Accounting students shine at prestigious KPMG Global Advantage Program

The Trulaske College of Business continues to educate the global leaders of the future, with six accounting students selected to attend the highly regarded KPMG Global Advantage Program in Brussels, Belgium.

These Trulaske students – Jack Burton, Blake Conrad, Kaile Kalton, Ryan Klostermann, Katie Mitchell and Mason Williams – stood out among roughly 120 outstanding accounting students from around the globe. This strong representation underscores the outstanding quality of Trulaske's nationally recognized School of Accountancy.

Over the course of the four-day program, students participated in a blend of cultural experiences, leadership workshops and networking opportunities. Activities ranged from a hands-on Belgian chocolate-making class to a visit to the European Union headquarters, providing a rich understanding of the local culture. Additionally, participants honed their leadership skills through a series of workshops tailored to the business leaders of tomorrow. 

"Success in leadership depends on a variety of factors, a key one being an understanding of how different local, organizational and national cultures are formed,” Dr. Vairam Arunachalam, the director of the School of Accountancy, said. “The KPMG Global Advantage program is an exemplary training ground for the global accounting and business leaders of tomorrow.

The students’ achievement at the KPMG Global Advantage Program is a testament to the quality and global relevance of the programs offered by the Trulaske College of Business. As Trulaske continues to provide exploratory educational experiences, it proudly recognizes the accomplishments and global contributions of its students.

Kaile Kalton, a rising senior in the School of Accountancy, said: “The KPMG Global Advantage Program taught me how to be a servant leader among different cultures and allowed me to expand my cultural horizons. I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with and learn from students from across the globe and to get to experience this with some fellow Tigers! I will definitely take these experiences with me as I begin my career in an ever-changing global business environment.”

Learn more about the School of Accountancy.