CA ANZ has kicked off its 2019 Achiever Programme by offering 232 university students – most in their penultimate year in accounting, commerce and business – paid internships, lasting between two to 12 weeks.
The programme will see CA ANZ work with large corporates, the big four, mid-tiers, smaller accounting firms and not-for-profits to host students.
Lee Whitney, from the CA ANZ Group Executive Account Management team, believes industry experience is vital if students want to get ahead in their profession, noting how 80,000 job openings are expected in the accounting industry over the next five years.
“Employers want work-ready graduates and this is exactly what the Achiever Programme seeks to achieve,” said Mr Whitney.
“Students who attain relevant work experience are much more likely to gain a foot in the door in their industry, compared with those who have solely university knowledge.
“In last year’s programme, over 60 per cent of surveyed students who have participated, across both Australia and New Zealand, have gone on to secure a form of employment with the employer they completed their internship with,” he added.
“What we’re finding is that unlike a lot of other courses, accounting degrees can enable graduates and practitioners to make a real difference in the world.”
Achiever Programme alumni Courtney Slater said that the opportunity to participate in a paid internship provided her with the skills for a smooth transition into the industry.
“The Achiever Programme was an excellent experience,” said Ms Slater.
“If given the opportunity, all students should strive to be a part of it as it creates an important career network and provides exceptional industry knowledge.”
CA Program overhaul
CA ANZ is currently pushing through a major overhaul of its CA Program following a strategic review by chief executive Rick Ellis.
Several changes from entry through to graduation will be phased in by June 2020. This follows board approval in mid-2018, and a tentative design completion date of May this year.
You can read more about the changes here.
You are not authorised to post comments.
Comments will undergo moderation before they get published.