Student Guide for Accounting Recruitment Week

two girls checking out the career fair

Accounting Recruitment Week 

The traditional name has stuck, but “Accounting Recruitment Week” is really a lot more than just one week!  It is a collection of events held every year specifically for all UAA accounting students and alumni. Accounting firms from across Alaska come to campus for a Meet the Firms networking event to get to know you and share the opportunities they have available. You’ll be able to submit your applications to the attending firms, with the potential to interview! Most recruiters are looking for students on a public accounting track, but we welcome all kinds of accounting students to this event. All recruiters involved are happy to talk with you about discerning the path that’s best for you.

Whether you're applying for an internship or seeking a career after graduation, Accounting Recruitment Week is an integral step in the journey to a career in accounting.

  ARW Student Checklist


Participating in ARW

Accounting Recruitment Week is a time to explore a variety of internship opportunities and career pathways with both local and national firms. There are many events, and steps you will take throughout what is essentially accounting recruitment month. We strongly encourage you attend Accounting Recruitment Week orientation (see under dates and deadlines) to have the greatest success. In the meantime, please utilize the following information. 

  • Review this website to gain a comprehensive understanding of Accounting Recruitment Week

  • Watch the recording of the Accounting Recruitment Week Orientation Session.  

  • Review open positions on Handshake
    Check out the event on Handshake to research attending accounting firms

  • Many applications require a reference. We encourage you to contact faculty and previous supervisors by September 17 if requesting they be listed as a reference. 

  • Attend Meet the Firms on Tuesday, September 19. This is an interactive tabling event where you will be able to connect with accounting firms and discuss open positions and career opportunities. 

    Prepare a list of questions to ask attending firms. 
    Practice your elevator pitch

  • Update your resume and cover letter prior to the application deadline. You are encouraged to make an appointment with Career Services before September 25

  • Attend the Accounting Club social on September 29, 6 pm - 9 pm AKT in the UAA Student Union. This event is open to all accounting students even if you choose not to participate in other Accounting Recruitment Week events. 

  • Apply to open positions by October 1st by 11:59 pm AKT. 

  • Complete mock interview appointments with Career Services in preparation for interview weeks. 

  • Participate in accounting interview between October 4 - October 20. Interviews may be in-person on-campus, off-campus, or virtual. The accounting firm will contact you directly to schedule interviews. 

    Follow-up each interview by sending a thank you email to the hiring committee. 

  • Accept or decline offers by October 27 at 5 pm AKT. Offers should not expire before this deadline. 

Dates & Deadlines

 

    • UAA Accounting Recruitment Week Orientation 
      Thursday, September 7 | 3 pm - 4 pm AKT
      Student Union - Lyla Richards Conference Room
      2901 Spirit Way, Anchorage 
  •  
    • UAA Meet the Firms
      Tuesday, September 19 | 4 pm - 6 pm AKT
      Student Union - Cafeteria 
      2901 Spirit Way, Anchorage 
  •  
    • UAA Accounting Club Social
      Friday, September 29 | 6 pm - 9 pm AKT
      Student Union - Den
      2901 Spirit Way, Anchorage 
  •  
    • Candidate application deadline
      Sunday, October 1 | 11:59 pm AKT
      Handshake
  •  
    • Interview weeks
      Wednesday, October 4 - Friday, October 20 
      On-campus, off-campus, or virtual (Accounting firms will contact you directly to schedule your interviews.)
  •  
    • Deadline to accept or decline offers
      Friday, October 27 | 5 pm AKT
      Deadlines can not expire prior to this date

Preparing for Meet the Firms

  1. Make sure you log into Handshake to activate your FREE student account prior to this event. Simply log in with your UA username and password.
  2. Make sure your Handshake account is updated as employers will be reviewing your profile.
  3. You will be using Handshake to participate in this event. You may prefer to download the mobile app for an easier experience. [Apple, Android]

What is Handshake? 

Handshake is the University of Alaska's career management website. It's easy to navigate, works on your phone, and allows you to find jobs and connect with local and national firms. Handshake is where you will find information about the firms attending Accounting Recruitment Week and the jobs and internships they have posted. It is also where you will apply for positions!