GEN NEXT: Paying It Forward: Inspiring the Next Generation of CPAs

So far in my career, I’ve become very passionate about paying it forward. Here are three pieces of advice, all of which have helped me on my professional journey, that’ll hopefully help those who come next.

1. NEVER SELL YOURSELF SHORT

Remember to believe in yourself. You’re more powerful than you think you are—never sell yourself short. Of course, failure happens along the way, and that’s OK. As the saying goes, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

Ten years ago, I was in college juggling both academics and athletics. One day, my accounting club had a presenter come in to speak about the CPA exam process and a new scholarship opportunity for minority students. Of course, the presenter was from the Illinois CPA Society, and the scholarship opportunity was tied to the Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program. I found myself feeling inspired and had belief in myself that I could succeed in this program. Once they left, I immediately started working on my application. Thankfully, I was selected to participate in the program. After attending the three-day workshop, I felt more prepared for the workforce and gained valuable relationships with my peers. The program provided me the opportunity to secure an internship, which then led to a full-time position after my graduation—a huge relief.

2. SPEAK UP, USE YOUR VOICE

As I was working my way up the corporate ladder and studying for the CPA exam, the greatest pieces of advice I was given were to use my voice, raise my hand, and have a questioning mind. No one truly knows what you want except for you. Therefore, you must speak up and share your insights with others for them to understand and be able to assist you in achieving your goals.

Upon entering the workforce as an audit staff member, the firm I worked for provided me with the tools to succeed and afforded me the opportunity to get involved with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that are important to me. Fortunately, this opportunity leant itself to me finding my “mini familia” within the firm’s Hispanic business resource group (BRG), which has had a positive and continuous impact on my career.

My time in audit came to an end during the pandemic, but another door opened at a different firm in the client advisory services (CAS) space. Joining the CAS team brought on new challenges and opportunities for me to develop and grow in my career. My first accomplishment: passing the CPA exam. I then continued my involvement with DEI initiatives by helping lead the firm’s BRG to promote multiculturalism and grow a community among associates of similar backgrounds.

Most recently, I was appointed to the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois Board of Directors. By never selling myself short and speaking up on the topics I’m passionate about, I’ve come full circle to now sit on the board of the very organization that hosts the Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program—the program that ultimately kick-started my accounting career. Joining this board is an honor and a privilege. My hope is to share my perspectives and experiences so that we can work on more initiatives that’ll have lasting and positive impacts on future generations of accounting professionals.

3. BREATHE, TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF

Lastly, remember to take a moment to breathe and take it all in. I know—easier said than done. Life can definitely get in the way. For example, when I was promoted to manager, I also welcomed my son into the world—talk about a whirlwind. With all the changes going on, I had to remind myself to take a moment for myself. Yes, things can be chaotic at times being a new parent and juggling work, but I’m fortunate to work for a firm that allows me the flexibility to be with my son and wife during the day and get my work done at night.

If you would’ve told me 10 years ago that I’d be in this position—offering advice to the next generation of CPAs—I would’ve laughed. Yes, I had big aspirations, but I never imagined so many opportunities would come from attending that three-day internship preparation program.

Hopefully, the lessons I’ve learned and shared so far help motivate and inspire the next generation of diverse, thought-provoking CPAs.

Related Content:

• GEN NEXT: Why: The Most Powerful Three-Letter Word:  If you find yourself moving through your life and career with too many questions and too few answers, ask yourself “why.”
• Career Paths in Accounting Don’t Have to Fit a Mold:  College students considering careers in accounting need to be shown that the CPA credential can take them anywhere they want to go.