Next you need to think about which practice area interests you, what kind of organisation you want to work for and which industry you ultimately want to work in.
As a tax professional you’ll have the opportunity to work in a variety of industries, from financial services to fashion. There are plenty of opportunities, so how do you decide? Here are five fast tips to help you identify your ideal career.
Assess your skills
When it comes to choosing your profession, it’s critically important to know where your strengths and talents lie. By aligning your natural skills with your chosen profession you’ll have a greater chance of success and career fulfilment. For instance, if you have a thirst for knowledge and are always looking for ways to improve things, it might be worth thinking about a career in tax, since tax laws change constantly.
Survey your family and friends
Often your family and friends represent a wealth of insight into your habits, behaviours and the areas in which you excel. That’s why it’s worth asking them to list your skills and talents as well as the character traits that they admire – you may be surprised at what this process reveals.
Take the time to write down your top 10 strengths and abilities. Be honest and list everything you’re good at. You might also like to make a list of qualities you’d like to improve upon. How does this match up to the options you’re considering?
Pay attention to what excites you
Often, the things that excite us offer powerful clues into the career that will fulfil us the most. So next time you feel a charge of excitement when you achieve something, don’t ignore it – that feeling is a clue to the kind of work you’ll find fulfilling. Make a list of all the things that interest you and that you enjoy doing. Then compare it to the list of your strengths and abilities. Where do they overlap?
Establish your priorities
It’s important your chosen career reflects your lifestyle aspirations and personal goals. If you value a work-life balance, it pays to pick a job that doesn't demand toiling around the clock. If you require a solid, steady income that will allow you to thrive financially, make sure you pick a stable speciality for which you'll encounter regular demand. As a tax professional, you can expect your specialised knowledge to be in high demand from business, government and private citizens, leading to steady employment.
Embrace internships and work experience
Internships and work experience will give you a powerful insight into what you love and what you loathe. Throughout your studies, take the time to approach companies you’d like to work for and offer your services for free – it’s an investment of your time that’s bound to pay professional dividends. Try working for organisations of different sizes to reveal what type of workplace you are most comfortable with.
Finding the right career takes time, as well as a good understanding of your own strengths, interests and priorities. Once you have a clear picture of what’s most important you’ll be on track to finding your ideal career.
If you are a tertiary education student, The Tax Institute can help you progress in your career journey.
Find out about Student Membership.
