Changes, Choices for New Andersen Alum

In recent weeks, we've witnessed thousands of Andersen employees posting their resumes online and considering an uncertain future. It certainly wasn't ideal, but the demise of Enron and its effects to date on Andersen are forcing thousands of professionals to reevaluate their careers, rethink their futures and make some important decisions. As new ex-Andersen employees join thousands of other job seekers looking for new opportunities, here are some options to consider:

Go back to Andersen for help finding a job. Sound crazy? It isn't. Andersen is known for its excellent outsourcing program-especially its dedication to making employees happy (even if it means helping them leave the firm). As a former Andersen employee, I can't say enough about the network of Andersen alum out there. The outsourcing program stays in touch with alumni and even now is hard at work finding positions for those who want to-or have to-leave the firm. They'll talk to past and present clients about opportunities and market their candidates for the best positions.

Reflect on your experience. Take this opportunity to consider what you enjoyed about your position as well as what you didn't like. This is a chance-though it might not have been planned-to make a career change for the better. Maybe you'd like to do more audit work, focus on clients in the transportation industry or get into the nonprofit community. Whatever the case, this is an opportunity to pursue something new and grow professionally.

Keep your eye out for local CPA firms. Just because you're leaving one of the largest CPA firms in the world doesn't mean you can't go to a smaller, local CPA firm. In fact, it can be an opportunity to shine while getting more diverse on-the-job experiences. Many local firms are extremely successful and can be a wonderful place to become a "Big fish in a smaller pond".

Consider private industry. If you're going to get into private industry in today's economy it's important to do your research. Use your evaluation skills to "audit" a company before jumping into a new position. If it passes your test, private industry is another great place to go for solid salaries, stability and generally allows for a balance between work and family.

Get involved with an association. Though they probably won't pay nearly as much as a firm, associations are an attractive option for some professionals. Associations and other non-profit organizations can offer a totally new work environment, excellent professional development opportunities and commitment to a cause you believe in.

Follow your leaders and colleagues. What are other people in your division doing? Where are they headed next? Andersen has thousands of phenomenal team members. Unfortunately a few bad apples managed to temporarily spoil the image of Andersen employees for the masses. But it's a simple fact that the firm had many of the best and brightest in the country on staff. Take a look at the friends, managers and partners whom you admire. What have they decided to do at this career crossroads? Successful people tend to gravitate toward one another, and it might not be a bad idea to take a cue from someone you trust and think highly of at Andersen.

Most of the people at Andersen are still in shock about what has happened to their employer in just a few short months. In fact, most of the world is still in shock. Who would have thought a rock solid firm with incredible revenue could be in a situation like Andersen is today? But things change, and in this case thousands of careers are about to change along with everything else.

We encourage you to get your resume out there, consider your options and make the best out of this fork in the roadit could be an unexpected but excellent turn towards an opportunity to change your career for the better.