The Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA)

In today’s competitive market, it is imperative for students to network with professionals in their chosen field. Professional organizations can help students with a number of work-based learning opportunities. Alberto Flores, the Director of Campus Outreach for the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA), will explain the benefits of ALPFA student membership in the following interview.

How did you become involved with ALPFA? I have always had an interest with helping and promoting careers to the Latino and other diverse communities. I have been involved with various nonprofit organizations and the New York U.S./Mexico Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Federation, and the Hispanic College Fund. These experiences helped me gain my current position with ALPFA.

What is ALPFA? The Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting is the leading Association for finance professionals in 34 cities and 19 states and the Nation’s Capitol. ALPFA is dedicated to enhancing opportunities for Latinos and other diverse populations within the finance profession. The annual Internship and Leadership Summit (held in California and throughout the nation) and the annual convention facilitate networking activities between the students and leading corporations in the finance and accounting fields.

What are the benefits of a student membership? Benefits of student membership include: access to professional development workshops, networking with key hiring professionals and sponsors, mentoring opportunities, internships, and discounts on local programs and events. Also, there are discounts for the summits and the annual conventions.

Other benefits include: access to an online job search, opportunity to attend professional student job fairs, subscription to the newsletter, La Cuenta. and a one year subscription to the Hispanic Business Magazine. ALPFA also offers some scholarships to those who have demonstrated academic excellence and financial need.

How can students become a member? Students may join with proof of enrollment in any college or university. Students are encouraged to join as soon as their freshman year and some chapters are recruiting high school students for events. The student membership dues are minimum (currently $20.00 annually).

Tell me about the 2009 Convention and the Internship and Leadership Summits? The 2009 Convention will begin on August 8-12th. The 2009 Convention includes: student workshops, general luncheons/networking events, a large career fair and a gala. Many Fortune 500 companies will be attending the events and career fair.

The California Summits will be held on September 26th at UC Berkley and in October (TBA) at USC. The summits include: educational workshops, a career fair, and guidance on how to apply for internships. For more information, go to the website: http://www.alpfa.org/

For California ALPFA Chapters, click on the Western Region Chapters located on the Home page.
Contact Alberto Flores for additional information: alberto.flores@national.alpfa.org