How to Succeed in CA Articleship: Skills, Networking, and Growth Tips

How to Make the Most of Your CA Articleship: Communication, Networking, Skills, and More

Well, it’s the dream of every CA article trainee to get into a Big 4 firm, but only the best of the best make it there. If you couldn’t get into a Big 4 firm, don’t be disheartened. You can still make your own path, learn along the way, and achieve your dreams. I always wanted to join a Big 4 firm during my articleship. Although I cleared both groups of IPCC on the first attempt, I couldn’t secure a position in a Big 4 firm initially and joined a mid-sized firm instead. However, I worked hard, developed my skills, and eventually transferred to a Top 10 CA firm. After qualifying as a CA, I finally achieved my goal of working at a Big 4 firm. Here are some key areas to focus on during your articleship

Start with Communication Skills

The main reason for my initial rejection was my communication skills. I lacked confidence and often fumbled with my words, whether speaking Hindi or English. But over time, I developed my skills, and today, I have helped over 1,000 students improve their communication.

Strong communication is essential in any profession, and as a CA, you’ll need it even more. Whether you’re explaining financial data to a client or reporting to senior management, effective communication will set you apart. Here’s how to work on it during your articleship:

• Practice public speaking: Take every chance to speak up—whether it’s giving updates in team meetings or presenting findings. The more you do it, the easier it gets, and this will make client interactions much smoother down the line.
• Focus on clear, concise writing: Writing skills are crucial for drafting reports, emails, and client notes. Get in the habit of writing clearly and professionally, and ask for feedback from mentors.
• Create a YouTube channel: Start your own social media channel to explain topics. This helped me immensely with my communication. The goal doesn’t need to be a large audience but rather to improve your communication skills.
• Discuss daily work with peers: Regular discussions with other articles on your daily work can improve clarity and build your confidence.

Build Your Professional Network

When I started my articleship, I didn’t know any CA professionals except for one teacher. I had no one to give me a reference to get into articleship. But today, I have a very strong network that I’ve developed over time.

Your articleship is one of the best times to meet professionals in the industry—seniors, peers, and even clients. Networking isn’t just about adding contacts; it’s about building relationships that can help you throughout your career.

• Connect with peers and mentors: Attend events, ask questions, and stay in touch. These connections can be a great source of support and guidance even after your articleship.
• Use LinkedIn wisely: Document your achievements, share relevant content, and engage with others in the industry. You’ll start building a professional reputation that’s visible to future employers.

Develop Key Technical Skills

As a trainee, your technical skills are in a formative phase. Make it a point to learn as much as possible about your chosen field, whether it's audit, tax, or finance.

When I joined my CA firm, I wasn’t very familiar with computers, even in 2014. But I kept learning, and one day, a CFO of a company requested I teach their staff how to use advanced Excel formulas like INDEX and MATCH. Unfortunately, I had to decline since they were an audit client, but the recognition of my skills was a rewarding moment.

• Embrace every task, big or small: While some tasks may seem tedious, they build a strong foundation in technical skills. Balance routine work with opportunities to tackle challenging assignments.
• Stay updated on industry trends: Follow financial news, attend workshops, and take advantage of online courses to keep your skills sharp.

FAQs

Q: How can I improve my technical skills during my articleship?
A: Take advantage of any extra training, attend workshops, and proactively ask for assignments that challenge your knowledge.

Q: Is it important to network during my articleship?
A: Absolutely. Building relationships with professionals can open doors for future job opportunities and provide mentorship.

Q: How can I develop my communication skills?
A: Practice speaking in meetings, focus on writing clear emails, and be open to feedback from colleagues.