McCoy Professor of Management and Accounting Grace Johnson, along with Dr. Andrew Smith, Interim Director of the Career Center, hosted five professionals from the Federal Bureau of Investigation earlier this month at a special recruiting event for Accounting, Computer Science, and Political Science majors.
These professionals came from the Clarksburg, West Virginia, headquarters and the Cincinnati, Ohio, field office.
Johnson said she had the idea of inviting members of the FBI for a targeted recruiting event back in the Spring 2022 semester. In conversations with FBI professionals throughout late spring and into the summer, the event evolved into a half-day visit that included an Open House hosted by the Career Center, a conversation among the FBI accountants and Accounting majors in the senior capstone seminar, and a general meet and greet information session for the Accounting, Computer Science, and Political Science majors.
Five FBI professionals visited, including a special agent, forensic accountant, chief of information systems, accounting manager, and a human resources manager.
Johnson said that the visit can serve as a model for what other faculty might do in their disciplines.
“Sometimes it is challenging to get a critical mass of students from one major to participate in events with professionals,” she said. “But if you can identify visitors whose message is relevant for several disciplines, a couple of departments can collaborate and generate — hopefully — more student involvement in the activities.”
Dr. Mark Schaefer, Professor of Political Science, gained some valuable insight into potential opportunities for Marietta’s graduates with the Department of Justice.
“I was very proud that we were able to host some folks from the FBI on campus,” Schaefer said. “Careers with the Department of Justice and the FBI are critical for the country and an excellent way for our Marietta College alums to serve with distinction. I was happy to learn that the skillsets we are cultivating in our students meet the needs of the FBI and its critical missions.”