Bellevue University's IMA chapter focuses on leadership, learning and service
Professor Monica McElhaney lights up when she describes the community service that members of Bellevue University's IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) chapter perform each year. There is a sense of pride in the description of the speakers at the group's events which enhances the University's commitment to Real learning for Real Life; and even more in the success members have found in finding employment through connections made in this group.
IMA is the worldwide association for accountants and financial professionals working in business. While nationally there are 60,000 members worldwide, each semester nearly 30 dedicated students participate in campus-based meetings and a host of service activities through Bellevue's chapter. As the number of students in online accounting courses grow, the group looks to reach those students as well.
Most of these students are earning their Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the University, while others are MBA students who are earning the Accounting concentration.
These sessions feature speakers from the accounting or finance profession who offer students a real world perspective on career opportunities. Recent speakers include FBI fraud investigators, an accounting firm and IRS employees. Every spring, alumni and current students have a chance to get together at a dinner, further building networking opportunities. While students pay a small fee to participate, much of that goes directly back in the form of scholarships that students can use towards books or tuition.
These students have organized Red Cross blood drives, participated in the Zoo cleanup and worked to give back to the community in many other ways. Members also gain leadership experience taking on various aspects of the campus organization, from communications to group president.
Click here to learn more about the IMA chapter at Bellevue University.
