Champlain Today

Jennifer Swiatlowski '03 of Essex Junction, Vt., represented the College at a national accounting event for students this summer. Swiatlowski traveled to a resort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for a four-day Accounting Scholars Leadership Workshop -- but she never hit the beach. Instead, she participated in back-to-back presentations and workshops by representatives from Price Waterhouse Coopers, KPMG, Ernst & Young and other national firms. Sponsored by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the intensive conference is designed to strengthen student leadership, team building and presentation skills, with emphasis on the many career paths within the accounting profession. "I left feeling I have a better sense of direction," Swiatlowski said. "It helped to open my eyes to all that is out there in the accounting field." Nearly 100 selected students came from all over the country -- from colleges big and small -- and they often worked together in teams during the event. They polished their presentation skills in small groups, learned more about the Enron debacle, received tips on résumé building, and got the inside scoop on working for high-profile clients. "As an accountant, you work anywhere -- including the music industry, or for athletes like Venus and Serena Williams," Swiatlowski said.