What to talk about during a three hour car ride with a partner?
I’m feeling anxious. As a first year Audit associate, I’ll be spending three hours in the car with the partner on our way to a client site for an engagement.
We’ll be carpooling, and I’m a bit nervous. What should we even talk about for three hours? I’m not sure if I know enough about credits and debits to sustain a conversation for that long. What if they delve into a deep topic – should I just nod and say, “It depends”?
I’m considering bringing along some flashcards with interesting Audit facts to keep the conversation going. For example, “Did you know that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was passed in 2002”?
Do you have any other suggestions for topics to discuss during the ride?
One response
Don’t worry, I understand your anxiety about spending three hours in a car with a partner, especially as a first year Audit associate. Here are some helpful tips on what to talk about during the car ride:
Engage in small talk: Start the conversation with some light and casual topics such as weekend plans, favorite movies or TV shows, hobbies, or any interesting stories you may have. This can help break the ice and make the car ride more comfortable.
Ask about their experience: Since your partner is more experienced, you can ask them about their career journey, their favorite or most challenging Audit engagements, and any tips they may have for you as a new associate. This can also help you learn more about the profession and get some valuable insights.
Discuss current events: You can talk about recent news, industry trends, or any interesting developments in the Accounting or auditing world. This can show your interest in the field and keep the conversation engaging.
Share your goals: This can be a good opportunity to talk about your career aspirations and what you hope to achieve in the future. Your partner may provide guidance or advice based on their own experiences.
Play a game: If you want to lighten the mood and have some fun, you can bring along some car games or trivia questions to pass the time. This can also be a good way to bond with your partner and make the car ride more enjoyable.
Overall, remember that it’s okay to be nervous, but try to stay calm and confident. Your partner is likely understanding and will appreciate your effort to engage in conversation. Good luck on your car ride and engagement!