What to Talk About During a Three Hour Car Ride with a Partner?
I’m feeling nervous. As a first year Audit associate, I have a three-hour car ride with the partner to the client site for an engagement. We’re carpooling, and I’m anxious about what to talk about for that long.
I’m not sure if I have enough knowledge about credits and debits to sustain a conversation for three hours. What should I do if they bring up something that requires a deep discussion? Just respond with “It depends”?
I’m thinking about bringing 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 car ride?
One response
Don’t worry, you’re not alone in feeling anxious about spending three hours in a car with a partner, especially as a first year Audit associate. While it’s understandable to feel nervous, remember that your partner is likely experienced and understands that you are still learning. Here are some tips to help navigate the conversation during the car ride:
Ask about their experience: A great way to start a conversation is to ask your partner about their background and experience in the field. You can ask about their career path, favorite projects they’ve worked on, or any interesting Audit stories they may have.
Discuss current events: You can talk about industry news, recent Accounting updates, or any changes in regulations that may affect your work. This can show your interest in the field and demonstrate that you are keeping up to date with relevant information.
Share your goals and aspirations: Take this opportunity to talk about your career goals and what you hope to achieve in the future. Your partner may provide valuable insights or advice based on their own experiences.
Ask for advice: Don’t be afraid to ask your partner for advice or guidance on any challenges you may be facing in your role. This can help build a rapport and show that you value their expertise.
Find common interests: If you know of any shared interests or hobbies, you can use this as a conversation starter. It could be anything from favorite books or movies to travel experiences or sports.
Use humor: Humor can be a great way to break the ice and lighten the mood. Don’t be afraid to share a funny story or joke to help ease any tension.
Prepare some conversation starters: Your idea of bringing flashcards with fun Audit facts is actually a creative and engaging way to keep the conversation going. You can also think of some other topics or questions you can bring up during the car ride.
Remember, it’s okay to have moments of silence during the car ride as well. Not every moment needs to be filled with conversation. Take this opportunity to observe and learn from your partner’s behavior and communication style. Above all, be yourself and show genuine interest in getting to know your partner. Good luck!