In the early stage of her career, Kaleigh explains, “until you build up the good will, you have to prove yourself and just do the hard work.”
In our video conversation, Kaleigh shared her journey to CPA, and described her role as a Senior Analyst at a Canadian asset management firm.
Kaleigh’s currently employed as a Senior Analyst at Brookfield Asset Management, and attended Wilfred Laurier University, in the Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) program (Specialization in Accounting.) She was in the Class of 2016.
In our conversation, Kaleigh said that in high school, she always "loved numbers" and research.
After starting at Wilfred Laurier University in the Bachelor of Business Administration program, she really liked her management accounting course. She decided later to pursue accounting, and later a CPA, because it’s a “broad designation” and that will provide her options later in her career.
In her work in various workplaces so far, Kaleigh describes her work as an accountant as both team-based / social, and autonomous - work in which she just “puts her head down and does the work.”
Kaleigh works long hours throughout the year, but she's okay with that. She says “the hours become the norm, and you get into the flow.”
She accepts the hard work and expectations, and elaborates “until you build up the good will, you have to prove yourself and just do the hard work.”
Accounting is a good career path for Kaleigh for many reasons. She explains:
"there are lots of opportunities to do different things work-wise;"
“I want to be able to afford nice things;"
"I want flexibility;"
"business opens a lot of doors and it incorporates numbers” (which she likes);
"it’s a good career for a woman," and later some possibilities include the ability to work from home, to start her own business or consult; there are so many different options.
Some more highlights of our conversation:
Advice for students: "get involved on campus, because you can build your resume and meet more people / network;"
“if I could go back to school, I would be more involved;”
work on: "presenting and communication skills;
you will stand out from your peers if you can explain your thought process concisely. You will stand out."
WHAT SHE WOULD TELL HER YOUNGER SELF:
"you can make a choice, and change your mind. And you’ll be fine. You’ll figure it out.”
"you will stand out from your peers if you can explain your thought process concisely. You will stand out."
Thank you Kaleigh for sharing your time and experiences with us! Your advice is valuable and inspiring.
This interview took place in April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.