Over the past two decades, Firm Night – the annual job fair presented by the Davis College of Business and Economics, and now in its 18th year – has evolved into an institution.
“It is our way to showcase our accounting, finance, information systems and economics
majors to potential employers,” said Assistant Professor of Accounting Rob Warren.
“And it provides students access so they can learn more about internship and career
opportunities.”
Sponsored by the Department of Accounting, Finance and Information Systems (AFIS), this latest installment will feature several changes and upgrades, including a new
location and an expanded list of invitees.
Firm Night will be held Thursday, Sept. 5, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This year, it will take place in the Multi-Activity Center (MAC) at the Student Recreation
and Wellness Center instead of its usual spot in Kyle Hall because “the MAC is a more
central spot for our students, a larger space, and it’s more accessible to our employer
partners,” Warren said.
Students in accounting and finance have long had open invitations to Firm Night, but
economics majors were added last year, and this month, the organizers have expanded
that list to include information systems students.
Radford alumni from those four disciplines also are now free to attend.
“By including [alums], we demonstrate our commitment to their continued success,”
Warren explained, “and our employer partners also get access to an experienced labor
pool.”
Last year’s Firm Night hosted representatives from about 25 companies – including Brown Edwards & Company,
Ernst & Young, Freedom First Credit Union, Truist, the Auditor of Public Accounts,
Internal Revenue Service, Food City and Kollmorgen – who met with about 60 students.
This year will likely see both of those figures rise.
“We are at 25 firms, and we hope to add a couple more,” Associate Professor of Accounting
Mike Chatham said last week .
“This is a highly successful event,” Warren added. “Many of our accounting graduates
land internships, starting the summer before their senior year, from employers they
met at Firm Night, and many of those internships lead to full-time employment offers.”
Graduating seniors can attend Firm Night starting at 6 p.m. At 6:30, doors will open
to juniors and underclass students. Undergraduates and alums who play to come should
submit a student registration form online.
Employers and firms who wish to attend Firm Night are asked to use the 2024 online registration form to secure a place.
Anyone with questions or seeking alternative ways to register can email mdchatham@radford.edu.
Employers, recruiters and faculty members are also invited to attend a special social
hour in the dean’s suite in Kyle Hall, starting at 7:45 p.m. after Firm Night concludes.
