New Hire Survival Tips: Scheduling
There is an old saying in public accounting that goes like this: “Manage you schedule or your schedule will manage you.” Every year thousands college graduates enter the world of public accounting. Unless they interned at their respective accounting firm, or have very good existing relationships with people already working at the firm, there is a good chance that they will get put on some clients that are not so hot. This is normal and happens to almost everybody, so new hires better be prepared for it.
In order to understand how to play the scheduling game, it is important to first know a little bit about how it works. (An article about scheduling can be found.) Once you know the basics, it is not that difficult to create a work schedule for yourself that will provide you with the best opportunities for growth. Here’s how to do it:
If there is a client you want to work on, tell someone. Tell the manager or senior on the account. If you have a counseling manager (sometimes called a “performance managers”), tell them. Email, call on the phone, stop by their office. Do whatever it takes. BUT, do not be annoying. Use some common sense. If you are getting the brush-off, move on to another manager/senior. Also, keep in mind that you do not always get what you ask for. Maybe the client you want is already fully staffed. Maybe that particular senior/manager just does not want to work with you. Be prepared for rejection.
If you get shutdown on one or two clients, keep asking around. Eventually, you will get picked up on one of your dream clients.
First and foremost, do not ask to be on a client that does not fit your schedule, unless you are positive the manager is willing to fight for your time. Ask around at your firm. Talk to your peers. Find out what the “cool” clients in the office are. Choose clients that will give you a good opportunity to learn. Choose clients in an interesting industry. Choose clients that are staffed with seniors and managers that are the best in the office.
Be the hardest working staff in the office. Even when you get put on clients that you hate, have a good attitude and work hard. Then, and only then, can you make an affective move to never work on that client again. Most importantly, if and when you do get picked up on a client that you specifically requested, do an amazing job. If you do not perform well, it may be career suicide.
