True or False? You can make partner at 30

- Stern Cohen partners decode common career building misconceptions -

TORONTO , Feb. 10 /CNW/ - True or False? You can become a partner at an accounting firm at 30 years of age with seven years of work experience. Robin Peaker has proven this to be true. This month, Toronto-based Stern Cohen LLP announced her addition to their partnership, defying stereotypes of age and gender.

In fact, decoding some basic workplace assumptions may be what talented young professionals need to fast-track their careers.

    
    You can ask to be partner: True. When Peaker was in a more junior manager
    position she became aware of a future opening for a partner and asked
    'why not consider me?' The firm's reaction was perhaps as surprising as
    her candid reach-for-the top question: 'OK, let's set a date to work
    towards'.

    The more specialized you are the greater your worth: False. "It's not
    about being the best at your chosen profession, it's about the ability to
    see the role in a greater business context," said Graham Williams,
    partner and head of recruiting for Stern Cohen. "A prospective partner
    will talk about the future of a client rather than the file itself."

    Acting like a partner when you are not, gets you in trouble: False.
    Investing in the firm and making a personal mark on shaping its future
    goes a long way. Peaker got involved in the running of the firm by being
    active on recruitment, standards and social committees. "When she
    discussed new hires it was from the standpoint of who her future partners
    would be. This showed great maturity and perspective," said Williams.

    Too many questions show inability to manage a client on your own: False.
    Peaker took her firm's open-door-policy at face value, using it as a way
    to build relationships with, and learn directly from, senior management.
    The right help and the right questions can have a big impact.

    Staying with the same firm, rather than job-hopping, can make you partner
    faster: That depends. As tempting as it is for Generation X professionals
    to leap frog firms and careers, staying put has its advantages. In
    Peaker's case, her loyalty was rewarded with the promotion.
    

London-native Robin Peaker graduated with her bachelors in commerce from McMaster University in 2002. She then worked at the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario before joining Stern Cohen LLP. Five years later, Peaker is Stern Cohen's youngest partner and will continue to work in their assurance department.

Stern Cohen LLP was founded in 1963 and is now among the top 50 accounting firms in Canada serving clients in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. Clients range from multi-million dollar owner-managed corporations to sole proprietorships in industry, finance, culture as well as the professions.

For further information: For media inquires contact Brown & Cohen Communications & Public Affairs Inc., [phone]; Kendra Dubyk, ext. 5, [email protected] or Wendy Kauffman, ext. 3, [email protected]