Newly Qualified – What Next?
Now that you are qualifying as a member of the Institute there are a number of things to consider for the next phase of your professional career build. Below is a concise synopsis that may prove useful as you focus on this long term project :
The Market - Practice, Industry and FS sectors are all seeking new and recent qualified team additions. International opportunities remain good if you are keen to travel! The economic outlook is good notwithstanding inflation, Brexit, Ukraine.
Salaries – Salary and package levels have been strong in recent months. Salary range for newly qualifieds €55–60k and in some cases €60-65k . Benefits packages are where the spotlight is really.Salary should not be top of your list however when deciding your next career step.
Early Career-build considerations : Treat it like a long term project - Make time to plan.Set up a file / spreadsheet for yourself. Research the multitude of paths you can take now.Speak to your mentors – (3 of them preferably!) Be deliberate about focusing on this career build project. Secondments can be a great way to overcome the gap in industry experience.Be prepared to adjust & shift direction and most importantly start building your Network!
Some key career tips - build your personal brand and guard it carefully for the years ahead. Link-In with ACA’s 2 or 3 years ahead of you in their career path. Year 1 post-qualification gives you a licence to try & test random roles and you should feel free to experiment. Think 2 moves ahead when you accept an offer and consider the impact on your cv and a few moves down the road. Be vigilant of The (ACA) Career Pathway which is worth reviewing - https://www.charteredaccountants.ie/Career-Pathway Consider Contract options in the market and tune in to the growing ‘Gig economy’. Review Accountancy Ireland Back Issues you have not read in your spare time.
Invest in your Network - Networking is the Spine of a successful Career ! It will eventually become the platform for your move as an FCA later in life but start now. Reconnect with Ex Colleagues. Make it a habit to touch base with key people and pick their brains. Social Media – Like Share Discuss and connect constantly. Be vigilant of the people who attended the same events as you. Join LinkedIn Groups and get more involved with the Institute now you have less studies.
Do a Career Audit - Draw a (self analysis) mind map. Analyse decisions you have made to date. What worked for you and what didn’t? Why? What soft skills have you developed in recent years? What have your key achievements been? And importantly, what did you enjoy and why?
Action Plan – You have an opportunity to take stock & plan now. Take time to gain that insight into what you really want for your career. Craft a strong CV and personal brand and be interview ready when the opportunity knocks. Become an expert on the market if you are actively looking to move now and check in with your Careers Team. .
Career Coaching, Advice and Placement – Chartered Accountants Ireland
Dave Riordan (FCA)
Career Coach & Recruiter
Chartered Accountants Ireland Careers Team
+353 1 673 7251
Dave.riordan@charteredaccountants.ie
LOADING...