New collaborative fintech careers event draws large crowd of business students
Leaders and faculty advisors from the Accounting Club, the Finance Club, and the Information Technology and Cybersecurity Club worked together to create a new event focused on the ever-changing world of financial technology.
RGA representatives Stephanie Kut (left) and Edmond Deuser speak with UMSL business students during the fintech collaborative event last Tuesday. (Photos by Derik Holtmann)
The origins of an innovative and collaborative event organized last Tuesday at Anheuser-Busch Hall on the campus of University of Missouri-St. Louis can be traced back to Information Technology and Cybersecurity Clubs annual Spring Social in May.
There, the Accounting club new president, Angela Truesdalewas talking with representatives from the ITCC and brainstorming ideas for what clubs could learn – and how they could help each other – during the fall semester. A recurring theme in the conversations was the impact of technology on the current and future job market.
With a budding idea, they made a loop in the Finance Club and that’s how it is an event focused on exploring career opportunities in the world of financial technology was born.
“The Accounting Club’s primary effort is to prepare students for a successful transition to the professional world after graduation,” Truesdale said. “However, as the world of accounting becomes more and more intertwined with software and technology, the role of the accountant is evolving: less of an accountant, more of a data analyst. Students see this and are eager to experience this change as they graduate.
The event, organized jointly by the three College of Business Administration clubs, was a success. Representatives of Moneta, Reinsurance Group of America And FinLocker provided insight and expertise for the event, which was packed despite having to be postponed from the original date. The official registration list at the front of the room included 60 students, but there were more participants than registered in room 002, with students lined up along the walls. Truesdale said she and others had to go get more chairs from Room 004 three times.
Anheuser-Busch Hall 002 was packed for the new fintech careers event, co-hosted by the Accounting Club, the Information Technology & Cybersecurity Club and the Finance Club.
“Even being this full didn’t deter later-arriving students from finding a spot,” said Truesdale, who hosted the event and led the planning efforts. “We made sure there was a place for everyone.”
Moneta was represented by Kevin Blankenship and Anthony M. Pietroburgo, RGA was represented by Stephanie Kut and Edmond Deuser and FinLocker was represented by Bryan Garcia. All three spoke about the ever-evolving impact of financial technology on their daily work and how their companies are planning for the future.
“A lot of students don’t really understand what fintech is,” said Marcia Countrymanwho has been an academic advisor to the Accounting Club for a decade. “It’s a bit like artificial intelligence in that it’s evolving so quickly that even experts are constantly learning what’s going on and how to apply it in different types of organizations. That’s why I love having all three clubs here, because financial technology is used everywhere in the business world. Students from different clubs can learn how it is used and, if interested, how to align their business courses in their programs to meet employer needs.
Truesdale said an important point is to appeal to companies that are hiring, whether for internships, part-time or full-time positions. Company representatives also answered students’ questions during and after the event.
“Seeing the interactions between students and speakers was definitely a highlight of the event,” said Timothy Dombrowskiacademic advisor to the Finance Club and assistant professor of finance. “In addition to this, each of the presenters provided valuable insights and advice that students will be able to consider as they progress in their academic and professional careers.” We had three different companies, varying in size and focus, all talking about the importance of fintech and the skills they value in potential interns/employees. This gave students a better understanding of what fintech entails and the opportunities in this growing sector.
Countryman said the event was beneficial for her and the other academic advisors in attendance, Dombrowski and Shaji Khan with ITCC.
“Our goal as faculty here at the university is always to prepare students for their careers, so we also need to keep up to date with what’s going on,” she said. “My job is to help students learn the skills they need for their dream job. So the more we can bring companies like Moneta, RGA, and FinLocker to campus, the greater their chances of knowing, networking, and finding people. the internships and jobs they want.
The collaborative event provided leaders from each club with an opportunity to contribute to planning.
“The students did a great job building collaboration for this event from the ground up and distributing the work among the leaders of the three clubs,” Dombrowski said. “In addition to dividing up the work of recruiting speakers, the students worked together to establish the budget, develop promotional materials and manage the logistics of the event. »
In addition to Truesdale, Accounting Club Vice President Grant Ebert and Treasurer Alex Paubel helped, as did ITCC President Pavani Laxmi Priya Maheswarapu, Vice President Kimathi Njoki, Treasurer Matt Garland and Finance Club officers , including President Addison Eaker, Treasurer Tommy Gerding, Director of Outreach Ted Niemann and Director of Engagement Anisha Inaganti.
“We like to have joint meetings in the College of Business,” Countryman said with a smile. “It gives our officers an opportunity to get to know other groups and what they’re doing and find ways to innovate like they do here, coming up with new ideas.
