What An Internal Auditor At Compass Diversified Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Internal Audit Industry
Macartan, an Internal Auditor at Compass Diversified, emphasizes the extensive travel required in the role, stating "travel is required," and highlighting the challenges this presents, particularly while raising children. Further, Macartan wishes they had maintained their language skills, believing that "building relationships" is easier with fluency, advising prospective internal auditors to leverage any language skills and further develop them as a key asset in the field.
Travel Requirements, International Relations, Language Skills, Building Relationships, Cultural Awareness
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Macartan McElroy
Internal Audit
Compass Diversified
Villanove University
N/A
Accounting
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Video Highlights
1. Extensive Travel is Required: The job involves significant travel, which can be demanding, especially for those with family responsibilities.
2. Language Skills are a Plus: Proficiency in multiple languages is highly beneficial for building relationships with clients and colleagues in diverse international settings.
3. Prioritize Language Learning: Improving language skills, even after entering the workforce, can significantly enhance your career prospects and effectiveness in the field of internal audit
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
I think I knew travel was required before I entered the industry. I don't know of any internal auditors who don't travel. In my experience, I've done and continue to do a lot of traveling. So, that's just a requirement.
Even though I knew this, it does wear on you, especially when my kids were younger and I was away for longer trips. That was the nature of the companies I was at and what I had to do to get the job done.
The one thing I wish I had done differently is related to my Spanish skills. I took two years in high school and did well, but I didn't keep up with it. I never thought I would need it.
Then, I found myself traveling in Spain, Latin America, and Mexico. I really wish I could have had a better grasp of the language, rather than just memorizing a few phrases.
Building relationships is important, and adding a language skill could make it easier. It doesn't have to be Spanish; it could be German, French, Italian, Japanese, or Chinese.
Having a better feel for the culture and language shows respect. I really wish I had done a better job with that.
So, before entering the industry, if you have language skills, stay on top of them. When applying for a job, make sure to share those skills, as they are huge in our industry.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/mac-mcelroy