CareerTrack | ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST
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Accounting Industry | fourth year Vault
Vault is an online career library that provides free access to career research, employer research, industry overviews, occupational profiles, and career advice. Use this database to educate yourself about the accounting industry: occupational trends, industry demands, key companies, and roles to determine your interest in joining the field of accounting.
As you conduct your research, pay attention to the direction and strength of your interests for insight into your motivation to join this field. Industry Forecasts
The Chartered Accountants of Ontario have created an information portal, www.ca2b.biz, that provides information about the accounting industry, salary standards, current events, expected demand for new accountants, and CA profiles. Use this information further your knowledge of what it would be like to join this industry, what salary, options and duties you can expect, and insight into the day-to-day activities of a CA.
Big Four Seminars
Traditionally, the Big Four accounting firms conduct seminars such as mock interview and resume sessions to get to know students while helping you prepare professionally. The opportunity to practice your skills and learn more about the companies you're applying to are reason enough to attend these sessions, however, the opportunity to further build your relationships with recruiters makes these sessions a "must" for attendance.
Timing for these sessions varies by year; the Department of Management , UCS and Career Centre will carry information for upcoming events. Alumni Profiles
Curious about where others have gone after graduating from your program? Wondering how to develop relevant skills and experiences? What would graduates do differently if they could begin all over again? Interested in holding informational interviews or mentoring opportunities? The advice and experiences of UTM alumni from a variety of programs are available online through the Career Centre here
Career Fair
Career Expo is a great opportunity to talk to recruiting representatives about typical career paths available in their industry, learn what skills, experience, and education are desired, and get a head start on identifying your preferred career. Take the opportunity to build relationships with recruiters, develop a sense of the corporate culture of organizations you may not have considered yet, and assess where your interests lay both in and out of the field of accounting.
Don't limit yourself by focusing all of your efforts on the same few opportunities as your competitors, most companies in virtually all industries hire accountants. Career Expo is an excellent opportunity to expose yourself to companies outside of the Big Four accounting firms and increase your chances of finding employment. Dress professionally, research the companies you plan to approach and prepare intelligent questions, and get there early to speak with recruiting representatives while they are still fresh. See Employer Events Tips for additional suggestions to prepare. The Career Expo is usually held in October of each year, refer to the Career Centre's events calendar for this year's date Employer Events
While attending career fairs, information sessions, career panels, networking socials and career information nights are crucial to building relationships with recruiters and navigating the recruiting process successfully, in this context we are suggesting you attend employer events as a means to gain the information you need to determine whether the field of accounting is right for you.
Employer events are another opportunity for you to talk with company representatives to gain insight into typical career paths, the corporate culture, and the occupational outlook all of which will help you assess your interest in the field of accounting as well as prepare for your job search once decided. Employer events are noted on the Career Centre events calendar and will be publicized in their monthly newsletter. Professional Schools Fair
Attend the Professional Schools Fair
, held in September or October of each year, to learn more about university/college programs, professional designations, entry requirements, and to solicit information you might otherwise not be able to access. This is a great opportunity to connect with both academic representatives and representatives from the professional designations such as CMA, CGA, and ICAO. Program representatives will be available to answer questions about program outcomes, co-op or internship details, financial support, and application details.
Visit the Career Centre events calendar for dates for this year's Professional School Fair Road to Graduate School
Have questions about continuing your university education at the graduate level, the application process, and how best to prepare for acceptance? The Career Centre delivers an information session designed to provide the basic information you need to begin researching, preparing for and applying to graduate programs.
Sessions are run in the first and second terms, check the events calendar for dates and subscribe to the monthly newsletter to make sure you don't miss out on this, and other, opportunities. Considering Further Education
Thinking about pursuing education beyond your Bachelor's Degree? Do you need a graduate degree or professional designation to reach your career goals? Is this the right time for you to begin a new program?
Continuing your education is neither a "backup plan" nor a commitment to be entered lightly. Make sure you've considered your reasons for enrolling in another program, are informed as to what you can expect from obtaining another degree or professional designation, and are sure that you have the personal and financial resources to complete another demanding academic program. Start here for an overview of factors to consider when contemplating further education. Overview by year:(click here to view)
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