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As students, we are continuously faced with opportunities to join a variety of organizations. My choice was to become associated with the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). While it would have been easy to pay my dues, call myself a member, and let the relationship end at that, what benefits would there be besides the name on my resume? I joined the IMA for a number of reasons, the least of which was a quest for a name to link to mine. In search of guidance, I found much more.
I was interested in the IMA initially because I wanted to explore the different aspects a career in accounting has to offer. Having just made the transition into the upper-division accounting course work, I wanted to know more about the choices I ultimately would have. The words "public" and "private" were just that-words. Their meaning in the context of accounting was unfamiliar to me. That's not to say that I was unaware of a difference, but what did this difference entail? I viewed the IMA as a source of knowledge-a resource tool I could use to set my career goals. Little did I know that my affiliation with the IMA would serve as a means of not only determining but also achieving those same goals.
Networking and More
When I joined the IMA, I was hoping to develop some networking opportunities. I was unprepared for the experience I have had as a member. The Institute has almost 300 chapters throughout the country that meet formally once a month and that sponsor a variety of other activities several times a year. I joined the Phoenix Chapter. There also are more than 300 student chapters affiliated with all sizes of colleges and universities. I'm a member of the Grand Canyon University student chapter. Through joint technical sessions of our parent and student chapters, I have found a business community that is very supportive of and interested in today's students. The members I have come to know have shared their time and experiences with me in an effort to give me guidance and direction. I have formed relationships, both personal and professional, that I could not have formed without my IMA affiliation. Through my involvement,...