CareerTrack | ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST
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Build Relationships | fourth year Case Competitions
Apply the skills you've learned in school in a real-world setting while building professional relationships by joining case competition held by firms and professional associations. Details are made available on an annual basis. Your Commerce Organization on Blackboard is a good place to access details as they are made available
Employer Events
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.
Don't wait until your final year to begin attending employer events, begin as early as your first year to allow yourself time to develop relationships with recruiters well in advance of the recruitment for summer or full time jobs with falls in September of your third and fourth years. While the onus is on you to find opportunities to develop relationships with recruiters, we can help. Start here for an overview of networking, employer expectations, and tips to navigate professional introductions. Attend a networking workshop for additional tips and the opportunity to practice your professional introduction. Meet with our Employment Advisor or a Career Counsellor to discuss the process of networking, how to approach recruiters, and for additional opportunities to practice your networking skills. Professional Associations
Professional associations aren't just for those already working in the field, they're also great opportunities for aspiring professionals. Professional associations work hard to attract student members and are great places to develop industry knowledge, professional contacts, and, in some cases, hands-on experience. The ICAO, CMA and CGA are three professional organizations that are particularly interested in accounting specialists.
In addition to the benefits identified above, belonging to an association will add to your credibility as someone who is serious about joining the accounting industry. Take advantage of reduced student membership fees and join a professional association today. See Professional Associations for information about the benefits of joining one of the accounting associations. Networking Workshop
Networking is both the most frequently advised job search method and the most feared. What is networking? What do you say to employers? Why would they take the time to speak with you?
The networking workshop discusses techniques to develop job leads and make contact with prospective employers. Participants will begin to prepare a business introduction, discuss employer expectations, and learn tips to confidently manage yourself in business settings. Workshops are held year round, check the Career Centre's events calendar to find the next offering. Accounting Networking Breakfast
The accounting networking breakfast is typically held early in the first term and is a great opportunity for students to make important contacts, practice networking, and get career advice from industry professionals. Student feedback indicates that the opportunity to connect with accounting representatives over a buffet breakfast was a comfortable combination of business and casual that made the experience of networking a less threatening one. Take advantage of this opportunity to ease your way into the recruitment season and diversify your job search by connecting with representatives from firms outside of the Big Four.
Management Conference
The Management conference is a series of workshops spanning several days to prepare third and fourth year students for the recruiting period. Participants will hear from guest speakers and attend workshops to better understand the recruitment process including practicing networking skills and developing tailored resumes and cover letters.
Given that the fall recruiting session is a particularly busy period for accounting students, you are advised to attend the Management Conference to get a head start on preparing your job search documents, strategies, and begin networking with recruiters. This event is typically held in late August/early September, information will be made available through the Career Centre. CA Firm Info Sessions
In addition to the Showcase event held in September, the Big 4 CA firms visit campus again in March for sessions where they offer assistance with skill development. Past workshops have included topics such as networking and interviewing skills. While not formal recruitment events, they are definitely an opportunity to interact with those who may have a hand in selecting candidates at a later point. Now is the time to get to know these individuals and more importantly, have them get to know and like you. Registration is offered through UCS.
Overview by year:(click here to view)
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