta Rho members volunteer at different facilities, such as Habitat for Humanity and Filbert Acres. It also has fun social events, which include everything from eating at Farrelli’s Wood Fire Pizza to hosting a pajama party while watching Christmas movies.
Delta Rho is committing time to two big events this spring. On March 14, the chapter is hosting its first fundraising event called Musical Collection & Silent Auction with a cappella groups PLUtonic and HERmonic, as well as Emmy-award winning comedian John Keister. Funds will go toward a scholarship program and a mentorship program for accounting and finance students next fall.
April 11-12, four members will be competing in Best Practice at Beta Alpha Psi’s regional meeting in Portland, Ore. First place winners will receive $500 and will have the opportunity to compete against other regional first place winners at the annual meeting.
Check out Delta Rho’s new website to learn more about the chapter, event information, schedule and how to become a member.
