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We all understand the value of building meaningful connections, but figuring out where to start with professional networking can be pretty overwhelming.
Last week, we kicked off our spring term “Accounting For Your Future” virtual event series with a session dedicated entirely to networking. Assistant Professor Dr. Kelsey Dworkis opened the event by introducing social network theory, expanding the way we think about what it truly means to connect with others. While many of us picture networking as a formal conversation with a recruiter at a career fair, it can just as easily happen in every day moments – between classes with a peer or during a casual chat in the break room with a colleague. You never know where a conversation may lead!
We then moved into a panel discussion featuring two experienced accounting firm recruiter and two career services professionals. With several opportunities to connect with recruiters on the horizon, the panel focused on how to make a strong first impression, both on paper through your résumé and in-person when approaching a recruiter at a career fair.
Check out the speaker portion of the event below:
The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of MSU Denver.
Speaker Profiles
Kelsey Dworkis, PhD, CPA (in-active) | Assistant Professor at MSU Denver
Kelsey is an assistant professor in the Department of Accounting. Her research focuses on managerial accounting and behavioral decision making. Her primary research interests involve social psychology variables and their influence on accounting decisions. She completed her PhD at the University of Southern California and was an assistant professor at the University of Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia, and the University of Denver prior to joining MSU Denver in 2024. Kelsey teaches Principles of Accounting I and Cost Management. Prior to pursuing a graduate degree, Kelsey worked in the audit practice for Deloitte in Denver and Los Angeles, specializing in Real Estate and Real Estate Investment industries.
Clare Fidler | Career Planning Specialist, MSU Denver College of Business
As the CBUS Career Planning Specialist, Clare is available to assist students with career discovery, job and internship applications, and skills articulation, amongst more. Clare manages the CBUS Career Services Canvas shell, a self-service hub of resources for students to gain the information they need, whenever they need it. While navigating the career resources available to MSU Denver students can be challenging, Clare is happy to provide clarity whenever possible.
Celine Kirk | Senior Campus Recruiting Consultant, Plante Moran
Celine Kirk is a Senior Campus Recruiting Consultant at Plante Moran, where she leads early‑career hiring initiatives and supports firmwide talent strategies. She holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a Human Resources concentration from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Texas A&M University. Her career spans roles in admissions, recruiting, and program coordination across higher education and professional services.
Kerby Meyers, MBA | Industry Navigator - Business Operations & Financial Services, MSU Denver Classroom to Career Hub
Working to connect MSU Denver students with opportunities in the accounting, financial services, and other professional services fields, Kerby draws upon extensive experience in the financial services industry. Most notably, he served 20 years as principal with The Communications Refinery, a content and messaging consultancy. He also previously taught MGT 2500 Small Business Entrepreneurship here at MSU Denver.
Jacob Wooden | Director of Campus Recruiting, RubinBrown LLP
Jacob Wooden is a seasoned talent acquisition and higher education professional with extensive experience in recruiting, international admissions, and talent management. He is passionate about helping teams hire the best and brightest talent and helping students launch their careers. In his current role at RubinBrown, he leads internship, entry‑level hiring strategies, and building university partnerships. Prior to his work in public accounting, Jacob spent a decade in higher education admissions, specializing in global recruitment and strategic enrollment initiatives.
Resources mentioned and links shared throughout the event
- Article- The Strength of Weak Ties
- Article showcasing an early network connection leading to a brilliant business down the road
- Crowd-sourced resource on general networking tips
- Forbes article for students who might be introverted and/or anxious about networking events
- CBUS Career Services Page, including scheduling a meeting with Clare and more info on C2Hub resources for current students
- Career support resources for MSU Denver alumni
- Upcoming events, including ASO meetings and Meet the Firms!
This Spring ’26 term is centered on thinking about the future for our Accounting Roadrunner Community. This “Accounting For Your Future” interactive series is designed for accounting students, career changers, and professionals who want to build essential skills, embrace technology, and position themselves for success. RSVP to join us in the next session in this virtual event series:
- Pivoting to Accounting – January 30th noon MT
Check out the slate of upcoming Spring ‘26 events we’ve got lined up here!