Generation Next: Three Takeaways from the MAP Student Survey.

• Author: Daiber, Erin
• Position: Practicemanagement

recently, we sought feedback

from students around the state to learn more about the mindset and outlook of the next generation of accountants. We were hoping to gain insights about where they're gathering the information they have about the profession, what their assumptions and concerns are as they enter the field and what is most important to them when considering their career in accounting. Some of the results weren't all that surprising. As expected, students are getting much of their information about what to expect in their careers from their professors or family and friends who are already in accounting. Also not surprising is the concern about the hours and lack of work/life balance that they can expect in this career.

That said, there were some much more surprising outcomes of our survey.

Getting Advice to Seek Best Fit Versus a Name Brand

This is a win for everyone. The fact is that when there is a good fit between employers and employees, it's easier to retain the team. No size of firm is better or worse than another--both offer pros and cons--but not all firm sizes will be a fit for everyone. Any mismatch in personality or expectations will inevitably lead to growing frustration, resentment and ultimately the departure of your team member--but not before you've invested time and money into their training and development.

What You Can Do About It

Evaluate what would make someone a great fit for your organization. What characteristics or traits help people succeed here? What natural abilities could you look for in a candidate that will aid in their training and development?

What attracted you to accounting? 38% Like the Work/Like Numbers 14% Friend or Professor Recommended 14% Family Connection to Accounting 24% Job Stability/In Demand 10% Helping Businesses Note: Table made from pie chart. Concerns About Future Job Prospects & Career Growth Wow. This really surprised the members of our MAP Committee who have all seen first-hand the variety of opportunities that are available in the accounting profession. There are endless ways to develop a niche or expertise in more traditional accounting functions, from entertainment and cannabis to nonprofits. There are also non-traditional paths available for people with an accounting background: starting your own business, doing consulting work, government positions, tech start-ups and even the FBI. The possibilities are nearly endless, so why do students feel limited?

What You Can Do About...