In September 2023, the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) introduced an AI-guided tool called the Career Launchpad. This tool is specifically tailored for prospective accounting and finance students, offering them valuable insights and guidance to kickstart their careers in the field.

The Career Launchpad comes loaded with real-world career stories, expert advice, and behind the scenes information from seasoned accounting professionals. It serves as a comprehensive resource hub, providing accounting and finance students with access to these invaluable materials. The resources available in this tool cover a range of topics, including resume preparation, interview skills, and guidance on choosing a career in the accounting industry. The goal is to equip accounting and finance students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in their chosen profession.

During his speech, Mike Decker, the vice president of CPA Examination and Pipeline at AICPA & CIMA, expressed the association’s enthusiasm for launching this tool. He highlighted that the tool showcases CPAs and Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMAs), who not only demonstrate the innovation in their roles, but also bring a wealth of experience. He stated that the tool also features some practical sessions, such as the mock interview in Module 6, which aims to train students to enhance their interview skills.