EXCEL Professional Trainers

My mentee who is a recent first class graduate was in a dilemma, she received two job offers at the same time, one was at an auditing firm for an auditor position, and one was at an NGO for a finance officer role. Although these look similar, they are totally two different career lines.

The Auditing firm had better benefits but she said she didn't have a passion for auditing, she said "I don't want to be like police, where people get scared of you immediately you are going to audit them".

She however liked the benefits that the Audit firm was offering and wished the NGO would just match the same.

Before I gave her my opinion, I shared with her my similar story below,

When I was leaving university, I received two job offers at the same time.

The first offer was for an internship as an accountant, lasting three months with the potential to become a full-time position.

The second offer was for a graduate trainee sales role at one of the big two oil companies, an open role with a higher salary.

I struggled with this decision on what to choose especially with the fact that the oil company's offer was tempting due to the better pay, and I had gone through seven intense interviews to get it.

You know those interviews where you just can't wait for the offer because you proved yourself to the fullest?

But then I paused to reflect on where I wanted to be in the next five to ten years and where my true edge and interests were.

After several evaluations, I finally chose the internship role and declined the opportunity at the oil company.

Thankfully, after three months, I earned a permanent position which gave me a good start for my accounting career which I am proud of up to now.

This experience shaped how I make decisions about my career moves. I don't just move between jobs; I make strategic choices.

I then asked my mentee "Where do you see yourself in the next five years?" and her response just solved her dilemma.

If you ever get yourself in circumstances with such decisions, think Long-Term while considering where you want to be in the long term, not just the immediate attractive paycheck.

When you do this, it provides clarity and direction about your career growth.

Choose roles that align with your interests, passions, and strengths.

Don't just move for the sake of moving; make thoughtful, strategic decisions.

From your experience, what advice would give to my mentee?

What strategic career moves have you made in the past, and how have they shaped your professional journey?

Coach Samuel Ibanda, CPA☑️