Madverse’s Post

It’s that time of year when many students are about to embark on their journey into full-time employment. Recently, I presented my own career path to students at KPMG, where I used my Drake-scale to describe the different ups-and-downs throughout my career so far. Often, we only see the positives on LinkedIn, so I tried to be as transparent as possible and talked about everything from being in a job, where I loved my work, but not the culture to how covid-19 impacted my career path. A few tips I would like to pass on to anyone who is embarking on their first full-time job is: •     Try to get a mentor. Having different mentors throughout my career has been of such great value. Mentors have often already experienced what you are going through and can help give you advice with a lot more clarity and put things into perspective. •     Create an overview of what is most important to you in a job. Is it to learn as much as possible, achieve a good work-life balance, experience a great company culture, or perhaps learn from more senior people? Nothing is right or wrong but can help you navigate to a workplace where you feel the most fulfilled. •     The last tip may be somewhat controversial, but… you don’t necessarily need a 5-year plan. Personally, I have always had an openness to where different opportunities could take me – that’s perhaps also why I, as a digital designer, has both worked in a finance department and also become a consultant. Focus on what brings you energy and what you are passionate about. 

I've been a junior since scoring my first job back in 2019. Hence, I'm excited at the idea of future me holding a senior executive position. However, it didn't lose on me the notion that it's more complex works, projects, and responsibilities. As my famous uncle once said sometime before he died getting shot, "With great power, comes great responsibilities." To better prepare myself, I've been reading up on several articles regarding the topic. I could also use some real life experiences from you. How was your experience transitioning from a junior to senior executive role? What works? And, what didn't? #careeradvancement #careerprogress

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE FROM PART-TIME JOB WHEN I WAS A SOPHOMORE It's my sophomore year, and like many students, I'm navigating the delicate balance between lectures, assignments, and the ever-elusive concept of "free time." That's when I stumble upon an opportunity for a part-time job at a local tech startup. The prospect of gaining real-world experience alongside my studies ignites a spark of excitement within me. With a mix of nerves and enthusiasm, I dive headfirst into my new role. From day one, I find myself immersed in a whirlwind of learning experiences, from collaborating with seasoned professionals to tackling hands-on projects that push the boundaries of my knowledge. As the weeks turn into months, I discover a newfound sense of purpose and direction. No longer confined to the four walls of a classroom, I'm actively contributing to meaningful projects, applying theoretical concepts in practical settings, and honing invaluable skills that transcend the confines of academia. But it's not just about the technical skills – it's the soft skills that truly set this experience apart. Through countless interactions with colleagues and clients alike, I refine my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. I learn the art of adaptability, navigating the ever-changing landscape of a fast-paced startup with resilience and determination. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of my part-time job, I never lose sight of my academic pursuits. If anything, my newfound passion fuels my dedication to excellence in the classroom. I find myself drawing parallels between my coursework and real-world experiences, enriching my learning journey in ways I never thought possible. As graduation approaches, I reflect on the profound impact of my part-time job. It wasn't just a means to earn some extra cash – it was a catalyst for personal and professional growth. It equipped me with the skills, confidence, and perspective needed to thrive in today's competitive landscape. As I embark on the next chapter of my career journey, I carry with me the lessons learned and memories cherished from my time balancing part-time work and university life.

Why did it take you so long to finally agree with me? That you can't land that dream job or promotion if you don't upskill. It’s no secret that the job market is more competitive than ever. Yet, many of us continue to wonder why we aren't getting our dream job or promotion. The harsh truth? It’s often because we’ve refused to upskill. The world is constantly evolving, so you can't remain stagnant and expect the good things you want to come to you. Let me share this story with you. Around the month of April, I met a talented accounting professional who had been with the same company for nearly a decade. She was good at her job, reliable, and well-liked by her colleagues. But every time a promotion opportunity came up, she was passed over. Frustrated, she reached out to me through her friend for advice. As we talked, it became clear that, while her skills were solid, they had become outdated. The accounting world had evolved dramatically with the rise of digital tools and data analytics, yet she hadn't invested in learning these new skills. Despite her experience, she was outpaced by her more zealous colleagues who took the time to invest in their skills and knowledge. I know most times It’s easy to get comfortable with what we know, especially once we have gotten to an appreciable level. But the world is changing rapidly, and so are the skills needed to succeed. In my work as an HR expert, I've seen time and time again that those who continuously invest in their overall professional growth are the ones who climb the ladder and secure their dream roles. So, ask yourself: What skills could I develop today that would open doors tomorrow? Whether it's learning a new technology, mastering a soft skill, gaining a certification in your field, or revamping your CV, The investment you make in yourself is the surest way to unlock your potential. Remember, the best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is now. #Upskill, #CareerGrowth, #ProfessionalDevelopment, #DreamJob, #Promotion, #ContinuousLearning

If I could give anyone under the age of 25 any piece of advice, it’s this: Don’t waste time in a role that you aren’t passionate about and isn’t continuously forcing you to challenge yourself and grow. Years ago, I was a management consulting working with Fortune 50 healthcare firms. I had been doing it for about 4 years (including college internships), and career-wise, I only saw one real option: continue my career in healthcare. But the truth is, I was sick of it. I had spent months searching for opportunities within the industry and I couldn’t find a single thing that I genuinely wanted to do. Ultimately, I realized that it wasn’t my passion, nor was it something that challenged me in any capacity. Then one day, I couldn't get an Uber to take me from my hotel to my client's offices in Atlanta on time, so I decided to hop on a Bird scooter for the first time. And man, I LOVED it. This was my lightbulb moment— I found a product and company I was actually passionate about and excited to work for. I looked them up, found a position within my area of expertise, got the job, and wasted no time leaving management consulting for it, even though I had to take a 50% pay cut. But my biggest mistake with this whole story? I wasted so much time in a role that I didn’t care about because I thought it was ‘the best fit for my career’. What I didn’t realize was that a passion for my work was the most important, and once I joined Bird I was opened up to a world that I truly cared about. Find what you love doing. Give everything you have into doing it. Every second that you spend in a role that you - Don’t care about - Isn’t challenging you to grow - Isn’t forcing you to LEARN Is wasted potential. Every second you spend outside of doing what you love is totally lost. Find your passion, and go all in on it.

Here’s a perspective that might be a bit controversial: I don’t regret working for free when I first started out. Back when I was starting my career, I often did industry research without getting paid. I’d get the licensing or memberships or services for my participants, and that was it. No paycheck, no immediate financial reward. But for me, it wasn’t about the money. It was about moving my agenda forward and advancing science. And you know what? It paid off in the end. I wanted the data, the experience, and the industry connections. Those initial unpaid opportunities opened doors for me and taught me invaluable lessons. They allowed me to build my reputation and gain the trust of my peers. Looking back, I realize how much I gained from those experiences. It wasn’t easy, and I understand why it’s a tough pill to swallow for many. But for me, it was worth it. I’m not saying this is the right path for everyone, but for those starting out and looking to make a mark, sometimes the experience is worth more than the paycheck. (But it should ALWAYS eventually lead to a paycheck- it did for me!) #Science #Research #CareerJourney

𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁! 🌟 Happy Monday, everyone! Yesterday, we set the stage for success—now it’s time to put those plans into action. Whether it’s tackling that big project, reaching out to a new connection, or even exploring a new career opportunity, the first step is always the most important. The great thing about a fresh week is that it brings new chances to stay consistent, build on what you started last week, and keep moving toward your goals. Remember: small steps lead to big results. If you’re thinking about leveling up your career or making a change that aligns with your ambitions, now is the time to take that leap. I’m here to help you navigate your next move and connect with the right opportunities! 📩 Drop me a DM or reach out at msanjose@whitmantransition.com to explore the exciting public accounting roles we have with top firms. Let’s make this week the one where you take a step toward what you truly deserve! -------- #MondayMotivation #ConsistencyIsKey #TakeAction #CareerGrowth #NewOpportunities #PublicAccountingJobs #StayFocused #WTAJobCommunity #StartStrong #MakeItCount

Early Career & Imposter Syndrome – (pictured below, circa 2012) I remember being fresh out of college from Clemson University, starting my career off in accounting at one of the major manufacturing companies in the US. Every one of my dreams were realized that year. I obtained a full-time offer after my internship, which moved me to a big city after graduation, making the big bucks! Coming from a small town in SC, this was a MAJOR accomplishment – an answered prayer. Little did I know, the feeling of inadequacy would hit me like a ton of bricks that first year. While my manager would often praise my work ethic and projects, I often questioned myself - wondering if I belonged. Was it the fact that I had found the job on Indeed when I knew that all of my peers were heavily sought after during recruiting season? Was it the intimidation I felt because I was a young, black woman presenting key reports to a room full of men who did not look like me? Or was it because I could never authentically engage in the “break room” conversations (I mean, what urban kids grew up learning the game of golf)? Somehow, I allowed the doubts in my head to overshadow the fact I was supposed to be there. I was hired for the job and I was actually doing a darn good job at it! This is what #impostersyndrome (IS) looks like. It can cause you to overperform or beat yourself up for not doing enough. You end up questioning every thought you share in meetings or you refrain from sharing at all. To all of my #Genz professionals who are struggling with “IS”, know that you are not alone. So many of your colleagues (including your leaders) are suffering from it as well. However, know that there are way to overcome it: ✅ Know that you belong – You were hired for your skills and value. Bring it all to the table! ✅ Lean into your strengths – Leverage the things that make you unique and use them to achieve your goals. ✅ Have a growth mindset – Remain a learner. Seek new challenges so that you can grow. ✅ Keep a brag sheet – Document your wins to remind yourself of how much you’ve accomplished! If you’re early in your career. Know that you can have imposter syndrome but it doesn’t have to have you! #earlycareer #careercontent #Genzprofessionals #genzspeaker #careercoach

I have a few 🔥 hot takes 🔥 lined up for you this week! First up: Let's attack the phenomenon where people, often parents, sometimes "joke" that they are private chefs, chauffeurs, house managers, travel agents, nurse, therapist, etc., and so their value is the sum total of all of these salaries combined. Let's untangle! 1. Parents do an extreme amount of labor, in many different directions! Obviously! 2. Anyone does a huge amount of labor just to facilitate their OWN life. Everyone does these tasks for themselves, too. 3. Caretaking IS societally underappreciated. You're doing work to live your own life, as well as others' lives, so you're kind of doing the work required to live multiple lives at once (trippy). 4. All of these careers, however, are their OWN profession. It's truly not the same to do one of these jobs full-time, where that's all you do, day in and day out. Where you know everything there is to know about that role. Where you are the consummate expert, probably insured, perhaps degreed, and have a reliable network of colleagues solving the same industry-specific problems as you. 5. I get the intent, but this is part of a broader, common tendency to undervalue professions that we personally do not do. If you've ever had someone outside your industry tell you how to do your job (no, not just a thing that happens to one industry, coughcough marketers coughcough), if you've ever seen "what social media intern did this," if anyone has ever asked you for your professional advice for free, you've come across this idea of undervaluing. Not fun, right? All this to say, I am against #5! I want to see a world where we revere each other, instead. Who's with me?! (Or I guess, who's against me?)

Summer's officially over... 🌥️ So why not step into autumn with a new role? Whether you're starting your practice career or you're already at Director level, we're here to match you with the perfect job - no matter your discipline! Can't find what you're looking for? Search more jobs 👇 https://buff.ly/3XAo3cR Talk us through your career goals 🤝 info@publicpracticerecruitment.co.uk #accountingjobs #jobalert #accountancy