Do One Thing Every Day That Scares You
 

Fear is a great motivator – one that prepares us for life decision-making and builds our confidence. Approximately 50 Virginia Tech students taking an Information Systems Audit and Control course were invited to step outside of their comfort zone and use a data analytics tool to perform a mock audit engagement. The exercise is part of a greater initiative led by professors within the Department of Accounting and Information Systems to provide students with hands-on experience using data analytics software.
 

Associate Professor of Practice Nadia Rogers, CPA, recently introduced her students to IDEA, including the types of audit tests that can be performed within the software, as well as various documentation aspects of an audit engagement.
 

“The students were intimidated at first, but found IDEA to be extremely user friendly,” said Professor Rogers. “Whenever possible, I incorporate my professional background and practical experiences into the classroom to bring it to life. IDEA was highly recommended by professionals that currently use the software, and I firmly believe that the students will benefit from exposure to the software prior to entering the accounting profession.”
 

Virginia Tech is among nearly 500 U.S. universities that participate in the IDEA Academic Partnership, which provides data analytics software and teaching resources to higher education institutions at no cost. Students learn hands-on data analytics techniques using case studies with data sets, and other exercises designed to build their technical skills using IDEA. The in-kind software donation to Virginia Tech is valued at $25,000.