Khizra Batool
University of Calgary
“It’s funny because my mom is an accountant, and after I saw her work and all of that, I was very set on not going into accounting. I was like, ‘I cannot do this stuff!’” says Khizra Batool. “So going into university, I was first in general business, unsure of which concentration I wanted to focus on.”
However, once Khizra took an introductory accounting course, “everything clicked” for her, and she immediately knew accounting was it. Khizra quickly realized she enjoyed
the intricacies of accounting basics, like working on interrelated spreadsheets or income statements. She even describes the deep “sense of satisfaction” that comes from balancing a spreadsheet.
After graduation, Khizra has her sights set on a career beyond spreadsheets. “I know that once you get the CPA designation, it opens so many possibilities, and you don’t have to stay in one industry,” she says.
In the future, Khizra wants to open an accounting firm and is excited to be a woman in a leadership position. “My favourite piece of advice I received from my mentor and the person who nominated me for the Campus Star award, Linda, is you have to make your own space at the table,” says Khizra. “If I’m not given a place, I try and put myself out there and advocate for myself.”
Khizra’s top advice for her fellow students is to “network as much as you can. Go to coffee chats and reach out to people; once you do it a couple times, it becomes a lot easier and will help you build your career,” she says.
Q&A with Khizra Batool
Why do you want to become a CPA?
Because of its prestigious reputation and the impact of my close family members who are CPAs, becoming a CPA is very important to me. Their accomplishments have inspired me to follow in their footsteps and carry on their legacy of excellence. Beyond personal goals, I am motivated by a desire to share financial knowledge with non-accountants and make it more accessible and understandable to others.
What does being named a Capitalize Campus Star mean to you?
Being chosen as a Capitalize Campus Star is highly rewarding and motivates me to continue making positive changes now and in the future. It inspires me to uphold the qualities that earned me this award and to continue pushing outside my comfort zone to reap greater rewards.
What piece of advice or feedback has been most meaningful or impactful for you?
The most meaningful advice I have received has been to make genuine connections with others. These relationships have facilitated collaboration, promoted trust, and opened doors to mentorship opportunities. I believe the way to attain a sense of fulfillment and overall career satisfaction is through the relationships you make with others around you.
Capitalize and CPA Alberta are proud to announce the 2024 class of Capitalize Campus Stars. The Campus Stars program recognizes amazing Alberta post-secondary students who are dreaming of one day becoming CPAs. Learn more about the entire 2024 class!