Accounting students earn career advantage with Deakin Hallmark

The students, Caroline Casse and Nathan Noblet, earned the credential, known as a Deakin Hallmark, for communication excellence in accounting.

“At a time when graduates are finding it harder than ever to break into the workforce, formally recognising the sorts of skills employers demand is critically important,” said Deakin Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education Professor Beverley Oliver.

“The Hallmarks initiative is one of a number of Deakin strategies to give our students a career advantage.”

To achieve the Hallmark for Excellence in Communications in Accounting, Caroline and Nathan had to identify and explain an issue or innovation relevant to contemporary accounting practice through a 500 word magazine-style article of publishable quality and a 10 minute presentation to a panel of judges made up of industry partners and University staff.

They were judged on their ability to articulate and communicate relevant ideas in an appropriate, cogent and engaging way to both accountants and non-accountants.

For Caroline and Nathan the journey to achieving the Hallmark was as beneficial as receiving the award.

“The process is unlike anything that I have encountered during my usual coursework assessment tasks (for example, presenting in front of industry professionals) and the research and presentation process involved will benefit me in my future career,” Nathan said.

“Having the Deakin Hallmark will help to differentiate me from other candidates in the employment process. Knowing that I have outstanding communication/presentation skills that industry are looking for will also give me confidence in the workforce.”

Caroline said she has gained greater confidence in herself and her abilities after achieving the Hallmark.

“In the beginning I didn’t think that I could meet the standard required to achieve this. However, as I moved through the process and with the support and encouragement of my lecturer found it quite enjoyable and a boost to my confidence,” Caroline said.

“This Hallmark will now feature on my resume and give me an edge over other applicants. It will also help me in the workforce because I am now much more confident in my ability as a presenter.”

Professor Oliver said Deakin Hallmarks are designed to acknowledge outstanding achievement of skills that are prized by employers – they may be in areas related to communication, digital literacy, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, self-management, teamwork and global citizenship.

“Hallmarks are a form of work-integrated assessment. The assessment process for Hallmarks is developed and awarded in partnership with employers and industry to ensure the awards meet the expected standard in the working world,” Professor Oliver said.

Dr Sarah Yang Spencer, Manager – Certification with CPA Australia and a member of the Hallmark panel, said Deakin had set a very high benchmark for other universities to follow with the Hallmark program.

“The industry often expects accounting graduates to possess a high level of employability skills when they complete their degrees. However, these skills are not the sort of attributes one might find in a university curriculum,” Dr Yang Spencer said.

“Deakin University’s Hallmark program has brought this contentious issue to the centre stage and provided their students with an opportunity to thrive and hone their communication skills.

“I was impressed by the variety of accounting topics the students presented at the event and the excellent communication skills they demonstrated. The Deakin program has set a very high benchmark for the other universities to follow. Hence, congratulations.

“CPA Australia always likes to support our university partners and help our accounting students aspire and grow, and Deakin’s Hallmark is one of the programs that we would like to support and get involved.”

Hallmarks are awarded as digital credentials and the standards, criteria and evidence required for achievement are ‘baked’ into them. Once awarded, the Hallmarks can then be shared on social media channels such as LinkedIn.

For more information on Deakin Hallmarks, visit: http://www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/teaching-and-learning/deakin-hallmarks