College of Business Alumna Meets with Students for Executive Speaker Series

In April, the Idaho State University College of Business’s Graduate Association of Business Students hosted their third executive speaker, Trisa Clemons, for the Executive Speaker Series. This series of business professionals allows students to network with successful business leaders who were once in their shoes. 

 

Trisa Clemons, an Idaho State University alumna, is an audit partner at KPMG, a Big Four accounting firm. She has experience in audits of financial statements, initial public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, debt offerings and spin-offs. Her ample experience in the accounting field proved to be invaluable to students who were able to ask her questions during her time on campus. 

 

In her presentations, Clemons went over important topics such as interviewing, leadership, teamwork and finding a company that matches your values and ideals. In regards to finding a company that matches our values, she explained that students must, "Know yourself and know what you like, what you don't like." She went on to explain the importance of always being open to learning, growing and stretching herself. A key takeaway was, "Take advantage of opportunity. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. It adds to your life and your brand." 

 

“It was especially meaningful for the students to hear from a first-generation college student from Eastern Idaho, who stopped out of school and then returned like many of our students do, and ultimately has had such an interesting and exciting career. Trisa was very engaged with the students and they asked a lot of questions. It's wonderful that alumni like Trisa are so willing to support our current students the way they do,” Joanne Tokle, a management professor in the College of Business, said.

 

During the visit, Clemons was able to present and engage with students in both an undergraduate and graduate class. She had lunch with the club members from GABS, which provided students some extra time to connect with and learn from the executive speaker. 

 

If you or someone you know may be interested in being a GABS Executive Speaker in the future, please contact the GABS President, Taylor Cusack, at taylorcusack@isu.edu.