Networking

LSBU and ACCA Deliver Career Lecture

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Published March 7, 2013, in Events, Training

LSBU ACCA Global Accountant

Students and professionals gathered yesterday to attend the first in a series of events that will be hosted by London South Bank University (LSBU) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The lecture titled, “The Right Choice for a Global Career” was unwrapped by Sarah Moore-Williams, Director of ACCA Programme.

Sarah said:

“LSBU and the ACCA have worked together to maintain the outermost standard available to any accounting student and will continue our partnership to better the student experience throughout the course. The programme at LSBU is backed by the ACCA seal of approval. Our accountancy course is delivered along with an employability programme which is at the core of our education and it is that student diversity at LSBU which provides the university with a distinct advantage to shape its students into world class accountants”

ACCA_logo

Linda Hanson of the ACCA chaired the event and expressed the importance of students being able to realise the importance of professional qualifications and the collaborative work between LSBU and the ACCA. The Institute had long ago granted LSBU maximum exemptions for its degree course and will continue to support the quality education delivered under Sarah Moore-Williams.

Sitting on the panel was Angelina Gyakye, Assistant Management Accountant and LSBU graduate, Carlison Morris, Managing Director of Compliant, Edmund Yu Director of Career Interactive and Atul Sharama, Partner at GKP Partnership.

Carlison Morris emphasised the importance of adding value to an employer and how one could demonstrate this skill by understanding what a business really needs from its employees.

Carlison added:

“I am ready to offer an internship to anyone who is willing to learn, dedicate time and will provide my business an advantage”.

Edmund Yu of Career Interactive delivered his expertise in international student employability and assistance in plugging the hole where there is a knowledge gap of what students are permitted and not permitted do within ethical and legal routes available to them.

Finally amongst the panellists a very experienced Atul Sharama of GKP presented his know-how as an example to attendees, his world travel and the effectiveness of being able to communicate in more than one language.

Atul had previously worked with 3 out of the top 4 largest accountancy firms – being responsible for their set up in various locations around the globe; abetted by his ability to speak various languages.

Atul continued his speech:

“GKP has always taken an active role in trainee development and we are keen to continue supporting this ethos as we become more aware of the added benefits interns and newly graduates can bring to the table.”

However, Atul did exercise caution that the route to becoming a member of the ACCA involves dedication, ethics and high doses of motivation.

The lecture concluded with good networking opportunity for students to meet employers.

Network With Purpose – and You Won’t Get Worked Up

By:
Published June 1, 2012, in Career Update

Attending a professional networking event can be like going to a party at a stranger’s house. You scan the crowd, searching for friendly faces, hoping you know at least one other person. When you realize you have to work the event solo, you suddenly feel shy and jittery — especially if “working the room” doesn’t come naturally to you.

Plan ahead

Before the event, make a list of “targets” — the people you know you want to meet. Most conferences and other meet-and-greet events use social media now to publish a list of attendees, which can be helpful in your preparation. Many events also use hashtags on Twitter so attendees can connect before and during the event.

Networking by Robert Half International

Turn your list of targets into an “event card,” which you can use to make notes about the people you meet and what you discuss. This can be a list in a notebook — or on your smartphone. Don’t take notes during a conversation, though. Others may feel uncomfortable if they sense they’re being interviewed.

Help contacts connect with you

You need to show your targets why they should know you. This means you should rehearse your introductions and tailor them for each key target. For instance:

Example 1: “Hi, I’m Ann. I’m an accountant with XYZ firm. Our firm does some work for your company. I’ve seen you copied on some of our correspondence, and I wanted to introduce myself since we’ve never actually met in person.

Example 2: “Hi, I’m Ann. I’m an accountant at XYZ firm. I believe you know my manager, Sue Smith. I noticed you two are connected on LinkedIn. How do you know Sue?”

Don’t wait too long to follow up

A day or two after the networking event, review your event card and the business cards you collected, and begin your follow-up emails. A brief email to say “hello” and remind a new contact about the conversation you had should suffice. Don’t call a contact unless you were encouraged to do so, or you both hit it off so well you know a phone call would be welcome.

If you don’t hear back from a contact after two attempts, more than likely that person is not interested in keeping in touch. Don’t take it personally. Not every connection you make is going to lead to a meaningful business connection. Focus your energy instead on those relationships you sense are going to be the most fruitful. If you approached the event strategically, you’ll no doubt have more than enough interesting new contacts to add to your professional network.

This article is provided courtesy of Robert Half International, parent company of Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Robert Half Management Resources. Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm placing accounting and finance professionals on a temporary, full-time and project basis. Follow Robert Half on Twitter at twitter.com/roberthalf