09 Mar What Students Really Take Away from the Blackman & Sloop Summer Leadership Conference
For many accounting students, the profession can feel a little abstract at first. You learn the concepts in class, work through assignments, and hear about careers in audit, tax, or advisory. But it can still be difficult to picture what the work actually looks like or what it feels like to spend a day inside a firm.
The Blackman & Sloop Summer Leadership Conference was created to close that gap.
Each year, the firm invites a select group of college students to spend two days getting a closer look at the profession. Students meet the people behind the work, learn about different areas of accounting, and take part in conversations about career paths, professional growth, and what it’s really like to build a career in public accounting.
For many attendees, the experience offers more than information. It provides perspective, confidence, and connections that can shape the next steps in their career journey.
Here are a few insights from past participants about what the conference meant to them.
A First Look Inside the Profession
For some students, the conference is the very first time they step inside a professional accounting firm.
Jaden Jones remembers being curious about what working at a firm would actually feel like.
“I was hoping to gain insight into an accounting firm as an accounting major. It was the first accounting firm I was able to visit.”
Jaden first heard about the conference through a fellow member of a student leadership club who had attended the year before.
“I heard about it through one of my colleagues in a student leadership club who had gone the previous year.”
That type of introduction is common. Many students learn about the conference through classmates, campus organizations, or faculty members who encourage them to explore opportunities beyond the classroom. What often begins as a simple recommendation turns into a chance to see the profession in action and start building relationships within the field.
When the Opportunity Feels Right
Sometimes applying comes down to timing. For Jaden, the conference fit perfectly into the start of the summer.
“It was scheduled in May, which was perfect because my internship was starting the following week.”
For Ward Mann, a junior accounting and music double major at High Point University, the decision was shaped by the connections already forming with the Blackman & Sloop team.
“I first heard about the conference through a speaker event with our Accounting Club. Amy and Courtney recommended it as a way to network professionally and explore different areas of accounting.”
Those early conversations made the experience feel both welcoming and worthwhile.
“I made very genuine connections with them and saw it as a great opportunity to take advantage of.”
Seeing the Profession from the Inside
One of the most valuable aspects of the conference is the chance to understand how different areas of accounting work together inside a firm.
Ward came into the experience hoping to learn more about the firm itself and the variety of roles within the profession.
“I wanted to gain insight into Blackman & Sloop as a firm, including their culture and the opportunities across audit, tax, and business advisory.”
Misty May, who first heard about the conference through a Beta Alpha Psi meeting at UNC Greensboro, was excited about the chance to connect with others in the field.
“I hoped to network with fellow accounting students and employees of Blackman & Sloop and gain more insight about the accounting industry.”
Moments like these often help students see how what they are learning in the classroom connects to real-world work and professional relationships.
The Moments Students Remember Most
While the conference includes professional development sessions and firm insights, many students say the most memorable moments come from the people they meet and the experiences they share.
Jaden especially enjoyed the hands-on aspects of the event.
“My favorite parts of the conference were the practice interviews and the team-building event.”
Ward found it particularly valuable to hear from professionals who had recently made the transition from college to the workplace.
“Meeting the younger professionals was really helpful. They had a lot of great advice about the transition from college to the professional world.”
For Misty, the balance between learning and fun made the experience stand out.
“I enjoyed hearing from different speakers around the firm because it allowed us to hear many perspectives. The escape room was also fun because it was a low-pressure way to network with peers and professionals.”
These interactions often remind students that accounting is not just about technical knowledge. It is also about collaboration, communication, and relationships.
Advice from Past Attendees
Students who have attended the conference tend to share similar advice for those considering applying: take the opportunity.
Jaden encourages students to be proactive about gaining experiences that help them grow.
“Showing an eagerness to participate in events like these provides an amazing learning experience and connections that will follow you throughout your career.”
Ward agrees.
“If you are considering applying, do it. It is a worthwhile experience in every aspect.”
Misty shares a similar perspective.
“If you’re interested in applying, go for it. It’s a fun conference with amazing people and topics that are relevant to students.”
Take the First Step Toward Your Future in Accounting
Experiences like the Blackman & Sloop Summer Leadership Conference give students the chance to explore the profession in a meaningful way. By meeting professionals, participating in hands-on activities, and hearing honest career insights, students gain a clearer understanding of what a future in public accounting can look like.
If you are curious about the profession and want to learn more about the people and opportunities within it, this conference is a great place to start.
Applications for the upcoming Summer Leadership Conference are open now, and the deadline to apply is March 13.
Students interested in attending can submit their resume and unofficial transcript to Amy Ford, Campus Recruiting Manager, at aford@b-sadvisors.com.
It may only be two days, but for many students, the experience becomes the moment when a career path starts to come into focus.