networking Networking & Recruiting By Angela Roberts, CPA Have you ever heard the phrase... "It's not what you know, but who you know?"   Well, the old saying is alive and well!  I'm sure you didn't enroll in Recruiting 101 or Networking for Business, but what you didn't learn could hurt you.  Its true recruiting and networking are two critical business skills they don't teach in college and the majority of accountants deem immaterial (a little accounting humor), until necessary. However, understanding recruiting will jump start your career and understanding the value of networking will keep it moving.  A network is defined as an informally interconnected group or association of persons (as in friends or professional colleagues).  The professors and students in your class will be your peers for years to come, the study groups you participate with now will become your professional network!  A career in accounting will mean working with teams to strategize and solve problems. We all learn thru sharing our knowledge and information. Your network will be references for you and points of reference for you in learning and making decisions. Connecting and sharing with good people will be critical for your career no matter what path you take.  Networking is done anywhere and anytime, in your personal life on the ski slopes, the golf courses and cocktail parties.  Don't be afraid to network, shake hands and introduce yourself. This is how people and businesses grow.  Your ability to lend a hand or share your knowledge is always valued. In a world of text messaging and e-mails it's easy for people to stay connected.  Staying in touch will help you grow your network and quite possibly connect you with your next accounting position. Networking will undoubtedly provide you with opportunities to learn, share and grow. There are several accounting organizations that provide a forum for networking, the Colorado Society of CPA's, the local chapters of Institute of Internal Auditors www.iia.org, the Institute of Management Accountants www.imanet.org, and the various industry organizations also provide great networking events to meet and learn.  It's wise to remember that the purpose of a networking event is to meet potential business contacts and to have them meet you.  I once read you are supposed to hold your drink in your left hand, because the right hand is the one you will be using to shake hands with people you are supposed to meet and a cold and clammy hand would not make a good impression.  I was also told to put your name tag on your right shoulder, thus while shaking hands, your greeter can focus on your name, and hopefully remember it after the cocktail! Searching for conversation? Offer to introduce people, share a great book you've read and have fun!    Building a strong network will provide opportunities both professionally and personally. Go the extra mile and share your network, it might land someone else a great opportunity.  Remember who you network with today you might be working for tomorrow.  Recruiting defined by the Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines recruit "to seek to enroll (recruit prospective students)".  Every year companies send out their top recruiters to colleges and start identifying future employees they will court and interview for positions in their company.  It starts with networking among the student accounting societies. This is where networking and socializing might initially be difficult for those reserved accountants. It truly doesn't matter if you're shy or outgoing, every personality is welcome. Just remember a few important notes.  The Beta Alpha Psi accounting societies are a great place to start. The professors at your college can guide you in making connections and joining circles of influence to assist you in starting a map for your career. The Colorado Society of CPA's is also a great place to join as a student member and help you find a mentor to help you chart your path, just visit online at www.cocpa.org for more information. Joining and participating in these accounting societies provides many opportunities for recruiting, including the opportunity to intern during your college years. Internships are great for college students!  I have to admit that in the midst of studying for finals my junior year, I still had not heard of the Big 4 (ok, it was the Big 8 then).  However, getting involved with Beta Alpha Psi provided me the opportunity to submit a resume for a "mock" interview.  Yes, the resume was small and mostly consisted of positions in restaurants, regardless, I did pull one together and managed to interview with 3 different companies. The IRS "mock" interview was ruthless, I'm not sure I even understood all the questions! However, the interview process was an excellent experience. This exercise gave me the understanding and tools to better prepare for the questions of the "real world" that everyone talks about. This is where I learned the value of recruiting and how the process worked.  When graduation is over the students that understood both recruiting and networking will probably already know where they are going to work! www.aclivity.com For more information: phone. 720.232.3111 email. info@aclivity.com