It is never too early for a finance and accounting student to attend an industry conference. The financial sector is a competitive field where one has to demonstrate the skills, expertise and dedication to developing the competencies needed to excel in the field. It is important for students to take advantage of every opportunity available to keep up with changes that may affect financial practices and policies and to meet industry leaders while socializing with their peers. Finance and accounting jobs are often collaborative efforts rather than solo jobs, so it is beneficial for aspiring financial experts to immerse themselves in industry events.
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Keeping Up with Industry Changes
The financial sector is a dynamic field that has to adapt to business, legislative and economic changes. As such, it is important to keep up with these changes that may significantly alter specific practices and future policies in the financial sector. Conferences and industry gatherings usually make members aware of new and pending changes to encourage compliance. This is a highly regulated sector that requires strict compliance with guidelines to ensure credibility and integrity of the work product and practitioners behind it.
Career Planning
Conferences bring experts, leaders and influential personalities together. Attending a conference is an opportunity to learn about different careers in the field and how these occupations in the public and private sectors are changing. Listening to industry insiders discuss how this field is changing will help students realign their plans and ambitions to what is realistic while taking advantage of niche opportunities. Career planning is often one of the featured activities with experts available for resume reviews, feedback and interviewing tips.
Networking
A gathering of industry leaders is one of the best places to network. Make it a point to meet as many people as possible at industry conferences with a special focus on the gatekeepers to the executives. These gatekeepers consist of deputies, assistants and other members of the executive’s trusted circle who may have information on open positions, internships and other opportunities that will get aspiring accountants a foot in the door. Networking with peers is a solid strategy when one is starting a career.
Learn About the Role of Professional Associations
Conferences are typically sponsored by professional associations. Students attending these conferences will learn firsthand how membership in these associations is integral to their success. Students will meet the national and local chapter leaders of the association and get a sneak preview of member perks and other benefits.
Test Tips from Experts
Accountancy majors will benefit from interacting with professionals in their field especially as upcoming accountants preparing to take the licensing tests to earn the certified public accountant or CPA. Test preparation may be one of the features of conferences that include students. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn some test-taking tips from people who have successfully passed the CPA exams.
Some conferences are geared entirely toward student attendees, which would be a great opportunity to meet people with common interests and goals. Recommendations from the the Accountantlist.com include conferences for specialized demographics, including women and minority groups. Students should consider attending a conference on finance and accounting before graduation because it is never too soon to start meeting potential employers and resource persons. Networking with peers and industry leaders is an investment in one’s future as a financial and accountancy professional.
