The 极乐禁地's Thumel Business Center Atrium buzzed with energy on Nov. 5 during the annual 鈥淏ack to UBalt Night.鈥� The signature event gives accounting students a chance to network with alumni and learn about career paths in the profession.
The evening began with a lively networking reception where students connected with alumni from banking, government and public accounting sectors. Later, attendees gathered in the auditorium for an alumni panel moderated by , (M.S. '24), staff auditor at SB & Company.
Panelists included , (B.S. '13) talent acquisition manager at CFG Bank; Zia Maqsood, (M.S. '21, B.S. '20) auditor at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; , (B.S. '19), accounting manager at Maryland Stadium Authority; and , (MBA '24, B.S. '18), assurance manager at SB & Company. They shared candid stories about their careers and offered practical advice on preparing for the CPA exam and succeeding in the field.
This year鈥檚 theme focused on technology鈥檚 impact on accounting. Alumni discussed how AI, data analytics and emerging tools are reshaping the profession. While automation is changing some roles, they emphasized that accounting still requires a human touch. Today鈥檚 accountants, they said, must be strong communicators, tech-savvy analysts and lifelong learners鈥攏ot just number crunchers.
Student feedback reflected the event鈥檚 impact. 鈥淚 thought about how much communication really matters in accounting,鈥� said Ulyricia Pittman, an accounting certificate student. Dmitry Gurvits, a senior accounting major attending for the second year, called the event 鈥渁 chance to celebrate the power of the hive鈥� and see the value of a UBalt degree.
鈥淚nspiring our students to envision their future begins with showcasing the success of our alumni,鈥� said Dr. Jan Williams, professor of accounting. 鈥淓xposure is key.鈥�
The event was made possible through the support of , which sponsored the networking reception. UBalt extends its gratitude to all alumni who shared their time and wisdom.
See you next year!
