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 Q How can I ensure that I get the most out of my career?
A The war for talent is heating up even more this year. Employers are trying to
hold on to their best and are boosting their efforts to snare the most experienced from a diminishing pool of
talent. And young CAs are expected to hit the ground running. Here are some tips to ensure you’re on the
radar of firms going the extra mile for talent:
Develop people skills: It’s important to have the soft skills required to attain a
network of colleagues, peers and contacts. Secondments into such areas as learning, recruiting or development
can help build the right relationships that can ultimately enhance your profile in the profession.
Develop your personal brand: Get experience in specific areas so you can create a niche
for yourself. With new International Financial Reporting Standards, Sarbanes-Oxley 404 requirements and Bill
198, internal controls certification and regulatory requirements, plus Canadian focus industries such as oil
and gas and financial services, there are plenty of choices.
Think internationally: The Canadian business community is focused on overseas
opportunities, especially in China and India, and therefore experience abroad can add diverse ideas, thoughts
and knowledge to your résumé.
See the big picture: Keep abreast of key strategic growth markets, business drivers and
risks to the Canadian market. Use this knowledge to be a leader.
Maintain your moral code: The public relies on you for investor confidence; never
compromise your ethics.
Daniela Carcasole, CA, Ernst & Young’s national director of campus recruiting
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