What makes our mentor program successful is its three tiered-system. Each mentee is paired with an upperclassman mentor and a WSU alumnus that is an established professional. This structure proves successful because it connects students to degree-specific leadership within the school and out in the work force. The on campus mentor focuses on professional development while the professional mentor informs students of industry demands. Combined, the two mentors provide resources to create competitive applicants for the state of Washington. There are now approximately 25 additional alumni involved with the accounting program, and over 100 participants in the program’s first semester. This program cultivates leaders who are well polished, professional and will be immediate contributors in the workplace. Read the Case Study: http://universityeda.org/value-to-members/best-practice-sharing/awards-of-excellence/awards-of-excellence-2013-finalists/beta-alpha-psi-mentor-program/

1. Beta Alpha Psi Mentor Program
Developing Young Professionals &
Expanding the WSU Business Network
Devin Ossman - Master’s Student
Audit Associate: Deloitte Fall 2014
Elizabeth Steere - Master’s Student
Audit Associate: PwC Spring 2014
Replace This Text
with Your Logos

2. Intro - The Problem
School Issues
• Geographical location
• Limited accessibility to firms
• Limited knowledge of accounting
profession
• Need for professional development
Washington State
National Issues
• 13.5% unemployment rate for
students
• 40% underemployment rate
• Growth of the accounting profession
• Economic conditions
Replace This Text
with Your Logos

3. The Solution - Innovation Applied
• Identified the need
• Resource Utilization
–
–
–
–
Supportive alumni
Involved faculty
Beta Alpha Psi
Experienced upperclassmen
• We developed a targeted
solution:
Three Tiered Mentor System
Replace This Text
with Your Logos

4. The Three Tiered System
Professional Mentors (38)
Student Mentors (33)
Student Mentees (53)
Replace This Text
with Your Logos

5. Measuring the Success
•
Soft Skill Development
–
–
•
Network Expansion
–
–
•
100 people involved in the first semester
Nearly a 25% increase in the program this year
Increase Summer Leadership Invitations
–
•
Students are often underprepared
We provide networking tips, practice
interviews, and insight on client service
62% Increase (Big 4 + Moss Adams)
Increased 2nd Round Internship & Full-time
Invitations
–
20% Increase Projected
Replace This Text
with Your Logos

6. Where It All Fits
• Beta Alpha Psi
– Officers & Advisor, Nori Pearson
– Professors
– Networking Events
• Meet the Firms & Panel Discussion
• Spring & Summer WSU Socials
• Various Social and Professional
Development Activities
• The bridge between students and professionals
Replace This Text
with Your Logos

7. Talent Development: A Word From The Firms
“The program is very beneficial to students. It also
helps the firms by creating informed candidates with
knowledge about the industry and the jobs they are
applying for.”
- Jenni Gillis, Recruiter, Deloitte
“What makes this program special and beneficial, is the depth of the
structure. The program has received overwhelming support from the
accounting department, statewide professionals, and professors involved on
campus. Most importantly, the students have really responded, as most are
participating as mentees or student mentors.”
- Jared Theis, KPMG Manager
Replace This Text
with Your Logos

8. Sustainability and Replicability
• Resources:
–
–
–
–
Student leaders
Involved alumni
A strong framework
Minimal monetary cost
• The Framework:
–
–
–
–
Structured curriculum
Expectations for the mentors
Officer position within Beta Alpha Psi
The program has already grown by
over 20% under new leadership
• This Model can be Easily Replicated:
– Other majors
– Other universities
Replace This Text
with Your Logos