Beta Alpha Psi Meeting Presentation Guidance

We offer two formats for our professional meetings: a panel or workshop style presentation. Our presenting professional partner chooses the format that best suits their topic and professionals. The end goal is to keep our students engaged throughout your presentation.

General Tips for Making Your BAP Presentation Successful

  • Although meetings last one hour, housekeeping items at the beginning can cut your time down to 50-55 minutes. We aim for all meetings to last at least 50 minutes total (including networking) so we can report them for national BAP purposes.
  • Dedicate 5-10 minutes to discussing your firm/company, its structure, and what you have to offer AU students.
  • Host a social event before or after your event to capitalize on your trip to campus. This should be coordinated through Colby Lakas, and can target specific individuals or the entire chapter. Click here to view available dates and times
  • Promotional items can be a great way to encourage audience questions, or reward their meeting attendance.
  • We discourage virtual presentations, but Auburn University uses Zoom and that is our preferred platform for presenters who are unable to join us in person. Click here for some best practices if you must utilize virtual presentation means.

Meeting Topic Ideas

  1. Emerging Technologies – Discuss an emerging technology & how it is poised to affect the profession or the industries you serve (e.g. Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Drones, etc.).
  2. Cybersecurity – What are the signs of a data breach? Have you encountered system attacks? What measures do you take to protect information?
  3. Cloud Computing – Describe cloud computing and how you utilize cloud technology to serve clients and provide flexibility and mobility to your employees. What role did Cloud Computing play in the shift to the virtual environment during the Pandemic and how has it evolved since?
  4. Data: Analytics, Modeling, Structure, Visualization – What data analytics or visualization software do you use (in addition to Excel), and in what capacity? What is data modeling? How does the structure of data affect modeling? How do you handle large sets of data?
  5. Negotiation Skills – What skills are necessary for negotiating salary with an employer (and when is that appropriate to discuss), or how do firms negotiate fees/services with a potential client?
  6. Path to Partner – What skills are necessary to reach this level, and what do you actually do as a partner? How are partners compensated since they are owners?
  7. Adapting to Different Management Styles – How can intern/associate level employees smoothly transition to different managers/teams? How to embrace and effectively use feedback from various levels?
  8. Summer Leadership Programs & Internships – There is no better way to preview an employer and career than early exposure through SLPs and internships. What do these programs look like, and how can students ensure a successful outcome?
  9. Diversity and Inclusion – In the workplace there are many diverse voices. Inclusion is respecting and valuing those voices. What initiatives foster an appreciation for D&I, and how can new employees embrace them?
  10. International Business Opportunities (international firms only) – What international rotations/assignments are available, and how do teams for international clients successfully work together? How can young professionals express interest and gain exposure to international opportunities?
  11. Fraud Investigation or Forensic Accounting – How is a fraud/forensic engagement different than an audit? What skills are necessary for students wishing to pursue this path?
  12. Differences in Auditing Industries – Provide an overview of the different auditing industries and some of the techniques/processes involved in various audit divisions.
  13. Differences in Tax Engagements (Entities & Specialty Groups) – A variety of sub-practices exist to best serve the types of clients in the market. What are the types of tax engagements and/or groups that an intern might see?
  14. Ethical Decision Making Skills – Accountancy is based on trust. This session will distinguish one’s core values and ethical decision making.
  15. Workplace of the Future – What will daily professional lives look like after the pandemic? What are some strategies to balance the challenges and inconsistencies that come with working in a hybrid or remote workplace?
  16. Life Outside of Busy Season/Work-Life Balance – What happens outside the confines of a busy client workload? How can new employees balance personal and professional throughout the year? What type of workload can employees typically expect to see outside of busy seasons?
  17. Consulting or Advisory – Beyond the standard choices of audit & tax, what opportunities await accountants in Consulting/Advisory roles? What are typical engagements and requisite skills? How can the path to these career choices differ from audit or tax for students or young professionals?
  18. Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability – What are you doing to serve the greater good of the community, and promote sustainable operations (“future-proofing” business)?
  19. Hot Topics in the Industry – What changes in the business environment are affecting a particular industry or aspect of your business?
  20. Adulting 101 – What do new graduates need to know as they navigate their adult life? Discuss benefit elections, savings and budgeting, tips for efficiency in getting the job done, etc.