Ball State University accounting students had the opportunity to participate in a boot camp experience, but without the drill instructors and physical exertion.
The department of accounting offered Boot Camp: Accounting Basics Training, which gave accounting students information about their future careers, on Saturday.
Alumni spoke to students about the importance of social networking and internships at the event.
T.J. Bush, member of the young alumni advising board, said the conference would help students understand accounting, especially the different aspects of the fields.
"The recruiting process starts so early for accounting majors that, often, they're asked what type of accounting they're interested in before they know what type of accounting they want to do," Bush said.
Accounting is similar to someone saying they want to be an engineer, Bush said. There are different types of engineering and there are different types of accounting, he said.
Junior accounting major Terry Crabtree said the conference helped him understand what to do in order to become successful as an accountant.
"We had a few guest speakers talking about internship opportunities and the importance of grad school," he said. "I feel today has definitely prepared me more. It gave me perspectives on what I'll do after graduation."
Junior accounting major Tyler Johnston said the conference was a "reality check" for students.
"It's making me realize I'm not as prepared as I thought I was," Johnston said. "Networking and getting my name out right now is important at this stage."
Johnston said conferences such as this are important to accounting students.
"It made me understand what I should be doing," he said.
Johnston said accounting students need to join groups, apply for internships and attend the upcoming career fair.
Cindy Van Alst, chairwoman for the department of accounting, said the information provided is necessary for students getting into the accounting field.
"We feel it's pretty important information and even though most of the information is available one way or another, we wanted to make all the information available, one place and time," Van Alst said.
Van Alst said the idea began in the department of accounting, but has become a joint event for the department and alumni.
"The Young Alumni have done a great job and just ran with it," she said. "[It was] all original brain storming with very little direction."
Johnston said his future and present will be much better because he attended the conference.
"I was already excited to get out of school and make money," Johnston said, "but I realize to take advantage of the down time right now before working everyday. We're just getting started with accounting."
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