The Life of a CPA
A few years ago, when job interviewers mentioned my resume, I’d just stare at them blankly, hoping my hidden skill of hypnosis would convince them to give me the job. Long story short, that never really worked— but I most certainly became better at eye contact during interviews.
It was nice to have someone curious about what I was doing and who was as serious about my future as I was. She was so interested, in fact, that she offered me a job as a CPA right on the spot.
– Lashanna Bryant
When I first arrived at Arcadia, I did not have any plans to be a Career Peer Advisor (CPA) in the Office of Career Education. In fact, I wasn’t aware the job existed. One day, I met with Career Advisor Cynthia Nichols to spruce up my resume and learn more about jobs related to my field, English and Communications. I had several thoughts and questions: “I don’t know how I’m supposed to organize this” and “Do awards I won in middle school count?” She came up with some websites I could use to find what I was looking for, which made my anxiety level drop from 100 to about half that.
During the meeting, however, Cynthia asked me about my career goals, what I was involved in at school, and where I saw myself in the coming years. It was nice to have someone curious about what I was doing and who was as serious about my future as I was. She was so interested, in fact, that she offered me a job as a CPA right on the spot. She said I had great leadership experience and a cheery personality. What an unexpected, and positive, turn of events.
In preparation for the job, I had to go through a day of training with the other new CPAs. We were taught how to review resumes, talk to students who come into the office, and navigate various aspects of working in a business environment. We also learned more about different resources for students on campus.
My typical day includes speaking with Cynthia about my tasks and setting up for meetings with students. Sometimes I create posters for distribution, look up food vendors for events, and check files. Whenever a student wants a resume revival, we will meet for 15 minutes and discuss what they need to work on, how to find jobs using Handshake, and how to edit their resumes. I always have something to do and feel like I am gaining new information and experiences.
If there is something I don’t know how to do or am not very good at— like making Excel sheets or designing posters— I will be challenged to complete those tough tasks by Cynthia, so I can become a better CPA and a better worker in general. If you seek an environment where you will be taught all the skills to succeed in the workforce, drop by the Office of Career Education so you can be better prepared for life after college.
