So you got your license, what’s next?

Today another batch of newly-passed Certified Public Accountants (CPA) is about to take their oath.  The number is the biggest, so far, in the history of the notorious board exams.  A lot of them might be asking what will happen next?  Let me give my insights.

Life after the board exams is the most difficult part. This is the stage where you are about to take full responsibility for your future. It’s a continuous make or break decision-making process beginning from what first job you want to have up to the point of your retirement.

This is where the multitude of aspirations begin – career, money, family, social standing and relationships.

Most of the newly-passed CPAs tend to jump into Big 4 audit firms. A big number wants to have a career-start by joining commerce and industry by joining multinational companies. Some pursue further studies such as law. Some are confused on what career path to take.  Be it noted that there are no good and bad decisions. Failure to make a decision is what actually constitutes a “bad decision”.

My suggestions are the following:

Know yourself. Know what you really want out of your life and plan it meticulously. Usually, it will take you around 5 years before you really know what you really want. You will be experiencing quarter-life crisis so be prepared. Being a CPA does not guarantee automatic success. It’ll only equip you to move towards that goal.

Have a good mentor. You can find them in the workplace, in social clubs, professional organizations, sites like PCPA and even on the least expected places. Mentors will be just there as your guide to places you want to go and be the person you want to be.

Network, network and network. We are a service-oriented profession. We deal with people and their businesses. Increasing our network means increasing our exposures and opportunities.

Be clean and honest. There’s no substitute for integrity. If you notice, the “lagay” and “padrino” system starts to weaken as changes and initiatives are being introduced. We are moving towards a socially responsible economy and a public partnership system. The scandals, crises and fiascos of past were the sources of the lessons learned.

Keep updated with the latest in your industry and specialization. Our skills and knowledge base must be intact and updated. The name of the game in today’s competition is “information”. Whoever has the latest and accurate information possesses the key to growth.

Last but not the least, help our country. Our knowledge, skills, and our licenses wouldn’t be possible if not for our motherland, the Philippines. As CPAs, we are the finance managers of this country. The economic progress depends on our decisions and actions. If we will succeed together as individuals, our country also succeeds.

Welcome to the real world, colleagues!