Davenport University students, staff and alumni attended the Rehmann Career Night at the Grand Rapids Office in mid-September.

“Employer career nights are a growing trend, along with summer experience days,” said Brandi Melkild, regional internship manager for the Experiential Learning department. ”To some extent, a summer experience day is a tryout day. Think of it as a volunteer day or job shadow day that you apply to as a very preliminary step in the recruiting process.”

The Rehmann event featured a DU alum who spoke about the culture of the company.

DU students majoring in finance and accounting programs, as well as graduate-level students attended the Rehmann event. Finance student Kyle Knuver was one of the DU students in attendance.

“I decided to attend the event because I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to network with local professionals and learn more about the firm,” he said. “I was able to learn more about the daily routine of those working in tax and audit.”

Melkild suggests students make time for these kinds of events to expand or narrow their list of potential employers.

Some students in attendance were selected for on-campus interviews after the fair with Rehmann and other employers.

“Each student created his or her own experience in the way they prepared for the event, followed up and gained an improved comfort level heading into the Accounting and Finance Career Fair here at DU later in the month,” Melkild said. “If you are seeking an internship in the coming year, please make time for events and get comfortable and confident getting in front of employers,” Melkild said.

Visit the Career Services events and internship pages for more information. The deadline for DU Winter internship applications is Dec. 1.