You set out on your accounting career. You work hard and get through your exams. The future looks bright.
Time passes and it seems like you are not making the progress that you had hoped.
Sadly this is more familiar a scenario than you might think.
When you think about your situation chances are you will:
- Talk about the lack of opportunities
- Talk about your lack of experience
- Talk about your favouritism in the selection process
- And a whole lot more…
Now don’t get me wrong, all of the above may well be factors at different stages in your career.
Yet have you ever considered whether a lack of self confidence might be getting in the way of you progressing in your career?
Over the years I’ve noticed accountants tend to under estimate themselves.
They don’t necessarily recognise just how much they have achieved in getting professionally qualified.
Sometimes that doubt or taking what they can offer for granted can end up in them lacking the confidence to go for roles that they could easily do.
Of course we all have moments of doubt. We wonder if we will actually be able to step up to the next level.
Yet in my experience what we think might be barriers are artificial hurdles we put in our way.
Being self confident for me isn’t about being a know it all. It’s not about being arrogant. It’s simply valuing what you have to offer and being willing to market and sell yourself for the right opportunities.
So before you exclude yourself from potential opportunities, I encourage you to consider what’s really stopping you throwing your hat into the ring.
If it’s self confidence, consider what action you could take to feel more confident and reduce the risk.