Uni’s finishing. Now what?

As the end of your undergraduate studies looms closer, it’s time to start thinking about a crucial decision: enrol in further postgraduate tax training and education, or get yourself a job in the real world?

Either way, it’s a smart idea to implement the following strategies as a ‘final year bucket list’ in order to boost your chances of success in the path you ultimately choose.

Focus on the grown-up social network

You’ve reached the point in life where it’s time to spend fewer hours sharing funny cat videos on Facebook or picking the perfect Instagram filter, and a little more time polishing your LinkedIn profile and checking out the site for news and ads that might help you land that dream job or identify worthwhile tax training.

You should also be connecting with alumni, academics and other industry professionals who may be able to provide you with assistance or at least useful insights.

Get an internship

Even if you’re set on enrolling in a Master of Taxation, there’s much to be gained by getting some real-world work experience. And if you’re looking to score a graduate position, few things are more attractive to employers than evidence that you’re familiar with the unspoken expectations and conventions of office life.

The big four firms all offer well-regarded internship programs, as does the ATO. Many big corporations, such as Woolworths, Telstra and Google, also offer great accounting internships.

Build your personal brand

The most effective way to stand out from hundreds of other fresh graduates is to build your personal brand. Start by attending as many networking events as you can and make your face and name known to those who matter.

Also, don’t be afraid to share your knowledge and industry perspective by creating your own thought hub – you can start a blog for free or tap into LinkedIn's built-in blogging features.

Become a mentor

Evidence you can inspire others comes in handy whether you’re considering a career in the business world, academia or both. Your university probably has programs that allow senior students to provide guidance to or tutor junior and freshman students.

If they don’t, Volunteering Australia can match up individuals with a particular skill set (such as several years of taxation knowledge) with those who have need of such skills.

Cleverly combine work and study

If you’re a bit of an overachiever (although that’s never a bad thing), undertake further education while finding your feet in a demanding graduate position by custom designing your study. The Tax Institute offers numerous programs you can complete while working that can equip you with the practical skills you’ll need to hit the ground running as an up-and-coming tax superstar.

While celebrating a job well done for completing your undergraduate degree is duly earned, don’t waste those three years of hard work by failing to think carefully about your next move. Whether it’s further education or a graduate role, the time to think about your future is now.


Take the next step in your tax career with the Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law 

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Tax can take you to the top

They say only two things in life are certain: death and taxes. But with a postgraduate tax qualification, such as a Graduate Diploma in Applied Tax Law from The Tax Institute, you can add a third to that second certainty: a range of diverse and interesting career options. Here are just a few.

Get political

A solid understanding of the tax system is a good grounding for aspiring politicians. Long before she was spending her days defending Medicare changes and fielding questions from journalists, Minister for Health Sussan Ley studied a Master of Taxation law. On the other side of the chamber, former Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury undertook postgraduate tax law – studies which led to a senior associate in taxation law position with the corporate law firm Blake Dawson before he entered parliament.

Join the Big Four

After a challenging period post-GFC, Australia's big four auditing firms – Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG and Ernst & Young – are eyeing growth in consulting services to drive revenue growth. No doubt they’ll be looking for go-getters with advanced tax training to help them hit their targets.

Scale the corporate ladder

Taxation knowledge can be your ticket to the top in the corporate world. A Master of Taxation helped Mark Weinberger become global chairman and CEO of Ernst & Young – and that's after he served as the Assistant Secretary for tax policy of the US Treasury.

Shape the economy

There are few things that have such an impact on a nation’s economy and its citizens as its taxation system. Granted, you may not get the respect or remuneration offered in other fields, but if you use your postgraduate tax course to get a job with the Australian Tax Office (which runs a graduate program), you will have the satisfaction of knowing you’re playing a vital role in shaping Australia’s economy.

One other thing to remember is that a postgraduate tax qualification could be your passport to travel the world. Harry Tonino, for example, worked on four continents after getting a Master of Taxation and ended up as International Tax Expert at the UN, where he spends his workdays undertaking tasks such as negotiating tax treaties.

So if you’re struggling to find the motivation to undertake further tax training, consider this: that tax course you complete might just be a stepping stone to the CEO suite, the Lodge or a top job at the UN.


Take the next step in your tax career with the Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law 

Find out more

Are you ready to fly solo?

There’s no denying that the idea of being your own boss is perennially appealing. If you’re an ambitious accountant, trading in your nine-to-five job to steer your own workload is sure to feel like a rewarding career move. But although flying solo can offer powerful opportunities to test your skills, knowledge and business acumen, it’s impossible to sustain your own practice unless you make an effort to prepare.

Supercharge your skills and knowledge

When working for an agency, you have access to colleagues and resources to solve problems and issues that feel out of reach. But when you’re self-employed, you won’t have the luxury of depending on this kind of support. Enrolling in a taxation course to fill the gaps in your skill set can give you the confidence to strike out on your own. The Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law – a course that incorporates practical expertise from working tax professionals – is a good place to start.

Ramp up your networking efforts

A networking strategy should be a high priority if you’re planning to start a business from scratch. Whether it’s attending conferences and seminars held by industry organisations, reaching out to prospects on LinkedIn or promoting your services via Facebook, making an effort to cultivate contacts is the first step towards garnering a loyal client base.

Play to your strengths

In the entrepreneurial world, playing to your strengths is often a catalyst for success. While taking the time to establish your niche can feel like it costs you business, investing in the areas you excel in can help you develop stronger relationships with clients and build a reputation that will attract new prospects down the track.

Whether you specialise in offering tax advice to small businesses or help creative professionals with superannuation issues, the benefits of developing expert knowledge isn’t limited to relationships alone. A strong professional focus often makes for a more effective marketing strategy.

Make sure you plan ahead

Every new business encounters ebbs and flows. This means that making an effort to plan ahead – from ensuring you have enough money to see you through slow patches to managing your workflow during high-pressure periods – will help you build the foundations of a successful business.

Although flying solo can be challenging, success hinges on your willingness to invest in your skills. Investing in further taxation education could be one strategic stepping stone that helps you achieve it.


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