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Although some may roll their eyes at the idea of new year’s resolutions, we happen to love them. The new year represents an empty page—your time to put pen to paper and figure out the story you want to tell this year. When you look back, what do you want to have accomplished? If you're not sure what resolutions you want to pursue, we have a suggestion: mentorship.
Achieving your accounting career goals is a long journey, which makes building a supportive community essential. Don’t believe the hype? We asked four accountants to share their experiences with mentorship and how it has played a key role in shaping their professional success.
If you have or have had a mentor, how have they helped you on your journey toward manifesting your dream career?
👨🏻Name:
Jose B.
💼 Title:
Crowe Financial Crime Senior Consultant (⬅️ What does this mean? They help companies manage and comply with financial crime regulations and prevent and detect internal financial crimes.)
📍Location:
Texas
I have been fortunate to have several mentors during my undergraduate studies and in my current role. Mentorship has provided me with the opportunity to connect with individuals who have walked a similar path, offering guidance and support as I navigate challenging work and life situations. Having mentors has allowed me to build a personal "Board of Directors"—a group of trusted advisors who offer honest advice and unwavering support.
🧔🏾Name:
Roderick W.
💼 Title:
Crowe Audit Senior (⬅️ What does this mean? They help verify companies' records for accuracy and ensure they are up to standards.)
📍Location:
Washington D.C.
I have had multiple mentors throughout my life and that’s common. Mentors are there to help guide you through life and I feel like they can change as you progress. I’ve had teachers, coaches, and even friends be mentors. The best thing a mentor can do for you is to be in your corner when you need them and be able to tell you the truth regardless of the impact it may have on your feelings. My mentors have always been upfront and honest with me about the things I’m doing right or wrong and what I need to do to get to where I want to be.
I had an internship my freshman year and connected with the CFO of the company, who later became my mentor and helped me land my first audit internship at RSM during my junior year. After leveraging that experience on my resume and maintaining the connections I built, I was able to land an interview with Crowe. That interview turned into an internship which turned into a full-time position after college
🧔🏾Name:
Brandon R., MBA
💼 Title:
Crowe Tax Senior Associate (⬅️ What does this mean? They manage the compliance, planning, and reporting of taxes.)
📍Location:
Texas
Although I haven't had a formal mentor, I've greatly benefited from the wisdom and insights of various business professionals and leaders through podcasts and books. These resources have acted as a virtual mentorship, offering me diverse perspectives and valuable advice for navigating my career in accounting and making informed decisions that align with my goals. Listening to podcasts featuring industry experts has been particularly enlightening, as they often share personal experiences, challenges, and strategies for success. This exposure has helped me understand the nuances of the accounting field and stay updated on industry trends. Additionally, reading books by renowned business leaders has provided me with a wealth of knowledge on leadership, decision-making, and personal development.
These resources have inspired me to take a proactive approach to my career. They've also reinforced the importance of networking, which I've actively pursued through various channels. For anyone who maybe doesn’t have access to an accountant in their network, but wants to start accessing mentorship, I recommend leveraging the wealth of information available through podcasts and books.
At Crowe, they also build mentorship into the role by providing a career coach who shares valuable lessons on both the professional and personal aspects of accounting, so I can grow within the company and take on leadership roles.
👨🏻Name:
Adrian F.
💼 Title:
Crowe IT Assurance Senior Associate (⬅️ What does this mean? They review and strengthen the dependability, security, and compliance of IT systems to mitigate risks.)
📍Location:
California
Mentorship has provided me with career guidance and learning to navigate opportunities that have been presented to me academically and professionally. Experience is invaluable information mentors can share when we are unfamiliar with the path we set for ourselves, and I credit my previous mentors for helping me achieve goals that I have accomplished through their guidance.
Finding a mentor is a process that can take some time. That’s why, like Brandon mentioned, we encourage you to be open to the various forms of mentorship until your mentor match comes along. Commit to your development by seeking knowledge from diverse resources designed with the same purpose as mentorship: to empower you to achieve your dreams. Accounting+ is a great place to start.
