Check it out: we’ve asked two accountants what inspired them on their road to success. If you’re on your accounting journey and need some extra motivation, their answers are worth reading 👇
What are skills that your family taught you and how do you apply them to your accounting career that allows you to continue your family’s legacy?
👩🏻Name:
Carol R., CPA
💼 Title:
PwC Trust Solutions Partner in Healthcare Practice (⬅️ What does this mean? They help maintain assurance and transparency within the healthcare industry.)
📍Location:
Massachusetts
I was inspired the most by my mother. She inspired me to work hard and have a positive attitude towards anything I did. Being the first in my family to enter corporate America, I didn’t have the knowledge of what an accounting or business career meant. But I did know that I was going to do my best to succeed in whatever path I chose. Over the years, I have been lucky to cross paths with a few women at our firm, all unique in their own ways, but each had something I could relate to. Whether she was a local leader who was a working mom, a Latina leader in another office, or an influential leader who provided me the opportunities to succeed, each were key members throughout my career who contributed to my success. Thinking back to my academic career, I had some crucial moments like navigating grades and internship interviews that I knew were important to succeed and land my ideal job. As far as grades went, I focused on continuing to work hard and hoped it would pay off. The internship interviews were a very challenging process because there weren’t many people – family or friends – that I could turn to for advice, since I was one of the first in my close network going through the process. So, I had to depend on the resources and programs provided by my college that were available to students like me to prepare. But I guess at that time I just took calculated risks and got out of my comfort zone since I felt like I had nothing to lose. I was already succeeding by being there and getting those opportunities. Knowing that I had others in my community and family members who looked up to me as their role model kept me inspired and motivated me throughout the years.
👩🏻Name:
Lucia S.
💼 Title:
Plante Moran Senior Assurance (⬅️ What does this mean? They help verify company's records for accuracy and ensure they are up to standards.)
📍Location:
Colorado
During crucial moments in my academic career, I stayed motivated and inspired by keeping my goals clear and thinking about the positive during hard situations. My goal had always been to graduate with a degree in accounting. I loved how accounting was like a puzzle and I was able to use a lot of critical thinking skills. My other motivation has always been and will always be my family. I knew that my family made sacrifices in order for me to have the opportunity to study and pursue something I enjoyed. Making my family proud was one of my main goals, and I knew going to school and graduating with a degree I loved would do exactly that. Although not everything was easy, I was able to learn from every experience. For example, I didn't land the first internship I interviewed for, however, I used what I learned and applied it to future interviews. I later received two offers for an internship, and even full time offers. Now, I have been working with the company I interned with for two years! I have enjoyed it and I cannot be not be more thankful for it. I know there are hard situations and a lot of challenges that you have during your academic career but keep pushing through and you will achieve your goals!
Let’s talk about key takeaways because this was a bar: “I was already succeeding by being there and getting those opportunities.” Carol’s words amplify an important statement: you may not have fulfilled everything you desire, but you have already achieved success and established that you have what it takes. Whenever doubt starts to creep into your mind, remember that you’ve already proven that you are capable of accomplishing everything you’ve set out to do. While we may stumble and encounter obstacles, take a page from Lucia and remember your “why” — whether it’s your family, your own sacrifices that you’ve made, or your future desires, keep that as your guiding light towards success.
