Jamey Arter and Sarah Gunion are both pursuing their Master of Accountancy (MAcc) in the School of Accountancy (SOA) at Missouri State University. Arter is a graduate assistant (GA) and Gunion is a staff member in the office of financial aid.  

Their stories individually reflect MSU’s commitment to providing opportunities for its students and employees. The partnership between the SOA and department of management has also benefited students, staff and faculty by opening opportunities in the education abroad program.

Connecting, learning and saving 

Arter’s role as a GA at the SOA proved invaluable for her education abroad. The program in Scotland and England in May 2023 was the highlight for her.  

“In Scotland, we visited Oban and Edinburgh. In Oban, we had the opportunity to speak with the owners of The Wee Wine Shop and tour the Oban Distillery.” We also visited the Ardanaiseig Hotel in Taynuilt, Scotland. We did a business visit to the Brander Lodge Hotel. In Edinburg, we toured the Chocolatarium, a local chocolate factory,” she said.  

These experiences exposed the students to the hospitality industry and how it overcame slow business during the pandemic. 

In addition, Arter’s interactions within the SOA allowed her to establish a network of like-minded individuals to accompany her, ensuring she would have familiar faces by her side during the trip overseas. 

And financially, being a GA helped offset the costs of her education abroad experience.  

According to Arter, the ability to use her GA earnings and tuition waiver to cover tuition expenses lightened the financial burden, making the journey more accessible. 

Furthermore, Arter’s GA position provided her with ample public speaking and networking opportunities. These skills came in handy when meeting international professionals during business meetings abroad, enhancing her overall experience. 

Networking and gaining real-world insights 

Gunion’s story highlights the importance of MSU students and employees seizing opportunities on campus to prepare for future career opportunities.  

She actively engaged with Beta Alpha Psi and even held an officer position within the organization. It is an honors organization for financial information students and professionals with the purposes of recognizing outstanding academic achievements in the fields of accounting, finance, and information systems. 

The guidance and mentorship provided by Dr. Kimberly Church, SOA director and Kyle Goodin, accounting instructor, equipped her with skills and connections that are applicable to her current full-time job and future aspirations.  

“I want to go into fraud examination with the State Auditor’s office; Beta Alpha Psi, Mr. Goodin and Dr. Church already know people in that office,” she said. “So now I have an opportunity to talk to them about their experiences and get some tips on how best to proceed once I graduate in May 2025.” 

The educational trip to England and Scotland, which the students took this May, also afforded Gunion the opportunity to establish relationships with professors and students in MSU’s management and marketing departments.  

Student employees like Gunion, who are attached to the education abroad program, have access to scholarships and other financial benefits provided by the College of Business.  

Gunion also had the opportunity to make connections with professors outside the classroom. These connections are now valuable assets, as she can reach out to them for guidance and support.  

SOA and management partnership  

The education abroad program partnership between the department of management and the SOA has benefited not only students, but also faculty through the available programs.  

These joint-offered courses go beyond traditional classroom learning, fostering a deeper understanding of leadership, strategic thinking and cultural competencies.  

By immersing themselves in international environments, students gain practical insights and invaluable experiential knowledge that transcends the confines of textbooks. Faculty members also get the opportunity to travel and network with other academics and professionals in their respective fields. 

MSU’s commitment to providing opportunities for GAs and student employees equips them to thrive in the globalized business landscape. This positions them well for careers with multinational companies, where adaptability and cross-cultural awareness are highly prized. 

Learn more about the School of Accountancy