When 16 small, medium and large prestigious firms line up at the door of Sauder to hire the ‘crème de la ‘crème’, like suitors trying to choose a life partner, the atmosphere becomes quite compelling, enveloping and emotional. With the Big 4 at the forefront meeting with students during off-campus events and on-campus events in a hall they themselves brought into existence through their philanthropic strength, it is difficult not to get drawn into the vortex of it all and come away thinking this is the only chance to get into the CPA field! Not so!If you did not succeed in landing an interview or a position during the CPA recruiting this year, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. If you want to be a CPA – be a CPA!
The Fall recruiting period is a fantastic opportunity but not your only opportunity to begin your career as a CPA. If you are determined, focused and passionate about obtaining your CPA do not let any lack of success during Fall recruiting define you.
2. So many students – so few positions.
It is important to keep perspective this time of year. There are far more students than there are positions. That fact certainly does not mean that the students that obtained a position during recruit are the only students able to achieve their designation or the universities would have failed in their responsibility to prepare students for the real world of work. The firm reps themselves will tell you it is very difficult making decisions during the recruit and especially during the final phases. There just simply are too many great and capable students for the positions that are available year by year.
3. There is always next year.
It could be that you went through this year’s recruit and learned the intricacies of networking, relationship building and creating compelling applications. Why not give it another shot next year? To do so, you may need to extend your time at DAP after speaking with an academic advisor, or nurture past networking relationships, or possibly even work through an Alumni Career Advisor in the Hari B. Varshney Business Career Center in order for this to become a reality. Or you could just simply put your new knowledge and expertise to use and do it! Working hard to bring up your academic performance never hurts!
4. What about working for another firm that never came to Sauder during recruiting?
There are many firms that did not participate in the campus recruiting activities and some that are already approved training offices for CPA candidates. All of these are options for obtaining experiences and completing Experience Verification. Check out the CPA Approved Training Offices through CPA Canada.
5. What about getting your start within Industry?!
With the merging of the designations and the evolution of things, this is more of a reality than ever before and the way of the future for many accounting students entering the field. Many professionals have started their careers here and have been content to stay – thank you very much…or they go to a firm later with some very compelling industry experience. There are also a few Industry approved training offices to consider. And if you are proactive you can dig out your own opportunity and your own mentor to verify the various competencies required to complete the experience requirements and proficiency levels…or be matched with a mentor through CPA.
6. Selection Vs. Rejection
One of the hardest things to overcome after not obtaining a CPA Articling position, is the emotional hangover from feeling rejected. As difficult as this is, try to keep in mind, you were not really rejected in this process, someone else was selected. It is estimated only 20% of applicants obtain a position during recruit. It is always interesting to hear the reps talking about how hard it was to only be able to select a few students when there are so many great candidates. Now is the time to keep the facts front and center! You can be a CPA, you are valuable, you can still succeed, you have been well-prepared and you are one of many that have been in this situation before…and have gone on to achieve career success in their targeted designation.
7. Now What?
Take a rest…then focus, get informed about the process and opportunities, leverage your previous and new network, evaluate your education timeline, set your goals and get moving!
“Luck is the combination of preparedness and opportunity.”
Pierre Elliot Trudeau
Good Luck!