Staff accountants Anthony Neglia and Nick Carr will be mentoring and networking with prospective accounting students today at the Scholars Institute program presented by the New Jersey Society of CPAs (NJSCPA).

College students who have either received NJSCPA scholarships or have been nominated by their schools will be participating in the interactive business seminar program at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

The two-day event will provide future accountants with business tips, resume critiquing, and team-building workshops to help prepare them for life after college.

"While I was in college, I was awarded a NJSCPA scholarship and I had a great experience attending the Scholars Institute," said Neglia, who has been a part of the Smolin Lupin team since 2006 when he first joined as an intern. "I even made contacts at the NJSCPA that I still keep in touch with to this day."

Since its inception in 2002, Scholars Institute has been providing high-achieving accounting and finance students with a competitive edge. The program helps students make critical connections with CPAs, human resource personnel and NJSCPA staff.

"As part of the program, we give constructive criticism on how students can beef up their resumes and make it presentable," said Neglia, who recently received the "30 Under 30" award from the NJSCPA. "In college you know the basics but you don't know what the business world is really looking for. The Scholars Institute allows you to hear from human resources professionals who look at resumes every day and who will be seeing your resume as you pursue a career in the public accounting profession."

Neglia's advice to up-and-coming accountants is to never be afraid to ask questions.

"When you start in this profession, you don't know everything and you won't know everything, but it's important to overcome the fear of asking questions," he said. "Every day on the job is a learning experience. My advice to younger staff and prospective accountants is to not get discouraged. You didn't make the wrong decision, everything is a learning experience."