Learn It Here, Apply It Anywhere

When I accepted the job offer from Lumix coming out of college, I was a bit nervous to change industries—my internships were related to politics, media, and outreach. Simply put, none of the outlets I worked at were CPA firms. I quickly realized the skills I would learn here are transferable and that a successful CPA firm has more than just accounting knowledge to offer. To any readers wondering if an industry change could benefit your career and make you a better professional: It absolutely can. If you are willing to adapt and your employer is willing to cultivate talent, dividends will show. I promise.

In a previous blog post, I discussed my development of professional skills while at Lumix. I will use these sharpened skills to improve every endeavor I embark upon. These aren’t skills to put on a resume; rather, they are skills you use togrow and facilitate goal achievement, both personal and professional.

This blog post is about my transferable skills, or skills I could seamlessly apply to another industry. Specifically, what are the most significant and tangible skills I’ve learned here so far?

Needless to say, a growing CPA firm like Lumix would give any young professional the opportunity to learn a collection of applicable skills. As long as you’re willing to learn, the environment and people will make you a better individual, holistically and on paper. These three vital skills I’m developing at Lumix will be applicable to any career:

Taking Care of Clients: Any company can mention on its homepage that clients come first, but in my short time here, I’ve noticed that Lumix’s treatment of clients is based on service, not just support. The client is the director, top-billed actor, and the supporting cast—they run the show, and Lumix helps them succeed every step of the way. I’ve learned how our firm supports clients by providing innovative solutions, adjusting to their deadlines, and staying two steps ahead of problems. Our team moves one way and one way only—toward the clients’ goals.

Being a part of Lumix’s client service is akin to a rookie quarterback learning from Peyton Manning. I know how the best take care of business, so when it’s my turn to step up and take charge, I’ll know exactly what to do.

Learning New Technology: The running joke between our company president and me is that I, a millennial, am fully cognizant of emerging fashion trends, and new cultural shifts. While my youthfulness keeps me connected to pop culture, I still have much to learn about new technology in the workplace. Lumix thrives off the cloud accounting model, which makes client work secure and efficient. When I began my work at Lumix, I had no idea that major accounting work could be performed on the cloud.

Six months later, I am learning how to use Intacct, Expensify, and Bill.com. These apps have expanded my palate for new technology. These apps also help me realize (and appreciate) the fact that even a millennial needs to learn and keep up with new technology in 2014.

Developing a Program: When I started at Lumix, the team did not have a new media program. During my first three months on the job, I quickly learned how to set up the program within a chain of command. We formed detailed workflows, visuals, calendars, and checklists to make sure our social media, blogging, and newsletter tasks are completed and the loop is closed. More importantly, a clear and stratified new media program allows team members to quickly identify where things go wrong; organization makes sure mistakes aren’t made twice.

Now, we are forming a vlogging operation and hope to be among the first CPA firms to further embrace the digital landscape. Vlogging will add another layer to our operation without complicating things. After setting up the new media program at Lumix, adding layers to different facets of my life is no longer challenging. Managing student loans, jiu-jitsu practice, and leisurely writing are no longer time restraints; they’re simply layers I add to my daily ventures.

To observers, a digital CPA firm may be an unlikely outlet to teach its team members transferable skills. From the inside, I’ve learned that many of my tasks cultivate holistic and transferable skills. This had made me a better professional, and just as important, a better student of life.

Jason Patel is the digital media and administrative assistant at Lumix CPAs and Advisors. He is a graduate of the George Washington University and currently studies political management. He is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu player, outdoorsman, and aspiring entrepreneur. You can add him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter, or view his profile on LinkedIn.