Public Speaking

I am not one for public speaking. I wrote on here awhile back that one of the partners at my old firm asked me to speak to college students about working at the firm. I was honored to be selected because I believed in the people at the firm and also that it was a great place for these students to learn the real world application of accounting....but on the days of - I was a sweating, stammering mess. All nerves. Overheating in my clothes and intimidated by the process.

Well on Tuesday of this upcoming week and again in early April, I have been invited to speak about my education and my business. And I am hoping the fact that these events are online over Zoom will make it a little easier on me. Because I am excited! I'll probably write about the second engagement as it nears, because I don't have all the information just yet. But in the meantime...

The first engagement is a focus group - I have never been a part of one so I have no idea what to expect. They want me to speak about my experience with University, and their goal is to attract young people into post secondary. I have written before about my conflicted feelings when it comes to education and the value our society places on it, but as that is where our world is in this moment, I want to try and show other people that even if you are like me and think uni is untenable for you - perhaps rethink that for yourself.

Over the course of my 12+ years in accounting I have realized many things that would have been useful to me at the start of my educational journey. These are a few of them:

You don't necessarily need a degree - and if you choose a degree, maybe a 3 year degree will be enough to get you your goals. In my industry, to get the top jobs (partner, controller, CFO) you typically need a CPA. Most people know that CPAs get their designations after completing an undergrad degree - typically a 4 year degree. But that isn't necessary. If college for 4 years isn't realistic - you can actually obtain the CPA with 20-ish prerequisites and 8 years of relevant experience. Meaning if you took 1 college course every 4 or 5 months while you work you could begin your CPA in your 9th year of work. It seems long term when you are 20 but believe me, looking back at 35 - it really isn't. I could have saved myself a lot of time and reached my goals earlier with that information. Same goes for choosing a 3 year credential instead of 4 - just make sure the CPA prerequisites tie in.

Many great paying jobs don't require a degree, and are looking specifically for an admin diploma - half the time and money of a degree. Jobs that pay 75-80k with benefits can require less education than you might expect. It can really pay to think about what you want for a lifestyle, the jobs that can get you that and what education those employers are typically looking for. Many people are ambivalent or uncertain about what they want to do for a career, sometimes it is about finding something that fits the life you want to lead and finding your passions through hobbies.

There are many terrific jobs that you don't learn about in high school. We hear about becoming a doctor, nurse, lawyer, accountant, engineer growing up...but what about paralegal, accounting technician, ultrasound tech, human resources manager, etc.? There are so many fulfilling jobs that can make great careers with less education and still earn a great salary - many with less demanding hours as well.

Age is just a number. I know sometimes people think in terms of "I will have this or make that or be here at age 25, 30, 35...." but life is so unpredictable. When I was young I used to picture myself as a lawyer in a power suit and corner office....I never thought of kids or a husband. When I graduated high school I had no plans for myself and was feeling deflated by life. I was living moment to moment and didn't think college was even an option. And at all those milestones I have been places I didn't expect...

At 25 I had been married 2 years, I had a few courses under my belt, a couple years in accounting, and we had a daughter.

At 30 we had added a second daughter and I had surpassed the halfway mark in my education, but spent my birthday at my first marriage counselling appointment and my life felt like it was hanging on by a thread.

At 35, I was days away from the virtual launch of a firm I helped co-found, 6 courses shy of my degree, and in my 3rd of 6 CPA courses.

If our life looks like it is hanging on by a thread when we thought we would have our shit together....that is okay. Life (if we are lucky) is long. I have learned not to be too firm with my goals and my timelines. And the best advice I could give to anyone deciding to go back to school a little later in life or to pursue part time studies - celebrate every course you finish. It is a huge accomplishment:)

I have no idea what to expect on Tuesday but I am excited I get the chance to participate!

-Amanda.