21 things you can do while you’re studying AAT to help you get a great job at the end

Implementing a few of these 21 ideas will benefit you in the job marketplace. If you can get some of them done or started while you are still studying then you could be set for an accelerated journey into getting a role that you love when you are ready.

These activities can also be a great way to help you with your AAT learning in ways you might not have considered.

1. Be active on LinkedIn

A few years ago, LinkedIn was simply a site for searching for a job but it now has 310 million active monthly users and it’s a place to learn, connect with people, and share ideas as well as find out about and apply for jobs. You can add an Open To Work badge to your profile and make sure you send a personalised note with every connection request.

2. Research what you’re looking for

Spend some time thinking about and researching what sort of job you think would be ideal for you and if you have a preference of industry, location and benefits that you might be looking for. If you can start to narrow this down, it will make it a lot easier to direct your effort and attention in the right places. 

3. Choose some role models

Look for people you aspire to be like and find out more about them – what does their career journey look like (use LinkedIn) and can you find articles they’ve written or interviews they’ve done? The easiest way to get where you want to go is to surround yourself with the right people.

4. Make your CV stand out   

Dedicate a couple of hours to sitting down and working on your CV to get it bang up to date. Find a template of one you like and have someone else take a look at yours for you to give feedback before you use it to apply for roles.

5. Get a pro headshot done

Any photos you use of yourself in a professional capacity should convey the impression you want to give at first glance. Getting a pro headshot done is a worthwhile investment and it will make you feel more confident.

6. Go networking

Networking events come in all shapes and sizes now – online and in real life, small and large, with opportunities to learn and opportunities to speak. Test some different ones out and you’ll find a networking event and community that works for you. Go with an open mind and full of enthusiasm. Remember – your vibe will attract your tribe.

7. Start a blog

Sharing knowledge is a brilliant way to learn and what better way to demonstrate your passion for a topic than blogging about it?

8. Write a newsletter

Better still, start an email newsletter. You can grow your database of contacts and use it to talk about your career and study journey. It will help others which will, in turn, help you and will provide great talking points in an interview.

9. Ask for help

Tell everyone you know what you are doing and the sort of opportunities you are after. Write emails asking your contacts if they could point you in the direction of anything or anyone who might be able to help you

10. Get involved with your local AAT branch

There are 49 AAT branches run by over 300 members across the UK which all run courses and events, provide support and offer valuable networking opportunities. Find your local AAT branch.

11. Volunteer

Volunteer locally or with a charity to get some relevant experience on your CV and demonstrate that you’re proactive and caring.

12. Do some freelance work 

Offer your skills and services as a freelancer and earn some money while you study. Start by listing out the tasks that you could do.

13. Shadow someone in the role you want

Request to shadow someone in a similar role to the one you want for a day or a bit longer. You’ll learn more about what it’s actually like to do the job and you never know what contacts and opportunities it could lead to.

14. Get an internship

Internships normally last for anything between four weeks and four months and can be paid.

15. Find a work placement

Work placements are usually a more extensive commitment of up to twelve months.

16. Work part-time

It’s always easier to get another job if you’ve already got one and there will be transferable skills from any role. Regardless of the type of work you get, you might be able to get involved in the accounts side of things after you’ve been there a while if you express your interest.

17. Read books

Business books are fantastic when you apply what you learn from them. Make sure you’re not using them as a distraction device from taking action.

18. Listen to podcasts

There’s a podcast for absolutely everything. Use the search function to find niche episodes about anything from what it’s like to be an accountant to interview tips.

19. Learn how to improve your soft skills

Employers are looking for soft as well as hard skills these days, so if you can demonstrate that you’re proactive, reliable, a good communicator, enthusiastic and can meet deadlines, it is going to give you a huge advantage for getting a job.

20. Do things that push you out of your comfort zone

Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and pushing yourself can be one of the most valuable skills to learn. Take small steps to get better at things you don’t like doing.

21. Have fun

Make new friends, exercise, get some fresh air, go to an exhibition, sit in a park and draw, take the next bus that comes along a random amount of stops. It’s amazing what ideas and inspiration you can get when you take a break and explore new places.

Further reading

• 5 steps to kick start your career in accountancy.
• How to get the job you deserve.
• Social media mistakes that are costing you the job.

The content team are the owners of AAT Comment.