Students Learn Hands-on Tactics for a Career in Accounting

By Kathleen Hoffelder, NJCPA Content & Communications Manager – May 28, 2026

More than 60 college students with an interest in accounting came to the New Jersey Society of CPAs’ (NJCPA) third annual Accelerating Scholars in Accounting (ASA) event held at EisnerAmper’s office in Iselin on May 15 and left with practical tactics to land jobs and start their careers.

Hosted by Don Meyer, CAE, chief growth officer at the NJCPA, the event featured talks from Aiysha (AJ) Johnson, MA, IOM, CEO and executive director at the NJCPA; John Szczomak, CPA, 2025/26 NJCPA president and member of the firm at Smolin, Lupin & Co; and 2026/27 NJCPA President-elect Chris Lovasz, CPA, managing director at Deloitte & Touche LLP.

Johnson advised students about the many types of accounting jobs that exist today as well as the importance of “growing into leadership roles.” She told students how important it is to be “present” at events by asking questions and introducing themselves to others in the room.

Szczomak reminded students that the accounting profession needs people like them, telling students that “each and every one of you belongs here.” He advised the students to “sit with someone new” and “don’t worry about having a perfect elevator pitch” when meeting professionals.

While Szczomak explained that “leadership and people skills” continue to be the future of the accounting profession, he acknowledged that technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the work that is being done and creating many opportunities.

LinkedIn Lessons

Deirdre Rock, NCRW, NCOPE, CMA, a career development advisor at Composed Career LLC who spoke at the event, noted that students should be looking to “build a career, not just get a job.” Important tools that students can implement even before they graduate, she explained, are to build up their contacts on LinkedIn, include comments on others’ posts and remember to use AI as a tool, not in place of authenticity.

Better Presentations

Most accounting jobs today require effective presentation skills and the ability to speak comfortably with clients or internal organizational staff. What complements those communication skills, according to presenter George Ruthauser, a certified public speaking and presentation coach at GARVO Communications, are lessons on body language and confidence. Through carefully selected exercises at the event, Ruthauser showed how one’s body language and eye contact are effective tools in portraying self-assurance in any subject matter.

When talking in front of a room, he added, it’s best to “change your topic, change your position” to keep everyone’s attention. He also noted that the “power of the pause,” or the ability to stop and let listeners soak in what was said for a few seconds before continuing, creates intentional importance around one’s message.

Similarly, Nicole M. DeRosa, CPA, MAcc, director of tax at SKC & Co. CPAs, LLC and brand ambassador at UWorld, discussed how finding one’s voice and having a defined personal brand can help students succeed and stand apart from the competition. “What will differentiate you?” she asked attendees.

DeRosa presented a few lessons on how there is often a crucial distinction between “how you see yourself versus how others see you.” One’s personal brand and reputation are very important, she explained. “A bad reputation can negatively impact your personal brand.”

CPA Exam Hacks

Nicholas Mihalik, northeast manager of firm/partnerships/business development in accounting and finance at UWorld, reminded those students who are likely to go on to become certified public accountants (CPAs) and take the CPA Exam to focus on obtaining it at their own pace, noting that, “slow and steady wins the race.” Each of the four-part CPA Exam sections, he said, requires about 160 hours of studying.

Sarah Shepherd, director of firm and university partnerships at UWorld, added that careful preparation is the best way for students to start the process of preparing for the CPA Exam. The sections, she explained, are “uncrammable.” Shepherd advised students to make the CPA Exam a priority as soon as they graduate college. “It can be a year of your life to get through the whole Exam,” she said.

If you’re interested in attending Accelerating Scholars in Accounting and other NJCPA student events, sign up for free student membership.