​Chapter 1

The self-assessment in the first week highlighted several areas that need further development. Although I am quite confident in my ability to learn and apply accounting concepts for exams, I realize that for most of my college years, I have been focused on academic performance rather than professional development. I seldom participate in industry social events, talk with accounting professionals, and seldom actively build a professional network. Therefore, I can explain accounting standards and complete technical tasks, but when I think about how to present myself to future employers or demonstrate my value beyond academic achievements, I am not as confident.

Another worrying issue is the rapid change in the nature of this profession itself. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly capable in tasks such as data analysis, report writing and information processing, I have begun to question whether technical knowledge alone is still a competitive advantage. I have always believed that obtaining more qualification certificates, such as ACCA, will naturally enhance my employability. However, the rise of artificial intelligence has made me realize that many graduates will have similar technical certificates. This raises a difficult question: If technology can complete daily accounting tasks faster and more effectively than humans, then as a future accounting professional, what unique value can I offer?

Self-assessment challenges many such assumptions. This made me realize that employability is not merely about qualifications, grades or accounting technical knowledge. It also involves professional identity, adaptability, communication skills, industry awareness and the ability to build meaningful professional relationships. Looking back now, this assessment became a significant turning point because it forced me to think beyond academic achievements and raise a more difficult question: Not whether I could become an accountant, but what kind of accountant do I want to be in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven profession.