By Simone McLaughlin – Career Services Manager at CPA Alberta
November is Career Month in Canada, a reminder to pause, reflect, and plan your next professional move. For CPAs, it is an ideal time to check in on your goals, explore opportunities for growth, and ensure your skills and professional brand are aligned with the evolving profession.
Here are five questions to guide your reflection this month:
1. What is Your Career Story?
Are you where you intended to be at this stage in your career? Take a moment to review your resume and professional profiles; do they reflect the value you deliver today? As technology and new business models reshape accounting and finance, your professional brand should evolve along with your experience.
2. Have You Future-Proofed Your Skills?
The profession is changing rapidly, with advances in AI, sustainability reporting, data analytics, and other emerging technologies. Are your skills keeping pace? Career Month is the perfect opportunity to review your strengths, identify gaps, and plan your next learning steps. Stay connected with CPA Alberta Career Services for the latest opportunities and explore our Professional Development offerings to stay current and future ready.
3. How Strong is Your Network?
Career growth typically begins with connection. Do you feel engaged with other CPAs and peers? Are you consistently building new professional relationships or reconnecting with mentors? Reflect on your network and consider ways to strengthen it. Meaningful connections can open doors and provide insights you may not find on your own.
4. What Are Your Next Steps?
Even if you are not actively seeking a new role, it is important to consider the next steps that will move you closer to your goals. Are you planning for a career change, exploring advisory work, considering consulting opportunities, or expanding your network? Taking small, intentional steps now can create meaningful opportunities in the future.
5. Is Your CPD Strategy on Track?
Are your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities aligned with where you want to go? Review your progress and plan your learning goals for 2026. Make sure your CPD choices support your long-term career direction and not just your current role.
Your Action Checklist for 2026
- Update your resume and LinkedIn profile
- Select one skill to develop
- Reconnect with at least two professional contacts
- Review your CPD progress and set goals for next year
Career Month is an annual checkpoint; a reminder that your career is an ongoing project worth investing in. Take time this November to reflect, realign, and take charge of your professional growth.
