If you’re a solid performer, your managers really do want to know what will keep…
John Borrowman, CPC
Borrowman Baker, LLC
Gallatin, TN
Young BV/LS professionals consistently tell us they like the work “because it’s something new every day.” That’s an attractive element. But, “something new every day” without the fundamentals of development in the profession can mean that sooner or later your career will be treading water.
People choose employers for all kinds of reasons. Maybe it’s the idea of a Big Four name on your resume. Maybe it’s a preference for a smaller firm. Maybe it’s a familiar city, or one on your wish-list. Or, it could be that it was simply the best way to get a foot in the door to this unique profession.
Whatever your reason for accepting an offer to start work at a particular practice, professional development can be the reason you stay and advance your career – or not.
Take a look around. Are there shelves full of reference materials and books written by the industry’s thought leaders? (And if your boss is one of those authors, give yourself a pat on the back!) Are you being encouraged to spend time reading that material and applying it to the projects you’re working on?
What support is there for continuing education, especially in the form of credential-driven training? Does your boss insist that you go and makes the arrangements? Is it left up to you to take the initiative? What happens when you do raise the subject? Are you told it’s ‘not in the budget’?
It should matter to you that professional development is supported where you work. You may not feel like you miss it, and you’re in a comfortable environment anyway. Sooner or later, though, your value starts to slide in the marketplace.
Not getting the career development you’d like? Contact us for a confidential conversation.
John Borrowman
