Two students travelled to Las Vegas to attend the Beta Alpha Psi annual meeting representing the Deakin chapter of the international honour organisation for accounting, finance and information system students.
The 2023 Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) annual meeting was a place of big ideas and collaborations. Held in Las Vegas with the theme of 'Reimagining the Path Forward,’ the event brought together over 850 students from around the world. Deakin students Nathan Notley (Deakin BAP President) and Kayur Parshotam (Deakin BAP Partnerships Director) were in attendance, along with their Faculty Adviser Dr Xikai Chen.
Global connections and collaborations
The event was a rich ground for making connections. Students met professionals from Deloitte and EY and government agencies such as the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. There was also ample opportunity to network with high-achieving students from around the world. Plans for future collaborations were born: an exciting online event between Deakin BAP and Ohio University BAP is already in the works thanks to the connections made at the conference.
‘This conference, coupled with the participation of over 200 universities, enables us to showcase Deakin’s commitment to fostering global connection,’ Dr Xikai explained.
He commented on the pulse of the gathering, marking it as a ‘prime platform to showcase the achievements of individual BAP chapters, while fostering inter-school camaraderie.’
Making a difference
A highlight of the meeting was Project Run With It (PRWI). This project challenged students to come up with creative solutions for issues faced by non-profit organisations in Nevada. Kayur Parshotam was part of a team that developed a tech-savvy solution using AI and VR to help a facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
‘Participating in PRWI truly challenged me intellectually and strengthened my ability to manage deadlines,’ Kayur said.
Kayur was impressed with the way the event enabled collaboration with peers from other universities. ‘These connections have laid the foundation for future collaborations and long-lasting relationships,’ he said.
Big Plans for Deakin BAP Chapter
As Deakin gears up to infuse fresh perspectives into its BAP chapter, both Nathan and Kayur are focused on the vital role of collaborations. Nathan sees opportunities for Deakin BAP to partner with international firms and Kayur is keen on working closely with local BAP chapters such as University of Melbourne and Monash.
‘This broader perspective promises to enrich our event planning and infuse valuable experience into the Deakin chapter,’ Dr. Xikai said. This exposure "illuminates pathways for us to enhance our own BAP events of career development, inclusivity awareness, and impactful initiatives."
Both Kayur and Nathan came back inspired and ready to share the rich insights and collaborations cultivated. It's clear that the meeting was more than just an event, it was a stepping stone to a future opportunities and collaborations.
(Left to tight: Dr Xikai Chen, Nathan Notley and Kayur Parshotam)
(Oceania BAP chapters group photo)
(Kayur meeting with Deloitte representatives)
(Students from Univeristy of Tampa, Ohio University and Deakin University [Kayur] teaming up)
External organisations are welcome to connect with Deakin BAP Chapter to discuss any collaboration opportunities.
Deakin BAP bl-bap@deakin.edu.au
Dr Xikai Chen xikai.chen@deakin.edu.au