Accounting course engages students with industry professionals

Since Fall 2024, the Fisher School of Accounting has offered Exploring Careers in Accounting (ACG2391). This one-credit elective course provides students with a foundational understanding of the accounting field through professional guest speakers and career-focused topics. 

Cindy Dosch, an accounting lecturer, designed this course to provide students, specifically underclassmen, with an opportunity to increase awareness and excitement about the accounting field.

The course brings in guest speakers across the accounting profession to cover various career topics, including common career paths, entrepreneurship opportunities, the CPA exam and academic requirements; these industry professionals are from public accounting firms of all sizes (including the Big Four), companies looking to hire accountants, government organizations, non-profit organizations and alumni from the Fisher School of Accounting. Many of the companies are Warrington’s corporate partners and associates, including: 

• Deloitte
• EY
• KPMG
• NextEra Energy
• PwC
• Raymond James

“By the end of the semester, [the students have] learned the terminology, heard testimonies from practitioners and gotten a sense of where their interests fit,” Dosch said. “This early clarity allows them to focus on pursuing opportunities that align with who they are and what they want.”

Erick Arias (BSAc ‘29) is a first-year accounting student who took this course to get his first glimpse into the accounting profession. 

“My favorite thing about this class so far has been how informative and passionate each presenter has been,” Arias said. “The most significant thing I learned is the importance of networking, not just in the field of accounting but also in general. This translated well into my obligations outside of school, as I have learned about many opportunities open to myself now and later just by becoming close and acquainted with those in my club, job and classes.”

This course also helped Angelina Giraldo (BSAc ‘26) secure an internship for next summer in Honeywell’s Future Finance Leaders program.

“The class felt integrated, supportive and comfortable, creating an environment that eased the nerves that often come with professional development,” Giraldo said. “This course has opened the door to incredible opportunities for me. Beyond the internships and programs I’ve gained, I’ve also learned about the real intricacies of pursuing a career in accounting, and I feel more confident and prepared because of it.”

Exploring Careers in Accounting is offered in the spring 2026 semester on Thursdays from 6:15 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. (Periods 11-E1). This course is open to all majors, not just accounting. If you are interested in taking this course, register through One.UF and reach out to your Heavener School of Business or Fisher School of Accounting adviser with any questions.