Career readiness is the competencies and confidence essential to transition from the university to careers in business with purpose and impact. This is no easy process. It requires an honest evaluation of who you are—values, strengths, shortcomings, goals, and dreams—and total ownership of the process to become the person and professional you want to be. There is no perfect path or simple solution. It is even scary at times. You must be bold and action oriented; you must really want it. Whether you know it or not, the career readiness process began the moment you became a university student. Now it is time to really get after it.
The career readiness journey entails understanding your purpose, investing in the work to prepare yourself to execute on this purpose, engaging in telling your story, and having a growth mindset.
Your purpose in life is the set point for career readiness. Purpose is the internal vision of how you want to live and what you want to achieve. Take the time to learn more about yourself and your well-being, so you can make informed decisions and plans to maximize your time in the university and chart a course for your future career. What do you care most about? What are your core values? What impact do you want to make? What drives you to be excited about the work you do? These are the types of questions you must answer to determine what it means to pursue a meaningful career; one that provides you with the balance of fulfillment and resources necessary for happiness in your life. Your purpose will become the map and compass to navigate your personal and professional life.
Preparing to be career ready involves acquiring the necessary professional competencies. Begin by identifying the knowledge, skills, and strengths you have or would you like to develop to execute your purpose. Use this self-assessment to evaluate the range of professional roles that may be a good fit for you and decide what you need to intentionally develop during your time at the university.
How strong is your data analytics skillset? Data fluency and analytics skills (including computer programming) are paramount for accountants and should be carefully incorporated into your preparation through degree program electives, including courses from outside of business in areas such as computer science, math, and statistics.
How effectively do you communicate in person, through writing, and virtually? Communication skills are essential to all functions of accounting practice, and this importance is only growing as more work is done virtually (individually and in teams). Intentionally focus on enhancing your communication skills to differentiate yourself and excel in the workplace.
Which professional certifications do you plan to earn? Professional certification is the keystone to accounting practice. The broad and evolving roles of accountants make this element of your preparation more important than ever. Evaluate how and when you are going to meet the requirements for the certifications you want to earn.
Addressing your competencies gap is an essential part of the preparation process and will help you make choices about courses (e.g., specialty electives), projects (e.g., teams and topics that challenge you), cocurricular experiences (e.g., leadership opportunities), internships (e.g., direct experience in accounting practice), and other opportunities at the university.
Pursue all opportunities to hone and expand your competencies to align with your purpose.
Step up. Put yourself out there. Apply for positions. Be willing to fail. Tell your story.
Engaging in the process to present yourself to potential employers is about finding your story and then telling it in a meaningful way. What impact are you able to make before anyone ever meets you? What will make you memorable, in person and virtually? Essentially this is about personal branding, and then putting yourself out into the world. The quality of your cover letter and resume, as well as professional, well-constructed social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram) are cornerstones to your brand. Your elevator pitch and your presence when meeting people in person or virtually are also vitally important.
Interpersonal skills and the confidence to showcase yourself go a long way to support your engagement. Being present and impactful is becoming more challenging in the increasingly virtual workplace. Find ways to build and practice your virtual engagement skills so you are ready to fully participate in virtual career fairs, interviews, and other professional engagement opportunities.
Continuous growth is essential to professional life. Constantly learn more about yourself, what you want, and what supports your well-being. Use this knowledge to chart a path for a career that is personally and professionally fulfilling, where you are living and working in alignment with your purpose.
Be mindful in the career readiness process. Document your development so you can feel confident in the decisions you are making. As you grow professionally, revisit from time-to-time what you have developed using this book and where you are at in life. Are you still living your purpose? Has your purpose changed? Do you have the competencies for your next professional role? Are you engaging in meaningful ways, within and outside your organization?
Make career readiness part of your growth mindset, and crush it to the best of your ability.