May 2001

Student Members Say They Anticipate Active Membership

In an effort to retain and attract students, the New York State Society of CPAs recently slashed student member dues to five dollars. This action is just one of many steps taken by the Society to actively recruit students for membership, and help reduce the steady decline in the number of students enrolled in accounting programs across the country. For example, programs such as the Society’s Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP) have been created to help students develop an interest in the accounting profession at an early age.

The Society has 97 student members. Recently, The Trusted Professional contacted some of these members to determine whether the NYSSCPA is meeting their needs and expectations

Laurie DiRusso said that she has greatly benefited from her membership with the Society. The Long Island University graduate, now with Gallo & Penzone, said she has attended a number of Society-led dinners and events designed for students. These functions provided good opportunities for networking, she said.

The other student members interviewed said they do not fully utilize their membership with the Society, primarily because continuing professional education, a cornerstone of the NYSSCPA, does not affect them. Additionally, their busy class and work schedules often prevent them from taking advantage of other Society-sponsored activities.

Although some students may not be able to take advantage of every service the Society offers, all the interviewees said they plan to be active Society members once their schedules ease up and they pass the CPA exam. Jeannine Wright of Pagano & Forgach LLP, who graduated in January and is preparing to sit for the exam, said she would like to join the tax committee when she passes.

And though she currently is too busy to take advantage, Cheryl Flower of David Berdon & Co. LLP believes the Society will offer her important networking opportunities in the future. Flower also spoke highly of the Society’s attempts to welcome new student members, noting that several members called to introduce themselves when she first joined the NYSSCPA.