IMA (Institute of Management Accountants), the organization that offers the world's leading management accounting certification, the CMA (Certified Management Accountants), held its global student leadership conference in Detroit, Michigan last Nov. 10-12. Six of the most promising young minds in the Gulf attended this annual initiative, which was designed to nurture young university students by exposing them to the diverse spectrum of finance and accounting careers and in turn enhance their knowledge base and interest in the field. The students were chosen from the IMA Higher Education Endorsement program universities network as well as universities that have been offering and promoting the CMA certification. The selection process was conducted by faculties from Zayed University, Christ University (BangaloreIndia), Prince Sultan University (PSU), UAE University (Al Ain), and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) and was based on their outstanding academic achievement as a reward for their hard work and dedication. The leadership conference is designed to provide finance students with a platform for learning, networking, and establishing strong career prospects," said Hanady Khalife, Director of Operations, IMA, Middle East and Africa. "Immersing them in the world of finance as they are about to make critical decisions about their future is proving to be strategic towards their understanding of their career options within the finance sector." The three-day course of interactive events provides students with the opportunity to experience a new world of finance through inspiring speakers, meet peers who are going through the same journey, and most importantly, connect with industry leaders in a dynamic, friendly environment. "We are confident this journey will not only provide these outstanding students with a good sense of management accounting and finance, but also a deeper understanding of the integral role it plays in shaping the future of corporations," added Khalife. CMA is highly involved in youth empowerment initiatives and continues to pave the way in management accounting education around the world and the Middle East region. — SG
