The 12th annual Make it Miami Accounting Camp welcomed 23 high school students from the surrounding area to the Farmer School of Business on July 20-22 for three days of self-development and team-building activities while discovering more about college life and exploring the possibility of an accounting career. Activities included a tour of the FSB building, a values assessment activity, student team projects, and networking sessions with current Miami students as well as Big 4 accounting firm recruiters and interns. Students enjoyed some outdoor time as well, including an “adventure challenge race” at Peffer Park and a visit to Top Golf.
Gina Cardinale (Class of 2026) served as one of the four student chaperones. “I spent a lot of time and effort on my application because I really wanted to be considered and selected for this opportunity, she said.” Student chaperones’ food, lodging, and stipend were provided by the Big 4 firms. “I’ve learned and grown so much from engaging in this spectacular program. The kids gave me a new energy that I was missing since the summer commenced.”
Gina’s interest in the accounting field was strengthened through the program as well: “While Michelle [Thomas] and the firms made sure to pack the three days with fun, I still learned a lot about the field of accounting that extended beyond the classroom. For one, I didn’t realize the need for accountants. One of the employees working for Deloitte mentioned in her presentation that in ten years from now (2033), 75% of all current accountants will be retired. That is huge!”
BriAuna Keys (MAcc ’20), a digital assurance and transparency senior associate at PwC, gave a motivational talk on Friday. “I wanted the campers to understand there are a lot of opportunities in accounting. I think a misconception a lot of people have about accounting is that it’s math intensive and you’re in Excel all day. However, there so many different avenues you can go; that’s only a part of the profession.” She praised the campers’ willingness to get outside their comfort zone and participate in the opportunities presented by the camp.
The camp concluded with creative team presentations about campers’ takeaways, including a skit called Accounting: The Musical, a video on A Day in the Life in FSB, and a TikTok video about an accounting fraud. Another presentation focused on why understanding what you and others value can strengthen team relationships at work. Awards were given to the top team presenter, as well as the “Most Impressive Campers”—Aliya Merchant, a student at Lakota West High School, and Mike Musungu, from Pickerington High School. Both students will receive a $5,000 scholarship for each year of enrollment, conditional on acceptance to the Farmer School of Business in the Fall of 2024.
Many thanks to organizers Michelle Thomas and Jennifer A. Troutman, as well as our campus representatives from Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC, who generously supported the camp! We also thank the interns who provided insights to the campers: Brian Zapp (EY), Will Stewart (Deloitte), William Caldas (PwC), and Jeremy Chapman (KPMG).
