"The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow by 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is a faster pace than other occupations. This will lead to more young professionals entering the workforce and increased competition for entry-level jobs," said Brian L. McGuire, Ph.D., CMA, CPA, CBM, CITP, IMA Chair and Associate Dean and MBA Director of the University of Southern Indiana. "Becoming involved in professional associations and networking are two options for students who are looking for a leg up on the competition."

Professional Associations

"Many people believe that once you graduate, the learning process ends," said Dr. McGuire. "The truth is, to continue growing as a professional, as well as in life, you should never stop seeking opportunities to learn." Joining an association such as IMA, Beta Alpha Psi, or the American Accounting Association during college is one way to supplement classroom learning and put oneself on a track toward lifelong learning. Associations and their local chapters provide students the opportunity for face-to-face networking, which is a nice change of pace in the growing social networking environment of today.

Networking

While most students realize networking is crucial to finding a job, what can accounting majors do specifically? By attending networking events such as IMA's Student Leadership Conference, students help establish connections in the professional world in addition to providing insights from accounting and finance experts about the variety of positions available for students studying accounting.

In addition, joining clubs such as Toastmasters can help hone public speaking skills, which are necessary for the management accountant who wants to become a strategic advisor and not just a number cruncher. Also, interning for a small start-up or not-for-profit organization can provide exposure to the various business functions within an organization and allow one to see how a finance department operates. Both of these tactics will produce valuable business contacts, which can help in finding a job after graduation.

According to Dr. McGuire, many students will eventually work in management accounting positions within organizations, which are distinct from jobs in public accounting. In order to stand out in the talent pool, a broader range of skills is required such as financial planning, risk management, budgeting and financial analysis. The only way to attain these skills is to go beyond college textbooks and lecture halls and explore the realm of accounting possibilities outside the classroom.