Welcome fellow future accountants and all those interested in the California State University, Fresno Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants! It’s time to explore the endless opportunities afforded with a career in accounting. Through IMA, students will be exposed to the various careers in accounting, be given on site exposure to the management accounting field, and find camaraderie and support amongst like-minded individuals pursuing similar career goals. IMA membership is a lifelong asset because student membership at the college level makes for a very seamless transition into the parent chapter of IMA and the professional accounting field as a whole. Social events, community service opportunities, guest speakers, plant tours, and other professional events serve as the foundation for IMA to enrich its members while expanding the organization’s influence. Guest speakers from all sectors of the accounting profession will share their breadth of knowledge with members at our IMA member meetings throughout the Spring semester. Along with the valuable knowledge gained from professionals currently working in the field, this semester, IMA will seek to increase member-to-member exchange of knowledge through pre-meeting social time, as well as tutoring and mentoring programs.

Accounting is a profession, not just a degree, and membership in IMA will empower you as a progressing professional. Members have an awesome opportunity this semester to collaborate, learn and benefit from one another, and create the building blocks for greater success on an organizational basis, all while helping solidify each person’s unique attributes and skills. Personally, I thank IMA for giving me an identity in the field of accounting. IMA is all about embracing the challenges of accounting, learning and growing, and realizing that not all accountants—especially management accountants—fit the stereotypical mold, and that is ok, preferable even. Accounting can be fun, exciting, and very rewarding, and the Fresno State Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants is here to ensure that every member and person affiliated with the organization never forgets it!