“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” Kofi Annan

Once you recognize you are missing key information regarding the labour market, sector companies and people within the field, it brings home the realization that there is work to be done to remedy this and put yourself into a place of power. In order to understand what might be missing and how to begin to move forward there are some things that you need to ask yourself:

1. What percentage of confidence do you have the accounting field is for you?
2. What are five of the core competencies accountants need in this field?
3. What are the growth industries with the greatest potential for future employment?
4. What are some of the recent stories in the news affecting the accounting sector?
5. Are you aware of events on and off campus and in the market you could attend?
6. How many accountants do you or your close circle of contacts currently know?
7. How many information interviews have you done to learn about your industry?
8. What is the next thing that you need to research to move your career forward?

Most often when people review these kinds of questions, they come away feeling like there is a lot to research and learn. And there is! It is important to get started ASAP.

Why Research?

• Clarifying and focusing on industries, companies, career path and jobs
• Building a Leads Lists of companies to target and reach out to
• Devise specific cover and approach letters that are not general but compelling
• Developing proposals that reveal company knowledge and needs
• Getting ready for interviews to create strong dialogue and great questions
• Knowing your worth and identifying the salary range in preparation for discussion
• Locating meaningful contacts, learning who they are and what they have done
• Identifying key people attending career fairs and campus events
• Preparing for networking efforts and information meetings

To many, this seems like a mountain of information, and it is. In order to climb any mountain, you just simply have to get your feet moving. All mountains no matter the size are conquered one step at a time. So here are a few things to help you get going:

1. Make time for it by adding it into your calendar and protecting the appointment.
2. Enjoy it and play with it. Every new contact and lead is rewarding and can be fun.
3. Look everywhere for ideas and do not discount anyone or anywhere.
4. Constantly ask questions, show your interest and learn as much as you can.
5. Don’t get caught in the trap of spending time only researching. Take action too!
6. Stay active! Don’t let weeks and months go by before starting and continuing.

Lastly, be sure to include information interviews into your planning. These are simply meetings that you create with professionals of influence in the market. The best person to target is the supervisor or decision maker you would normally answer to in your next role. Prepare a list of well prepared questions about the industry, the company and their personal career and journey. Then make appointments, meet people, gain information and watch your career take shape! All of these areas can be solved with Researching Options, which is covered in Step Two of the Sauder Career Success Cycle. Here you will find many resources to get you going. In addition, you can attend the Career Workshops specifically designed for DAP students. The last session on January 29th covered this very topic and was the second of seven sessions to help DAP students create a momentum that will help them have career success. The next session on February 5 is on Being Strategic and will give information on how to take action to work towards securing a successful career. You can register on COOL. Good luck!

Russell Garrett is the Owner of Protocol Business Solutions a Certified Career Consultant and your DAP Career Coach. He is currently delivering one hour workshops from January to April and is applying the steps of the Sauder Career Success Cycle specifically to DAP students along with other advanced concepts. He can also be reached at dapcareersupport@sauder.ubc.ca to arrange an online career appointment.