Students Attend NABA Conference at Howard University
![Students pose outside the conference](/images/NABA_group.jpg")
The event was made possible by Darrell Pacheco '12, a Dickinson board of trustees member; Dickinson's Integrated Academic Success team; and the Burgess Institute for the Global Economy.
Students from majors across the academic spectrum attend career-focused National Association of Black Accountants event
Twenty Dickinson students recently had the opportunity to attend the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Conference at Howard University in Washington, D.C. This initiative was made possible through a generous gift from Darrell Pacheco '12, a Dickinson Board of Trustees member who recently left behind a decade of investment management with Vanguard to become the owner/operator of Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters.
"As a first-generation college graduate of Dickinson and an immigrant, I understand first-hand the struggles of making sense of the college employment market and navigating a job search from scratch," says Pacheco, noting that the kindness and generosity of Dickinson alums helped pave the way for his professional success. "Supporting a group of diverse, ambitious students to spend a day at a professional development conference in Washington, D.C., with over 20 premier employers across banking, accounting, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, all seeking entry-level talent? Sign me up. It was a full-circle moment for me as an alum, and the pleasure was truly all mine."
The conference, despite its focus on accounting, offered a wide range of opportunities for students across various business-related fields. Many top companies were in attendance, actively recruiting for diverse positions. The event provided an invaluable platform for students to engage in career fairs, in-person networking and educational breakout sessions.
The trip was a collaborative effort between Dickinson's Center for Career Development and the Burgess Institute for the Global Economy. Jonathan Lopes, Career Pathways advisor, and Steve Riccio, executive director of the Burgess Institute, led an informative session to prepare students for the conference, and Pacheco, a NABA member, played a crucial role in pitching the idea and covering student registration costs.
The conference attracted a diverse group of students, primarily majoring in economics, international business & management and data analytics. They had a unique chance to:
- engage with potential employers at career fairs
- network with professionals and peers
- participate in the early stages of recruiting
- and attend educational breakout sessions.
This initiative exemplifies the success of Dickinson's Career Community model, which is supported by the Career Innovation Fund and a partnership with the Burgess Institute. By providing such opportunities, Dickinson continues to enhance its students' professional development and career readiness.
Students interested in learning more about future opportunities like the NABA conference are encouraged to contact Jonathan Lopes at the Center for Career Development.
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Published October 7, 2024