I know you are busy planning your February time off, preparing for April final exams, working at your day job, 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 that “light at the end of the tunnel,” you might find yourself ill-prepared for the impending CPA Recruit and your transition from DAP to your next career move. So, opportunities to prepare yourself are “Coming Soon To A Campus Near You!”

1. “myUBCDAP Blog” – Your solution to all things Spring CPA Recruiting and your personal career preparation itinerary

• You might feel like using “Spring” terminology is a little early, but I saw blossoms on the trees on campus just this last Monday. (Be sure to let your Manitoba and Ontario friends know)
• On the blog you can find CPA recruiting related information and announcements about the 2019 CPA Recruitment workshops as well as info about the remaining Spring Career Series workshops taking place on Monday nights from March 4th – April 1st.
• The Career Workshop Series will prepare you for anything, whether you will pursue Industry positions or participate in CPA Recruiting.
• In addition, specific CPA Recruiting workshops will take place in May including CPA Recruit Overview, CPA Networking, CPA Application Preparation, and CPA Interview Preparation to help you prepare to target and take action on your career destination.
• More posts will be coming as we receive more information on the CPA Recruitment activities and from the firms as well as campus events.

2. “Hurry Up” Strategic Networking

• You only have a few weeks to network before Spring career activities are in full swing and/or your April completion date arrives. So, be sure to reach out to your contacts, or make new ones, to 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! Identify someone to ask, reach out to them through social media, phone or email and ask.
• 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. When these events pop-up in your feed, register quickly as they may fill up quickly.

3. “Getting A Grip” – Firm or Company Research

• What makes any “bucket list” vacation or life transition more successful,  less expensive and less emotional, is pre-planning. The CPA journey certainly warrants careful planning and effort, but don’t be lulled to sleep by all this emotion around CPA Recruiting. “Any job search” requires solid research to stand out and make an impact as a candidate.
• Finding second level and third level research information is what can set you apart from all the other candidates this Spring.
• Now is the time to utilize your strong sleuthing and search engine skills, and find out everything you can about the firms and companies that you will be crafting cover letters for.
• Even though they all seem the same, each company has its own style of communication, service model and community involvement. They will tell you that being part of their company is different – and it truly is, if you are looking!
• You will need to pay close attention to proving your knowledge of this because there is a marked difference between specific and general cover letters. Specific cover letters simply secure more interviews. Definitely get ahold of this concept before passing “go” and “collecting your $200” (Monopoly)

4. “Read the Fine Print” – Application Directions 

• Be sure to understand and use the application process for each company “as directed.”
• The 2019 CPA Spring Application postings will be located on COOL and/or on company websites. Other company postings will largely and mainly be on company websites.
• For CPA and/or other company applications, there will be specific directions to online registration, possible assessments, uploading documents, etc.
• PS – Do not use the same process for every firm. Follow the company directions explicitly. It really matters.
• PPS – Do not wait until the last minute – apply earlier rather than later. I’m just sayin’.

5. “Get Professional Help” – Coaching Appointments

• I know this sounds like getting psychological help, but it really is about talking about your ideas and approach as well as getting feedback on your documents. The thing about having “blind-spots”, is we don’t always know we have them until it’s too late.
• Soon the DAP Office will be posting regular career coaching, CPA application review and interview preparation appointments. You can register for these through COOL throughout March, (April 1st), May and June.
• If for some reason these appointments 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 are entitled to two appointments during the Spring term and/or an application review and interview preparation appointment during Spring CPA recruiting depending on availability.

6. “The Rules” – 2019 CPA Recruitment Framework

• The 2019 CPA BC Recruiting Framework (Recommendations for Conduct) will be available to you soon and you will find how to access it at that time. CPA BC also posts information to guide students on recruiting practices. Be sure to pay attention to, and keep the rules as you proceed into this year’s 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.