I know you are busy preparing for April final exams, working, handling your extra-curricular activities, attending campus events, commuting to school and of course, keeping a work/life balance (haha!)…but, if you don’t pay attention to the freight train (CPA Recruiting) coming at you it will pass you by before you know it!

1. The Train Itinerary – The CPA Blog

• Here you can find CPA recruiting related information and announcements about the 2018 CPA Recruitment Workshops.
• Both application and interview preparation workshops will be taking place in May to help you jump on this train and get to your career destination.
• More posts will be coming as we receive more information on the CPA Recruitment Activities.

2. The Train Passengers and Staff – Strategic Networking

• You only have a few weeks to network. So be sure to reach out to your contacts and make meaningful connections “NOW!”
• Are there a few questions about the firm, their service lines, specialties, etc. that you have not been able to find out about? Now is the time to find out!
• You will also have a chance to attend events to gather information to use in your letters, follow up, or your interview questions and closing.

3. Pre-trip Planning – Firm Research

• What makes any trip more successful and less expensive, is your pre-planning. This CPA journey warrants a similar kind of effort.
• Finding second level and third level research information is what can set you apart from all the other passengers on this trip.
• Now is the time to utilize your strong sleuthing and search engine skills, and find out everything you can about the firms that you will be crafting cover letters to.
• Even though they all seem the same, each firm has its own style of passenger car and they will tell you that riding with them is different – and it truly is if you are looking!
• You will need to pay attention because there is a marked difference between specific and general cover letters. They simply secure more interviews which makes this journey so much more successful.

4. Your Ticket to First Class – CPA Applications

• Be sure to understand and use the application process for each firm “as directed.”
• The 2018 CPA Application Form will be located on COOL in the Document Library or can be found through bccpa.ca
• If requested, be sure to fill it out very carefully. (The correct firm name really helps.)
• One note to keep in mind. Under Education, the first section is for your current (DAP) education. Your “cumulative” average is for your current education only. Each post-secondary program will be listed separately.

5. On Board Activities and Orientation – CPA Coaching Appointments

• Soon the DAP Office will be posting the CPA Application Review Appointments. You can register for these on COOL.
• If for some reason they do not coincide with your work schedule you can reach out to Russell, your DAP Career Coach through email at dapcareersupport@sauder.ubc.ca to set up an online meeting instead.
• You will be entitled to two appointments during this Spring Recruitment period. One for application review (resume and cover letter) and one for interview preparation (which could also be interview role-playing).

6. The Fine Print – 2018 CPA Recruitment Framework

• As is it with any trip, you always have to read the fine print!
• The 2018 framework is available on the Document Library of COOL. Be sure to keep the rules as you proceed into this year’s CPA recruiting activities.

Good luck,

Russell

Russell Garrett is the Owner of Protocol Business Solutions, a Certified Career Consultant and the DAP Career Coach. He also collaborates with the Business Career Center to support BCom career initiatives from time to time. Be sure to attend all the CPA Recruiting workshops during the Spring and Summer which will posted on COOL for registration. Russell is also available to DAP students year around for online coaching appointments set up through email requests and in-person coaching when posted in COOL. Contact Russell at dapcareersupport@sauder.ubc.ca.