Grads aren’t ready for the world of work. Schools aren’t helping. And accounting firms are paying the price. In this episode, Rob Brown breaks down the skills crisis facing employers, especially accounting firms. Why are so many graduates, interns and junior hires entering the workforce unprepared? What’s going wrong in the education system? And what can firm leaders do about it?

Rob explores the mismatch between academic learning and real-world performance, and lays out concrete strategies for firms to build better talent pipelines from the inside out.

Whether you're hiring your next intern or building your future partner team, this episode will make you rethink your assumptions and give you tools to build real talent.

Key Takeaways:

-Only 11% of leaders think grads are ready for work

-Soft skills matter more than technical knowledge at junior levels

-Schools prioritise exams, not workplace performance

-Career guidance in schools is outdated and ineffective

-Firms must stop assuming education will develop soft skills

-Better onboarding, mentoring, and training is critical

You can check out the video version of this with visuals and graphics here on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/eJAKKRbWVgs

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, serves accounting professionals looking to strengthen their leadership presence, stay informed on disruptive forces in accounting and build credibility within their firms. Geared toward firm leaders, managers, partners and influencers, the show covers key topics like career development, influence, personal branding and interpreting the evolving trends impacting the accounting world.

Rob brings his expertise to each episode, offering insights and guidance on how to grow your personal brand and stay strategically important in a rapidly changing profession. Whether you're aiming to influence within your firm or expand your reputation outside of it, this international podcast offers practical advice and forward-thinking insights that will keep you informed and prepared for the future.

Rob works with consultants/experts in the accounting space via personal interviews to create video snippets and thought leadership pieces. If you have success stories, valued expertise or a brand that needs amplifying, but lack the time to create thought leadership or video content, chat with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown

Thanks to our sponsors:

ADVANCETRACK OUTSOURCING. Transform your accounting firm with AdvanceTrack. Our top-tier offshoring solutions free your team from mundane tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and client engagement. Experience seamless scalability and expert support. Visit advancetrack.com and elevate your practice today. https://www.advancetrack.com

If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Rob Brown on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.