Improving the Accounting Student Resume Language: Accounting Faculty Best Practice Tools

Abstract

Seeking internship opportunities while pursuing a degree provides the future accounting professional better understanding of their career choice, a means of economic support, and a broader set of skills and capabilities. Prospective employers generally require a resume as part of the application process. However not all individuals maintain a current or accurately prepared resume. This paper examines root causes for why some individuals are unable to define their experiences through professional accounting and business language for a properly constructed and competitive entry-level resume. This article also presents best practice remediation processes which include; 1) a tool for individuals to independently reshape their resume language; and 2) suggestions for accounting faculty to expand their trusted advisory role with intentional incorporation of modeled standard professional language into the classroom.