Establishing connections is the gateway to building your brand and getting noticed in your career.
Networking plays a significant role in career progression. From engaging with professional bodies and attending industry events to creating a social media presence, effective networking is crucial in opening the door to opportunity for PQ accountants.
Networking plays a crucial part of the job search process – but also goes well beyond just landing a job. It plays an important role for accounting professionals at every level, in staying updated on evolving standards and industry trends.
As the number of skilled accounting professionals increases, having the right qualifications and technical abilities may not be enough to secure your ideal job. Building a career often hinges on your connections. To expand your network you should engage with influential figures in your field who can bring you closer to that dream firm or desired client.
In addition, today’s business leaders seek more than just financial expertise from their accounting professionals. They aim to bring on board specialists who exhibit strong communication abilities, keen intuition and a dedication to ongoing learning and development.
While a great deal of networking and communication is done online and via email, many leading finance professionals and recruitment specialists unanimously believe that being skilled at face-to-face networking is crucial for reaping the greatest rewards in your career.
Attending events solo can be a bit intimidating, but it’s about embracing discomfort and stepping outside your ‘safe’ zone. Starting conversations about your skills with interested individuals or industry leaders can create new opportunities – it’s a case of much to gain and little to lose. Pushing yourself beyond familiar boundaries also promotes personal growth, in the same way that expressing opinions nurtures confidence.
It’s always best to view networking as an ongoing process of building relationships rather than something to do only when necessary, so start by building relationships and establishing your network as early as possible.
Remember, too, that when it comes to networking it’s more about quality rather than quantity. While it might be appealing for those who are more outgoing to engage with as many people as they can, it’s far more beneficial to concentrate on just two or three individuals.
Building a strong connection with them can leave a lasting impact and potentially advance your career significantly.
Tips to network effectively
Read accounting publications.
- Follow thought leaders on social media.
- Join online forums and discussions.
- Attend specific conferences and meet-ups related to your audience’s needs.
- Follow up after events.
- Leverage LinkedIn to connect with influencers who interact with your audience.
Interested in growing your network? The IFA’s 2025 UK Regional Networking Meetings are free to attend and count towards CPD.
- Thanks to the IFA for this article
