ACLA scholarship recipient encourages other students to get involved

Written on Feb 23, 2023

By Cecilia Yontz, OSPCA marketing and communications intern

Austin Calaway, a senior accounting major at Cleveland State University, has learned the benefit of getting involved in student organizations and campus events while in school.

“Networking is extremely powerful,” said Calaway. “With accounting, being personable, getting out there, and having connections and relationships is extremely powerful throughout your career.”

In college, students have access to an abundance of resources that help them build their network and get involved in organizations relevant to their interests. Calaway stresses the importance of taking advantage of these resources while you have the chance - even if it does not appear important for your career path.

“It's important to go above and beyond, be personal and get involved,” said Calaway “Force yourself to go into other student activities, organizations, and try to find your accounting group because eventually you break down any personal barriers you may have.”

Calaway has been involved in the Cleveland State chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honors organization for financial information students, since his freshman year and is currently the treasurer. Being a member of Beta Alpha Psi is something that Calaway is proud of and considers extremely valuable.

“The professional experiences have been pretty much unlimited,” said Calaway. “I could talk to any accounting or finance firm, any company in Cleveland. We have professional meetings and networking events with different companies, and we also have networking events within the organization. I have connected with classmates and area professionals, and I landed my current internship through Beta Alpha Psi.”

Last November, Calaway attended the Accounting Careers Leadership Academy (ACLA) after hearing about it from a fellow Beta Alpha Psi member. While at the event, Calaway received a scholarship from Brixey & Meyer, which he explained meant everything to him and was incredibly valuable for him and his future.

Calaway is currently interning with PwC and will graduate this summer with hopes of continuing with PwC after graduation.