How to stand out, stay curious, and succeed

Whether you’re eyeing your first internship or prepping for your CPA journey, starting in the accounting world can feel overwhelming. Four experts in that area—Jason Wong CPA, CMA, entrepreneur, investor, and member of the University of Alberta Board of Governors; Sarah Brausen CPA, Talent Attraction Manager, Tax & Audit Experienced Hire at KPMG; and Jill Miller-Barone CPA and Blake Wuhr, recruitment leaders from TELUS—share their honest, practical advice to help you thrive in school, at networking events, and in the workplace.

What’s your #1 tip for networking events like Meet Your Employer?

Jason: Don’t just collect business cards and run. And don’t cling to your friend group either. The sweet spot is having a real conversation—one where the person actually remembers you. Even if they’re not the most exciting person to talk to, be curious. Ask, “How did you get where you are?” or “What’s it like working at your company?” That genuine interest sticks.

Jill: Firm handshake, eye contact, and confidence. You’d be surprised how much that matters. And don’t monopolize the table. Make your point, ask a couple thoughtful questions, then step aside so others can engage too. It shows respect, professionalism, and self- awareness—all traits we remember.

Blake: Have a few go-to questions ready before you walk up to someone. That preparation makes things less awkward and shows you’re serious. Even simple questions like, “What does a typical day look like for you?” can lead to a great conversation.

Sarah: Dress the part and do your homework. Research the companies attending, identify the ones that align with your values or interests, and come with tailored, meaningful questions. Think about what matters to you in a workplace—culture, growth, mentorship—and ask about that. You don’t always need to talk about work, either. A genuine conversation can leave a strong impression. And no matter how brief the chat is, always thank the recruiter for their time before moving on.

What makes a student stand out to employers?

Jason: Involvement. If I’m comparing two resumes—one with a 3.8 GPA and nothing else, and one with a 3.4 GPA plus case comps, club roles, and volunteer work—I’ll pick the second one every time. It tells me you’re not just book smart; you’re engaged and balanced and can handle competing priorities.

Blake: Curiosity. The best candidates go beyond doing tasks—they ask why. Why does this matter? How does it fit into the bigger picture? That mindset makes for a great hire and a future leader.

Sarah: Being well-rounded goes a long way— solid academics, work experience, and involvement in extracurriculars all help you stand out. But what really elevates an application is personalization. If you reference a meaningful conversation from a networking event or show that you’ve done your homework on our company, I’ll remember that. Putting a face to a name makes your application more impactful.

What’s the biggest misconception students have about the CPA designation?

Jason: That it’s all about taxes and audit. It’s not. I’ve never worked in tax or audit, and I’ve used my CPA in everything from recruiting to operations to data analysis. The designation is a launchpad—it opens doors to so many different paths.

Blake: A lot of students think public practice is the only route. It’s not. In industry, you can do everything from corporate development to treasury to strategic finance. The opportunities are broader than you might think.

How can students show their potential when they don’t have much experience?

Jason: Use what you’ve got. Played on a sports team? That shows discipline and teamwork. Worked retail? That’s communication and customer service. You don’t need a finance internship to prove your value—pull out the transferable skills. Confidence grows with experience, but it starts with recognizing what you already bring to the table.

Jill: Be authentic. Don’t recite your resume— share what genuinely excites you. And don’t overlook the power of following up. A quick message that references your conversation with us shows thoughtfulness and initiative.

Sarah: Show your eagerness to learn. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and being a team player will take you far. Students aren’t expected to know everything. What matters is how you approach challenges, how you ask questions, and how willing you are to grow.

What advice would you give a student who’s feeling imposter syndrome?

Jason: You’re not alone—everyone feels it. The key is to keep showing up. Be early. Do the work. Ask questions. That consistency builds trust and confidence.

Jill: Remember—you earned your spot. Take a deep breath and show up with courage. We’ve all been there.

Blake: Don’t underestimate yourself. What people remember isn’t whether you had all the answers—it’s how you engaged, how you car- ried yourself. We’re not looking for perfection. We’re looking for people who care.

Sarah: You don’t have to be an expert on day one. Focus on asking questions, learning from those around you, and mastering the basics. That foundational knowledge will support everything else. And remember—strong communication and interpersonal skills matter just as much as technical ones.

Any final advice for students?

Jason: Keep an open mind. Say yes to things you didn’t expect to like. I found my path in data and recruiting that way—you never know what might click.

Jill: Don’t obsess over the “perfect” choice. There’s no wrong move if you’re learning, growing, and staying curious.

Blake: Take chances—even if it feels scary. That’s how you grow and find out what you’re capable of.

Sarah: Think of yourself as a sponge. Absorb as much as you can—whether from colleagues, mentors, or new experiences. Be proactive in how you ask questions: show that you’ve thought about the problem first. And never underestimate the power of soft skills. Your ability to build relationships will define your success as much as your technical expertise.