[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been working at a billion dollar revenue regional company for a year and a half now (I’m happy there so far). We recently implemented a mentor program and I was paired with someone very high up: a VP of Finance.

This is my first time in a mentor program so it’s all new to me. My company coordinated a collective ice breaker session for everyone in the mentor program so that was a good start. I have already set up an appt to meet up with my mentor for lunch soon.

Here’s my concern: My personal goal of mine is to not become a CFO or executive staff (not to knock on those who do). I am more interested in helping out people who aren’t financially literate or helping in nonprofit. I don’t know exactly in what aspect but it could be in individual taxes or help small businesses with financial consulting. It’s my personal belief to disseminate the knowledge that I’ve acquired over the years. Corporate taxes for large companies do not interest me at all and nonprofit currently will not pay me enough to settle my student debt.

Anyway so how can I word this to my mentor without coming off the wrong way? I believe it could be interpreted that I don’t plan to stay in the long term. Don’t get me wrong, I want to grow professionally and possibly attain a management position but not become too important in corporate (sounds silly especially with someone who has a CPA).

I only have 2 years of accounting experience in general so I am ready to absorb whatever advice he gives. I just don’t want to be fake and say “I want to be a CFO, VP, etc.” and have my other interests elsewhere.

Thanks.

[ruggercpa2b]

What you want to be or your long term plans are do not need to be discussed. Unfortunately, in Corporate you have to fake your way through. To me a mentor is someone you can talk to and help your career within the company. If you have no desire to stay with the company then you need to keep that to yourself. Do not overthink this. When you meet with them for lunch talk about other interests. I always look people up on Linkedin and try to talk about their career and how they got to where they are. People love to talk about themselves, so craft your conversations to not put the spotlight on you. If they ask you about how things are going you can talk about how much you have learned being with the company the last two years and you hope that you can learn so much more in the future.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[aaronmo]

Agree with the above…this isn't the format to discuss your dreams and long term plans. Right now focus on the immediate and your goals within the company. Flatter his ego…soak in his wisdom…be appreciative…talk about your goals within the company.

I want to do something similar to what you're discussing. My dream is to teach the basics of financial literacy to Philly inner city kids…and impart some basic skill sets that could get them hired later on. I went to a reasonably well off suburban school and I didn't know any basics of business…or bookeeping…until I started accounting 101…in my late 30s. We're a country founded on free trade…it's why we're here…it's why we fought a revolution to overthrow mercantile capitalism. How can you be an informed citizen without having financial literacy? If I didn't have it in my school…I can't imagine what many of the kids in Philly are getting.

[Yahmon]

This is really a great post in my opinion. I too try and give back whenever I can. Maybe you can start by volunteering at your local community center. Where I live my community center teaches finance 101 and also do free tax preparation.

As for when you meet with your mentor just use the time to understand more about the company. You don't have to spell out your career aspirations. I would pick his/her brain on what got them to that position etc. Also, you can be a corporate executive and still give back.

Awesome aspirations though 🙂

FAR 8/20/15 - Passed 77
AUD 10/10/15 -
BEC TBD
REG TBD

[Anonymous]

Thank you to all who have responded. I will make sure to keep my aspirations corporate related. @ruggercpa2b we did have that ice breaker and he gave a quick rundown of his career trajectory so maybe I can expand on that on our lunch.

@aaronmo seems like we're on the same wavelength. I was not financially literate until sometime after undergrad. I just knew to never be late with credit card pmts to maintain a good credit score. Financial literacy is definitely underrated knowledge and I believe that companies/politicians prey on those who aren't.

Anyway

@Yahmon Thank you. It's true one can be a corp exec and still give back. I did do VITA last year and looking to get involved again this year.

Seems like this link provides a good start to ask my mentor https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2014/02/28/10-killer-questions-to-make-the-most-of-your-mentor-meeting/#46efd2c71481

[Author]

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