‘Meet the Firms Night’ Showcases Growth, Opportunity and Student Success

When Martin Zavala first took part in Stanislaus State's "Meet the Firms Night" in 2023, he was a student looking to make connections in his career path.

The following year, he wasn't just attending. He was leading. As president of Beta Alpha Psi, the student organization that hosts "Meet the Firms Night" sponsored by the College of Business Administration, Zavala coordinated the college's signature networking event linking students with regional employers.

This year, Zavala returned to the same event, this time as an alumnus, employed by Ernst & Young, one of the world's Big Four accounting firms.

"Events like 'Meet the Firms' bring a valuable human element to the recruiting process," Zavala said. "They give students a chance to connect directly with recruiters, showcase their strengths and make a lasting impression beyond what's on paper."

Since its revival in 2022, "Meet the Firms Night," has become one of Stan State's most impactful traditions, evolving into a pillar of career readiness at the University - helping students in the College of Business Administration turn academic preparation into professional opportunity while building networks that keep talent rooted in the Central Valley.

The event mirrors similar gatherings at business schools across the state but continues to grow in scope and participation locally. What started as a student-led relaunch in 2023 expanded to broader industry engagement in 2024, and by 2025, featured even more alumni involvement - a progression that reflects both the strength of the student organization and the college's deepening relationships with industry partners, according to Assistant Professor of Accounting Liancheng "Nathan" Fu, faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi.

"The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive," Fu said. "One recruiter mentioned they met more students here in the first half hour than at other universities' events. That tells us we're doing something right."

This year's event drew more than 150 students and participating employers representing CPA firms, banking, healthcare services, NASDAQ-listed companies, nonprofits, food and beverage services and state agencies. Fu noted that student turnout and employer enthusiasm have grown each year since the event's return.

Fu said events like "Meet the Firms Night" are especially meaningful because they create access and visibility for Stan State students who may not otherwise have the same recruiting opportunities as peers at larger universities. Bringing professionals and alumni directly to campus, he said, ensures that employers experience the depth of talent in the Central Valley firsthand.

"Events like 'Meet the Firms' bring a valuable human element to the recruiting process. They give students a chance to connect directly with recruiters, showcase their strengths and make a lasting impression beyond what's on paper."

- Martin Zavala '24, Business Administration

"It's important that we bring professionals here so our students can network and learn how to build relationships in the industry," Fu said. "For many of them, this is their first professional connection that can lead to an internship or job offer."

For Zavala, the experience of organizing the event before graduating was transformative. He worked closely with Fu and Professor of Accounting David Zhu, whose mentorship deepened his appreciation for their dedication to student success.

"Helping organize the 2024 event gave me a deeper appreciation for Dr. Fu's and Dr. Zhu's dedication to our school," he said. "It also taught me the value of teamwork and trust - skills I still rely on every day."

Returning this fall as an alumnus, Zavala said being on the other side of the table was "a full-circle moment."

"Not long ago, I was in their shoes," he said. "Seeing the year-over-year growth in employer turnout, student participation and overall organization makes me excited to attend more Meet the Firms events in the future."

Fu said Zavala's journey - from student participant to president to returning alumnus - perfectly captures the event's impact.

"Martin has been with us every single Meet the Firms," Fu said. "That connection is what makes the event so meaningful. Our graduates keep coming back to share their experience and help the next group of students succeed."