By Cecilia Yontz, OSCPA marketing and communications intern  

While college students regularly hear about the value of networking and professional organizations, after graduation they may lose sight of the benefits these connections bring long term.  

Brodnick has worked at a variety of companies and industries and has been an OSCPA member since he was an accounting student at Cleveland State University. The importance of memberships in professional organizations was discussed while he was in school, and he has remained involved throughout his career.    

Throughout his career, Brodnick has been a member of OSCPA, Financial Executives International (FEI) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He credits the relationships he has developed and staying informed as reasons he has maintained these memberships. This also helped him as he moved from public to private companies and various industries.  

Being a member of multiple organizations has allowed Brodnick to diversify himself.   

“Your involvement may vary based on the organization,” Brodnick said. “I have been a member attending meetings at all the groups, and a Board Member and President of FEI. Each organization has a different focus with unique presenters and topics which broadens your horizons. You also expand your network by meeting people that might only be members of one organization.”  

Many active CPAs may view earning CPE as “checking a box,” something that Brodnick encourages people to think differently about.  

"You earn CPE at the monthly OSCPA Town Hall sessions, however you also benefit by hearing the hot topics of the day and having discussions so you can bring the knowledge back to your company,” he said. “It is about continuous learning throughout your career.”  

Since Brodnick joined, he notes the profession has experienced numerous changes such as the development of more automated processes, easy online access to pronouncements and CPE, the introduction of AI, and the 150-credit hour requirement. 

Brodnick credits his ability to navigate and adapt to these changes to staying current and motivated to learn. He also enjoys the latest technology, which he thinks is important to staying relevant.  

“I enjoy reading and watching business news, including business and professional blogs, daily email updates, CNBC, reading the Wall Street Journal, LinkedIn and X feeds,” he said. "If it is reputable, it helps you see what business leaders are saying and what economic trends are going to be impacting your business. The way to adapt is to stay up to speed, understand what is happening and figure out how to convert that knowledge to help your company.”  

The stereotypes surrounding the accounting profession are something that Brodnick has discussed with college students and leaders alike. “Like many professions, all accountants and CPAs don't fit a stereotype,” said Brodnick. “The profession has a large tent that includes people with many personalities and different interests. Mick Jagger was an accounting student, and Robert Plant was a chartered accountant. You can make your job or future what you want based on your unique skill set and talents.”  

He stresses the importance of students talking to various professionals about their experiences at different levels in their career and of leveraging their strengths. Whether you are a student looking to breakout in the profession, a leader in the profession or somewhere in between, there is a great benefit to being an active member of a professional organization and perhaps a leader.   

“As you move forward in your career, becoming active in organizations is also a way of giving back to the profession and sharing knowledge with students and young professionals,” Brodnick said.