Raising accountants

How professional socialisation can empower them

By Dalilah Aziz

Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki - Unsplash

For many aspiring accountants, the journey toward professional success is not a linear trajectory. While some students seamlessly transition from university to prestigious employment, others, especially those from less privileged backgrounds, struggle to access opportunities.

In many countries, including Malaysia, accountancy is perceived as an elite profession accessible to few. Professional socialisation, the process through which individuals acquire the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary for career success, is a key factor in bridging this gap.

Professional socialisation does not merely involve learning accounting principles or passing exams; it involves developing the right cultural and social capital to thrive in the industry. Through this process, individuals integrate into their chosen profession by adopting industry norms, values, and practices. It starts early, but for most, opportunities are often presented during their years in higher education.

While all aspiring accountants must undergo professional socialisation, recent research suggests that the experience is vastly different depending on an individual’s social background. Those from wealthier families tend to have greater exposure to these practices, while their less privileged counterparts may struggle to access the same resources.

For students from less privileged backgrounds, financial constraints, limited professional networks, and a lack of industry exposure create significant barriers to career advancement. These disparities highlight the importance of structured professional socialisation initiatives.

Professional socialisation can be a powerful equaliser by providing structured guidance, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience. Such practices can help bridge the gap between privileged and less privileged students.

Increasing employability through skill development

Professional socialisation helps aspiring accountants develop both technical and soft skills. Programs such as workshops on resume writing, interview preparation, and business case study competitions provide students with the necessary tools to succeed in job applications.

Mock interview sessions with professionals could equip students with the confidence to perform well in real job interviews. Exposure to public speaking and presentation skills also enhances their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, which in turn will improve their competitiveness and employability.

Expanding professional networks

Many less privileged students lack personal connections in the accounting field. Professional socialisation initiatives, such as career fairs and alumni mentorship programs, provide opportunities to interact with industry professionals.

Networking can lead to job referrals, internships, and mentorship relationships that provide long-term career guidance. For example, some universities partner with online mentoring platforms to pair students with mentors from their alumni who can guide them through career decisions, professional exams, and job placements.

Bridging the gap

For many first-generation university students, navigating the complexities of the accounting profession can be overwhelming. Professional socialisation programs can be an ‘eye-opening’ experience, offering exposure to industry norms and career expectations that they might not receive within their personal sphere.

Through guest lectures and career talks by industry professionals, students gain insights into different career pathways. This provides them with options and knowledge to make informed decisions about their professional futures.

Boosting confidence and career aspirations

Furthermore, when students interact with successful accountants who share similar social backgrounds, they are more likely to believe in their potential and give them the confidence to dream big.

Mentorship programs play a crucial role in this regard. Having a mentor who has navigated similar challenges provides encouragement and reassurance, inspiring students to pursue ambitious career goals.

Widening participation and creating inclusive opportunities

For parties organising professional socialisation activities, attention must be given to offering targeted, purposeful activities. For instance, institutions should make networking events more accessible by hosting virtual career fairs and mentorship sessions, ensuring that less privileged students, especially those from less resourced institutions, can also participate. Collaboration between institutions is key.

Enhancing career guidance services

Institutions should also offer personalised career counselling to help students understand different career pathways, professional certifications, and strategies for securing employment. Research findings also show that students from less privileged backgrounds tend to shy away from socialisation opportunities, feeling that these are not for the ‘likes of us’.

Encouraging Peer-to-Peer mentorship

Creating student-led mentorship programs can also allow senior students to guide their juniors, offering more relatable and meaningful guidance on internship applications, exam preparation, and career strategies.

In conclusion, much can be done to raise and empower future accountants. While privileged students often have easier access to these opportunities, structured professional socialisation initiatives can help level the playing field for less privileged students.

By providing purposeful and targeted support, we can build a more inclusive accounting profession where talent is nurtured regardless of social background. With the right support, every aspiring accountant will have an equitable opportunity to develop a successful and rewarding career in the profession. Access to opportunity should be a fundamental right, not a privilege.

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 Dalilah Aziz

Dr. Dalilah Aziz is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya