Related Posts
I have been working in the construction industry for 2 years under a general contractor. I am wanting to get into consulting and my ideal role would be something like an Associate in Major Projects Advisory with KPMG. I’m curious to know which firms/companies have positions and departments like the one mentioned that I could apply for?
Advice on taking and passing the SPHR exam?
More Posts
Additional Posts in Accounting
Matter likely to receive media attention
What happens if you have negative balance of PTO
Pro
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
My suggestion is getting your feet wet first.
The joys of being a staff 1- everyone dreams of being a manager when they first start, but many leave before then (voluntarily because they quickly discover PA might not be for them, or involuntarily)
The advise I give to most people who are just starting their career is: stay curious, develop thick skin and be humble.
1. Be curious to learn as much as possible from your peers and superiors (seniors, managers etc);
2. During this learning process, you’ll come across people that are very blunt. Don’t take their criticism personally. Breathe in and move on.
3. Don’t be a know it all prick on your team. Humble people go far.
Worry about getting promoted to senior first...
OP, first of all, it is great that you are ambitious and have goals. Second, chill down a little bit... not that you're wrong, but that you may change your mind sooner than you think.
I'm an experienced senior and the last thing I want is to be a manager. The politics, the client interaction (introvert here), the increased responsibility, and the low power managers have... freak me out. I don't mind the work, I mind the culture and the politics. When I started, my goal was to be that staff that everyone knew that is partner material. Things have changed significantly. I'm an average employee, try to stay quiet as much as possible, and looking for an exit as soon as possible.
You do you, but take it one step at a time. Early promotion means that you will always be a high performing employee, high utilization, and with great personal relationships. In other terms, work your butt off and make sure everyone in your office/ teams knows you and wants you on their projects. Good luck!!!
My TC was a tax manager that got promoted to manager after his S2 year. He threw away his life and marriage to become a chargeable workhouse. Since then he became divorced and started hooking up with a Senior in the office.
I passed on early promotion to manager. You’ll be stalled longer at SM to partner anyway which is the ultimate goal for many. No reason to rush there. Early promotes also have the potential to be paid less year over year. It’s my understanding the pay is slow to even out. Also if you’re that good you’ll outperform all your peers and be on leadership’s radar and you’ll be selected for specific high performer activities. I’d focus on that designation. I did and have no regrets. Hate to be cliche here but it really is a marathon not a sprint. Use your high performing to argue to get the best projects and opportunities. Enhance your skill set and keep interest in your job. Win win
I was told I could be on the fast track to promotion but after going through my first busy season no way do I want to become a senior anytime soon
Agreed with what EY2 said. Be sure to ask very detailed questions on things you don’t know. Reason is as senior or manager, you will need to explain these technical concepts to clients and staff. If you can only say “well that was what I was taught” then that is not gunna hold up. You will find out fast how little people know, even directors.
Second, be humble. After asking detailed questions you will become highly technical. More so then even those above you. Still when people don’t get it, don’t be disrespectful and challenge yourself to find different ways to explain it to them. This will also challenge how well you know the subject.
Third, try to make friends with the client. If the client likes you, then that will help keeping the client with your firm which the partner will definitely appreciate.
Bend over
God why?
99% impossible. Simply not practical in terms of your development and doesn’t make much sense from a firm/resource perspective. I was an early consideration (currently S3 now) but was ultimately denied (read: can work me as a manager but pay me as a senior)
Early manager promote here. Most of it is out of your hands. If you really want it, seek out challenging opportunities where you can work upwards. But it mostly comes down to opportunities that pretty much fall out of the sky (I.e. turnover, lack of managers) and whether or not there’s a business case.
Focus on auditing cash first. Freaking first years need to stay in their lane.
Remember that you want the experience to be a good manager not just do the minimum to get there
We should also point out that the biggest variable is the firm and has nothing to do with you,there needs to be a manager spot available in the budget
Why not partner? Might as well go all out. Dream big my friend.
Read this as “Senior 1” and was going to say something snarky. But a STAFF 1?!! Seriously, just stop.
Honestly both the early Manager promotes I know of didn’t make it to Sr Mgr
Depends on the firm but what GT1 said is spot on. If you’re a high performer, why would they early promo you when they can have a year of you working your tail off as a pseudo manager for a lower rate billed to clients and a lower salary.
Hate to be a cynic but saying this to a higher up other than your coach will just set you up to get burnt out early and often. My advice is to coast your first 4 years and knock it out of the park your fifth. Get manager on track and keep an easier client base. Guy in my office did exactly this and is set.
Talk to anyone who does early promo. By all accounts I’ve heard it’s a trap
Thank you all. I appreciate the helpful comments.