NATCHITOCHES – Two Northwestern State University students earned scholarships from the Louisiana Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants – Central Louisiana Chapter.

Paige Hedrick of Pollock and Raegan Washington of Natchitoches each earned a $500 scholarship during LCPA annual Round Robin Interviews for junior and senior level accounting students from Northwestern State, Louisiana State University-Alexandria and Louisiana Christian University. Each student was allotted five minutes to interview with a prospective employer with some providing tips about making a resume stand out and/or asking the students questions.

Washington is a senior accounting major. She said she prepared for the interview by making sure she presented herself professionally with an updated resume and appropriate business attire.

“When I walked in and throughout the whole process, I continued to keep a smile on my face regardless of being nervous and continued to be myself,” she said. “During the interviews, we were asked to tell them background information about ourselves and were asked questions about our future aspirations. After, we were giving different questions on our strengths and weaknesses, how we would handle certain situations and if we had any questions for them.”

Hedrick is a junior majoring in accounting and business administration with a minor in computer information systems. She learned that the best way to prepare for interviews is to practice.

“Multiple employers asked me what my strengths and weaknesses are so I’m glad I had an answer prepared ahead of time,” she said. “The best thing to do is be confident in yourself and what you can offer the company you are interviewing with. Employers are looking for students with good work ethic and great attitudes. I am thankful my accounting professors encouraged me to attend the LCPA event because it was a great experience.

The Society of Louisiana CPAs (LCPA) is the state’s premier association of accounting professionals, proudly representing more than 5,400 CPAs in public practice, industry, government, and education, as well as 2,000+ future CPAs. Through communication, education, and networking events, we support our members with the tools needed to be the most trusted business advisors for the organizations and individuals they serve.

Diane Mobley, instructor in NSU’s School of Business, helped the students prepare, but said their own preparation earned them the scholarships.

“I deserve no credit for their accomplishments,” Mobley said. “These young ladies did this all on their own. All I try to do is encourage them to enter the competition and I attend to give them moral support”

Information on NSU’s School of Business can be found at: https://business.nsula.edu/.