Dr. Holmes PhD, CPA and Dr. Lui, PhD, joined us for this episode of Life In Accounting: The Where Accountants Go podcast
Two professors with the prestigious Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas have conducted research regarding student perception and engagement in the accounting field and professional organizations. Their findings were presented to the San Antonio CPA Society in a report entitled, Student Perceptions of the Accounting Profession and Professional Associations.
Their findings are fascinating, especially for people who hire recent graduates or want to increase student and young professional participation in professional associations. This report is a must-read for anyone in these roles or with similar responsibilities.
For Employers…
You already know that young professionals are not likely to stay at your firm for ten years, let alone their entire career, so what can you do to attract and retain the best and the brightest? These days employers providing excellent working conditions are an expectation, not a bonus feature. Keeping employees, especially ones new to the field, will depend on providing career building opportunities. Younger professionals want to make a difference. They want to be involved. They want opportunities to advance.
Be the employer who creates an environment that challenges and develops these talented new accountants.
For Professional Associations…
As a volunteer with a professional association, you probably have a goal in your strategic plan to attract and increase student involvement. Set yourself apart from other organizations by presenting the association as a place to improve, learn, grow, and network. Provide quality education and professional networking opportunities. Remember that people entering the field may transition to self-employment faster than previous generations. The networking opportunities presented by professional associations should be emphasized.
For Students…
The large accounting firms are looking for higher-level, critical and analytical thinking skills. Routine accounting tasks are now being outsourced. Broaden your business acumen and skills. Join and get involved with professional organizations. Actively work on increasing your network. And most importantly, follow your dreams!
(To download the full report, please click here)
We’ll see you next week! There’s more to come…
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