Making the most of a Bethel finance and accounting degree

Bethel University Finance and Accounting majors served on a panel to pass on knowledge to students following in their footsteps.

By Kate Holstein | Reporter

On Sept. 24, five well-dressed Bethel University senior finance and accounting majors sat as panelists hoping to pass on their knowledge to other students. Despite the business attire and slim attendance, laughter pierced the formal setting multiple times throughout the question and answer discussion. Topics of conversation included networking, getting involved in Bethel business clubs like SMIF (Student Managed Investment Fund), and preferences between the private and public sectors of their fields.

However, the theme that continued to fill the Brushaber Commons conference room was hard work along with the phrase “It’s really what you make of it.”

Out of the five seniors, one was female, three have secured full time positions for after graduation, all five have had full time internships over the summer and all are planning to take the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exams.

When asked if they prepared for their internships or hit a sharp learning curve, the seniors all emphasized the importance of attitude over previously learned skills.

“My boss said, ‘We’re more looking at your attitude and how you approach your work rather than the quality of it,’” business and finance double-major Tony Woodley said. “They wanted me to just be eager and accept coaching.”

“You’ve got to show up, be yourself, work hard and have a good attitude,” accounting and finance double-major Peter Wachtler said.

Some final words of wisdom shared consisted of, “Follow up with people,” finance major Nick Lee said. “It’s always better to be responsive than to sit back and wait for things to come to you.”

“Being a part of SMIF is great if you want to end up in a finance position, especially if you want to end up in the investment world.” — Tony Woodley, senior business finance double major

One new program that four of the five seniors have participated in is SMIF, a 1 million dollar investment created by Thrivent Financial for Bethel students to invest.

“Being a part of SMIF is great if you want to end up in a finance position, especially if you want to end up in the investment world,” Woodley said.

After the panel concluded, seniors Ty Frazier and Nick Lee agreed that the biggest takeaway from their time at Bethel has been the utilization of Bethel’s vast alumni network and professor connections to their full potential. In addition, they credit much of their networking and comfortability in the field to Bethel clubs such as Project X, SMIF, and site visits.

For these Bethel University senior Finance and Accounting majors, hard work and the utilization of provided resources and activities have played a key role in their success thus far.