Career Curiosity

Ever wonder what make up key characteristics of career success? Turns out – if you’re considering this question, you may already have one of those characteristics – curiosity. ⁉️

Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, recently told Forbes, “The one thing I’d tell my younger self is to be more curious—about people, ideas, and the world. Curiosity fuels learning, and learning fuels growth” (Forbes, Feb 18, 2025). As a recruiter with 25+ years placing CPAs and finance leaders in Tampa Bay, I see this ringing true in today’s job market. 🔔

Stats seem to back this up. A 2025 Korn Ferry survey found 67% of hiring managers value adaptability—tied to curiosity—over rigid expertise (Korn Ferry, 2025). Curious candidates ask better questions, explore efficiencies, dig into industry trends, and pivot fast—that’s crucial when 60% of job seekers abandon complex applications (SHRM, 2025). Anecdotally, business leadership echoes this: finance pros tout curiosity as their edge in mastering complex business, transactional or deal nuances. 🪢

In practice, this means upskilling with intent. A PwC 2025 report says 74% of execs plan to invest in AI training this year—curious CPAs who explore & learn these tools shine (PwC, 2025). A great way to add value to your current team and get out of the “it’s the way we’ve always done it” mentality. It’s not just in your current role but also in job hunting; 70% of unposted roles go through networks (CareerBuilder, 2025). Curious outreach—asking yourself “what’s next?” by attending Tampa Bay finance or accounting meetups— helps to uncover them. 🧑🏻‍🔬

Nadella’s advice isn’t just fluff—it’s something to bear in mind. Stay curious, learn new techniques & avenues and you’ll move upward more quickly or grow past layoffs. I’ve placed finance & accounting talent who live this, landing great career opportunities faster. Curious about your next finance or accounting step in Tampa Bay’s business scene? Let’s connect.

#careers #curiosity #cpacareers #careeradvancement