YOUNG PROS
5 WAYS to level up your networking If you find networking uncomfortable, have no fear. There are ways you can make the professional connections you need to move your career forward.
You’ve heard the old adage — it’s not what you
know, but who you know. Check your phone right now. How many applications do you have that involve social media in some way? How many followers do you have on Twitter? How many connections do you have on LinkedIn? These are all individual relationships that comprise your network through both professional and personal relationships — and they prove just how important networking is in our daily lives. Brandon Pope, CPA
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DISCLOSURES
Networking is a vital key to our careers and the professional relationships we form can significantly affect our lives. Studies have shown that more and more jobs are never even listed but are being filled by internal and external networking candidates. Recruiters often have interested applicants reach out proactively, time and time again, and individuals who have networked properly will be remembered when it comes time for interviewing. This means that
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MAY/JUNE 2019
professionals looking to switch positions may need to do more than just search job postings — brushing up on networking skills is ever more important. CPA professionals in public practice find even more importance in networking through expansion of business contacts. Business development, or professional networking, are two very important concepts to professionals who are charged with growing their practice and bringing in new business. Finding the right contacts and leveraging positive business relationships can significantly affect a business’s growth. In public accounting, technical knowledge will always be necessary, as the CPA designation continues to be the gold standard. However, as professionals climb the corporate ladder, bringing in new business and establishing professional relationships help prove value. While networking is commonly viewed as an
