Group of young people at a professional networking event or conference, engaging in conversations in a large, well-lit room with a presentation screen displaying 'Meet the Patriots Fall 2026'.
Conference room with attendees, large screens displaying 'Welcome to Meet the Firms Fall 2026 Charles W. Landon School of Accountancy,' and buffet tables with food.

Meet the Firms

Young people standing in line at a registration or check-in desk in a spacious building, possibly a conference or event venue.
People attending a professional event in a large conference hall, with some standing at high tables and others walking around, in front of a large screen that reads 'Welcome to Meet the Firms Fall 2026 Charles W. Lunden School of Accountancy.'

What is Meet the Firms?

Meet the Firms is a networking event jointly hosted by the Student Accounting Society, Beta Alpha Psi, and ALPFA, featuring numerous accredited Accounting firms, government organizations, and other similar businesses. Meet the Firms is the signature accounting event held every semester, typically during the second month of the academic semester, usually in September for the fall semester and in February for the spring semester.

Meet the Firms serves as a crucial networking opportunities for students, providing them with direct access to a wide range of accredited accounting firms, from local practices to national and international firms. During the event, students have the ability to engage with professionals, learn more about the industry, explore various career paths, and identify internship or full-time opportunities that align with their personal interests and long-term career goals.

Whether students are seeking their first internship opportunity or exploring potential employers, Meet the Firms offers valuable opportunities to make lasting connections and take meaningful steps toward a successful future in accounting and related professions

Group of people standing at a career or job fair, with booths and banners in the background.
A woman with long dark hair, wearing a white sleeveless dress, smiling and talking to a man at a professional event or conference, with other attendees in the background.

How to Prepare for Meet the Firms

For most students, Meet the Firms is their first opportunity to meet with professionals from the accounting field and related industries. This can be very intimidating and daunting, even for the most experienced professionals! In this section, we provide you with the resources necessary to succeed during this event and future opportunities.

Check out our page Professional Guides to see our in-depth guides on how to prepare yourself for your career and Meet the Firms!

  • Dress your best!

    • Arriving prepared and looking the part is essential to creating a good impression with everyone you meet

    • At professional events, it is highly recommended to dress professionally in appropriate business attire

  • Prepare and update your resume

    • On your resume, be sure to include your education, prior experience, campus involvement and more

  • Print out multiple copies of your resume

    • Print at least 8 to 10 copies of your resume to hand out to firms at the event

    • Purchase a portfolio to keep all resumes, lists of questions, and any firm handouts in a safe and organized location

  • Prepare an elevator pitch

    • An elevator pitch is a short introduction of yourself, including who you are, what you have done in the past (schooling, internships, experience), and what you hope to accomplish in the future.

    • Elevator pitches are an essential resource to start off on the right foot with recruiters or interviewers

  • Create a list of questions to ask firms

    • Before the event, prepare a list of questions you would like to ask the campus recruiters representing the firms. Asking questions shows you have genuine interest in the firm and what people have to offer you, as well as providing valuable information about the firm and the opportunities it provides

  • Keep in mind which firms you would like to speak to

    • There are numerous firms attending Meet the Firms every semester, and it can become daunting to speak to every firm. Before the event, it is recommended to prepare a list of what companies interest you

    • Make sure to remember which companies offer what you need to succeed (location, firm type, internship type) and which firms align with your values

  • Practice, practice, practice!

    • Make sure you understand how to properly give an elevator pitch, as well as knowing what is presented on your resume

    • If you are unsure what to say to firms, create a general script or sequence of talking points you can use if you get stuck

  • Send a follow-up email or message to recruiters

    • Firms always love to hear back from you! Sending a follow-up email or LinkedIn message to campus recruiters will ensure you make a lasting impression

  • Be confident!

Meeting with professionals in a business setting can be a very intimidating and anxiety-inducing task, especially in a professional environment. You may have fears regarding the event, or you may be unsure on what may go down. We 100% understand your worries!

  • If you have any questions about Meet the Firms, or if you’re uncertain about anything regarding this event, please reach out via email to the VP of Communications (sascommunications.sdsu@gmail.com) or send us a message on our Instagram page.

  • We are dedicated to helping you succeed, so please contact us if you are unsure about anything!

Three people engaged in conversation at a conference or networking event, with a group of people blurred in the background.
Two young professionals, a woman and a man, dressed in business attire, are looking at documents at a networking event or conference with many other people in the background.

Fall 2026 Meet the Firms

Date: Friday, September 11th 2026

When: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM PST

Location: Montezuma Hall

Registration Deadline: September 10th. Students will be charged a $10 late registration fee after September 10th.

The Student Accounting Society, Beta Alpha Psi, and ALPFA, on the behalf of the Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy, jointly bring together professionals, students, and faculty on campus at Meet the Firms. At this event, professionals are able to network with students who are eager to enter the Accounting and related professions. For many students, this will be their first opportunity to begin tying their education at San Diego State University to their future career.

In order to attend, register online with the link below. If you are a paid member of the Student Accounting Society for the Fall 2026 semester, your registration for Meet the Firms is free!

Attendees gathering at the 'Meet the Firms' event in a conference room with a large screen displaying the event's title and details for Fall 2026 at Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy.
Woman in black shirt talking to two young men in suits at a professional event.