Arcadia University Bulletin

By Sarah R. Schwartz ’10

Fanelli

Just weeks after graduation, Accounting major Alexis Fanelli ’10 landed a position in the auditing department of Kreischer Miller (KM), a regional accounting firm located in Horsham, Pa. The job offer came after completing an internship with KM her junior year. Reflecting on her transition from student to working professional,  Fanelli attests to the value of networking and good advice.

In 2008, as a new graduate from Bucks County Community College with an associate’s degree in Business Administration, Fanelli knew she wanted to move on to a B.A. program in Accounting. While attending an Arcadia University Open House event, Fanelli was highly impressed with the personalized care and attention from faculty and staff. She knew it was the right place to continue her education.

“Many of my professors were very willing to give me good, sound advice based on their extensive knowledge and experiences. That kind of tutelage aided me in taking advantage of the opportunities that Arcadia made available in my profession,” she says. “As I entered my field, I found that many things that are necessary to know are not learned from a textbook. My professors at Arcadia University understood this, which I believe helped me and will continue to aid me in my success.”

Faculty certainly recognized Fanelli’s drive, as she was awarded the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (PICPA) Award at Honors Convocation in March. The award is give to the senior selected by faculty on the basis of intellectual capacity and qualities of leadership.

It was also at a PICPA event where Fanelli had the opportunity to network with employees and recruiters from some top companies. Thomas M. Brinker Jr., Professor of Accounting, had suggested she attend PICPA’s Casino Nightt, and the connections she made there eventually landed her an internship at KM. She worked in the Entrepreneurial Services Department as a staff accountant.

Though she admits she didn’t fully realize the importance of networking at the time, Fanelli learned how truly valuable the networking could be. “Speak to and network with your professors. You may not see the impact of doing so immediately; however, it will open up many doors for you,” she says. “Obtaining a college education and beginning a new career is not an easy road—trying to balance networking, school, work, internships, etc. You might fall at times, but that is nothing to be ashamed of. It is simply a learning experience that makes you that much wiser.”