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Supporting your CPA Journey
The Power of Community: Why Connection Matters on the CPA Journey
Building a career in accounting isn’t something you do alone. Whether you’re exploring accounting as a career, studying at college, preparing for the CPA Exam after graduation, or navigating the early years of your profession, having a strong sense of community can make the journey more manageable, healthier, and more rewarding.
This page explores why connection matters, and how building the right professional relationships can support your learning, wellbeing, and long-term success.
Why Community Matters
Strong professional connections help people stay motivated, navigate challenges, and see a clearer path forward, especially during periods of transition, such as exam preparation or the move from school into the workplace.
Community can help you:
- Reduce stress: Having people to talk to – peers, mentors, colleagues – makes academic and professional pressures feel more manageable.
- Build confidence: A trusted network gives you space to ask questions, share experiences, and gain perspective as you grow.
- Stay on track: Feeling supported and connected helps maintain momentum during busy or demanding periods, including exam prep and early career decisions.
Community doesn’t require a huge network. Even a few meaningful connections can make a lasting difference.
Where You Can Find Connection
Connection looks different at different stages of your journey. As you move from education into exam preparation and early career roles, your network naturally evolves.
Some ways to build community include:
Studying alongside others — whether in class, during exam prep, or through informal groups — can strengthen understanding and reduce isolation.
Groups like Beta Alpha Psi, accounting clubs, business societies, and early-career professional groups help connect people with shared goals and experiences.
Professors, supervisors, and experienced professionals can become long-term mentors, offering guidance on exams, career paths, and professional development.
Events, workshops, committees, and networking opportunities offered by organizations like OSCPA create space to connect with people actively working in the profession – from students to CPA Candidates and licensed CPAs.
Virtual groups, professional forums, and online events can offer flexibility and connection when in-person options aren’t available.
Looking After Your Well-being
Community is an important part of staying well, but individual habits matter too. Balancing school, work, and life takes practice, and the strategies below can help.
- Plan your time: Use a study or work schedule that includes breaks to avoid burnout.
- Move regularly: Even a short walk or stretch can help reset your mind and boost your energy.
- Try mindfulness techniques: Deep breathing, meditation apps, or journaling can help calm your mind.
- Reach out when you need support: Connecting with peers or mentors can make challenges feel more manageable.
- Prioritize sleep: Rest is essential for focus, memory, and overall wellbeing.
You don’t need to master all of these at once, even small changes can have a positive impact.
Your OSCPA community
Your OSCPA Community
OSCPA is one of the places where accounting professionals build connection throughout their journey.
- Student members use OSCPA to explore the profession, learn early, and build initial connections
- CPA Candidate members stay connected during exam preparation and early career transition
- Members at every stage engage through events, committees, and professional communities
If you’re looking to expand your professional network, learn from others, or stay connected as your career evolves, OSCPA is here to support you.
Click here to explore the latest member events and activities and click here to learn more about committees.
