We live in the information age. Corporations like Facebook and Apple use data to maximize their bottom lines. Why shouldn’t you?
Of course, the scale is different for you compared to massive tech behemoths. Still, as you build an accounting and finance career, you need to stay informed about new opportunities.
However, it’s hard to remain up to date as you grind through your daily routine. You have enough trouble keeping up with your day-to-day tasks. As result, you don’t have the time to dive into every evolving trend in the finance and accounting world.
Still, you need to find ways to stay current. Here are three tips to remain informed about new opportunities as an accounting and finance professional:
Three Tips to Stay Informed About New Accounting and Finance Opportunities
Prioritize Career Development
Life gets busy. Not only do you have your accounting and finance career to worry about. You also have family, friends, and hobbies. Oh yeah, and you have to find time to eat and sleep occasionally.
As a result, days often go by in a blur. It’s often hard enough to keep up with your current workload. Longer-term concerns simply disappear from your head.
Don’t let this happen. If you become overly focused on the present, you might miss opportunities to drive your career forward. If you want to rise in the accounting and finance profession, you’ll need to dedicate time and resources to finding your next step forward.
Carve out time in your schedule for future planning. Make it a point to research the industry and understand the cutting edge. This way, you’ll be able to spot subtle opportunities when they present themselves.
Keep in Touch with Your Network
Continually talk to people within your network. Trade tidbits and build relationships with people at the cutting edge of your industry. These connections will help you stay informed.
This strategy has the added benefit of strengthening ties with your contacts. The conversations you have now will come in handy when you need to find a new position.
Meanwhile, don’t stop at conversations with your current set of contacts. Keep looking for ways to expand your network. This process will also put you in closer touch with changes within your industry and open you up for new opportunities.
Here are a few network-building tips you can use:
- Join industry associations
- Look for alumni organizations
- Attend conferences (both virtually and in-person, as appropriate)
Create an Online Footprint
Don’t just search out opportunities. Let them come to you as well.
You want to create a kind of fishing net. Rather than actively hunting for beneficial changes in the industry, you’d rather have them swim right into a place where you can easily catch them.
That comes from building a strong online presence. This takes you beyond research and conversations with people you know. You become part of the ongoing conversation about your industry, creating a situation where opportunities can find you.
Here are a few steps you can take to raise your profile, cultivate a following, and become part of the evolution of the industry:
- Start a finance/accounting blog
- Cultivate career-oriented social media feeds
- Build relationships with others online
- Create a YouTube channel
Need Help Finding Your Next Accounting and Finance Career? Elby Professional Recruitment Can Help!
Ready for the next opportunity in your accounting and finance career? A strong recruiting partner, like Elby Professional Recruitment, can connect you with the right employer to take your professional development to the next level.
Contact Elby today to get started.
