If you’re an internal auditor looking to transition out of the audit function into a new career path, you’re not alone. Many professionals who start in internal audit find that after gaining valuable experience in risk assessment, process improvement, and stakeholder communication, they want to try something different. Whether you’re seeking a role in finance, operations, compliance, data analytics, consulting, or another field, one critical factor can make or break your transition: your network.
Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or adding LinkedIn connections. It’s about forging meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships with individuals who can provide guidance, share insights, offer referrals, and help you uncover opportunities that might not be publicly advertised. A strong network can provide the bridge from your current position to your target career, making it easier to escape the audit cycle and move into a role that aligns better with your aspirations.
This article will guide you through the essential strategies and steps to building a network that can lead you out of the audit function. We’ll cover how to identify who you need in your network, how to establish authentic connections, how to leverage both in-person and virtual networking tools, and how to maintain and nurture professional relationships over time. By implementing these tactics, you’ll be well on your way to creating the connections that open doors to new opportunities.
Understanding the Importance of Networking for Career Transitions
For professionals considering an exit from internal audit, networking can feel like an afterthought—something to do only when job applications stall or promotions don’t materialize. However, networking should be a proactive, ongoing effort that you prioritize throughout your career. Here’s why it’s essential:
1. Access to the Hidden Job Market:
A significant percentage of job openings are never posted publicly. Instead, they are filled through referrals, internal promotions, or direct recommendations. Building a strong network puts you in the loop for these hidden opportunities.
2. Insight Into New Career Paths:
Unsure about which role to pursue next? Conversations with professionals in your target field can give you deeper insight into job expectations, required skills, market trends, and long-term growth prospects.
3. Personalized Guidance and Mentorship:
Transitioning out of audit can be daunting. A mentor or a trusted contact who has walked a similar path can provide personalized advice on overcoming common challenges and making strategic career moves.
4. Credibility and Trust:
A recommendation from someone respected in your target industry can carry more weight with hiring managers than even the most polished resume. Networking helps you build credibility and trust before you ever sit down for an interview.
Defining Your Networking Goals
Before you start sending LinkedIn requests or attending professional mixers, clarify what you hope to achieve through networking. Having clear goals will help you prioritize your efforts and measure success over time.
Consider questions like the following
• What type of role do I want after leaving audit? (e.g., financial analyst, risk manager, consultant, operations manager)
• Which industries am I targeting?
• What skills or areas of knowledge do I need to develop, and who might help me grow in these areas?
• Am I looking for mentors, peers at the same career level, or contacts in HR and recruitment?
Your answers will shape your networking strategy. For example, if you’re aiming for a transition into compliance, your priority might be connecting with compliance officers, regulatory specialists, or people in related professional associations. If you’re leaning towards a strategic operations role, you might focus on meeting operations managers, project leaders, and individuals who’ve moved from audit into operations successfully.
Assessing Your Existing Network
You might have more connections than you realize. Start by mapping out your existing network:
1. Former and Current Colleagues in Audit:
Your current coworkers, managers, and even clients or business partners you’ve audited may know people in your target field. Don’t dismiss the value of your immediate professional circle.
2. Alumni Networks (University and Former Employers):
Alumni databases and LinkedIn groups for your alma mater or previous employers can be gold mines for relevant connections. People who share your educational or professional background may be more inclined to help you out.
3. Professional Associations and IIA Chapters:
As an internal auditor, you may be involved with The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) or other bodies. Members of these associations often have extensive networks in adjacent fields—risk management, compliance, governance—and can introduce you to new contacts.
4. Industry Conferences and Training Events:
Events you’ve attended in the past (even virtually) are potential networking touchpoints. Reaching out to someone you briefly chatted with at a conference is often easier than cold-contacting a stranger.
By taking stock of your existing network, you can identify who to reconnect with and where to start branching out.
Cultivating a Networking Mindset
Networking is not about using people for your own gain. It’s about creating a community of professionals who support each other’s growth. Adopting a networking mindset involves:
• Authenticity: Be genuine, honest, and transparent about your goals. People are more likely to help you if they sense sincerity.
• Mutual Benefit: Think about what value you can offer to others—whether it’s sharing industry articles, connecting them with someone in your network, or providing insights from your audit experience.
• Long-Term Perspective: Networking is a marathon, not a sprint. Build relationships before you need them, maintain them over time, and stay connected even after you land your new role.
Strategies for Expanding Your Network Beyond Audit
If your current network is heavily auditor-centric, it’s time to step outside your comfort zone and connect with professionals in your target field.
1. Use LinkedIn Strategically:
• Profile Optimization: Update your headline and summary to reflect your career goals, not just your current audit role. For example, change “Internal Auditor at XYZ Corp” to “Risk Management & Compliance Professional | Seeking to Optimize Governance and Controls.”
• Outbound Connections: Search for professionals in your desired field, filter by mutual connections, and send personalized invitations. Reference something you admire about their work or a shared interest.
• Engage with Content: Like, comment, and share articles relevant to your target industry. Over time, your name will become familiar to professionals who follow those topics.
2. Professional Associations and Memberships:
Beyond the IIA, consider joining associations like the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), Risk Management Society (RIMS), Financial Executives International (FEI), or industry-specific bodies. These organizations host webinars, seminars, and local chapter events that attract professionals from diverse backgrounds.
3. Industry Conferences, Workshops, and Webinars:
If possible, attend events relevant to your target field. Introduce yourself to speakers, ask thoughtful questions during Q&A sessions, and follow up with LinkedIn connection requests referencing the event. For virtual events, use chat functions and breakout sessions to meet new contacts.
4. Volunteer and Community Engagement:
Getting involved in community projects or volunteering for industry-related causes can expand your circle. For example, if you’re interested in data analytics, volunteer your audit data skills for a non-profit’s data reporting. You’ll meet people who appreciate your skill set, potentially outside the audit realm.
5. Informational Interviews:
Reach out to people in roles you’d like to have and request a short, 20-30 minute call to learn about their career paths. This is a soft approach that builds rapport without asking directly for a job. Most professionals enjoy sharing their journey and giving advice to someone motivated to learn.
Building Authentic Connections
When reaching out to someone new, treat the interaction as the start of a relationship, not a one-time transaction:
1. Personalized Invitations
When sending a LinkedIn request, include a short message that explains why you’re reaching out. Reference something specific you admire, or mention a shared contact or experience.
2. Active Listening
In conversations—online or in-person—focus on listening attentively, asking open-ended questions, and showing genuine curiosity. Avoid jumping straight into your job search goals. Establishing trust and rapport first is key.
3. Offer Help When Possible
Maybe you read an article that would interest them, or you know someone who can help solve a challenge they’re facing. Being helpful early on makes others more inclined to assist you in the future.
4. Follow-Up and Gratitude
After meeting someone, send a thank-you note or LinkedIn message. If they provided advice or a referral, acknowledge their help and let them know the outcome. Consistent follow-up shows that you appreciate their support and keeps you on their radar.
Leveraging Internal Connections for External Opportunities
Your current colleagues, managers, and even audit clients might be well connected outside the audit department. Don’t overlook them:
1. Mentors and Managers:
If you have a supportive manager or mentor in audit, let them know about your career aspirations. They may have contacts in other departments—finance, compliance, IT security—who can offer guidance or even direct opportunities.
2. Cross-Functional Projects:
Volunteer for projects that involve other departments. Working closely with operations, finance, or IT professionals gives you a natural excuse to build relationships beyond audit. These connections can later introduce you to roles in their respective fields.
3. Former Colleagues:
Stay in touch with coworkers who have already left internal audit. They’ve successfully navigated the transition and can connect you with their new networks. Reach out periodically to see how they’re doing and share updates on your progress.
Maintaining and Nurturing Your Network Over Time
Building a network is one thing—maintaining it is another. Sustainable relationships require ongoing effort:
1. Regular Check-Ins:
Set reminders to check in with key contacts every few months. A brief message or a comment on their LinkedIn post can keep the relationship alive.
2. Celebrate Their Achievements:
Congratulate your connections on promotions, new roles, published articles, or speaking engagements. Showing you care about their success fosters goodwill.
3. Share Valuable Content:
If you find a relevant industry report, research paper, or job opportunity that might interest your contacts, share it. Being a source of valuable information builds your reputation as a connected and knowledgeable professional.
4. Be Responsive:
If someone from your network reaches out for help or advice, respond promptly. Even if you can’t fully assist, acknowledge their request and suggest alternatives. Reliability in small interactions forms the backbone of strong professional relationships.
Using Your Network to Navigate the Job Market
Once you’ve built and nurtured your network, you can begin to tap into it for your exit strategy:
1. Referrals and Recommendations:
Don’t be shy about asking trusted contacts if they know of any opportunities in their organizations. People who know and respect you often feel comfortable referring you for open positions.
2. Insider Information:
Your contacts can provide valuable insights about company culture, management styles, and skill gaps. This knowledge can help you target your applications more effectively and prepare better for interviews.
3. Warm Introductions to Recruiters and Hiring Managers:
Recruiters receive countless resumes daily. A warm introduction from someone they trust can fast-track your application and help you stand out from the competition.
4. Feedback on Your Resume and Personal Brand:
Ask well-connected friends or mentors to review your resume, LinkedIn profile, or personal website. Their input can help you refine your professional narrative and highlight the transferable skills from audit that appeal to employers.
Overcoming Networking Challenges
Networking may feel daunting, especially if you’re introverted or new to building professional relationships outside your department. Here are some common challenges and how to address them:
1. Fear of Rejection
Not everyone you reach out to will respond positively. That’s okay. Networking is a numbers game, and persistence pays off. Keep refining your approach and reach out to others.
2. Unclear Messaging
If you can’t clearly articulate why you’re reaching out or what you’re looking for, you’ll struggle to make connections. Practice a short elevator pitch explaining your background, your career interests, and how you’d like to contribute to a new field.
3. Time Constraints
Busy schedules make consistent networking challenging. Allocate a set time each week or month for networking activities. A few quality interactions are better than many superficial ones.
4. Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism
You want to be genuine, but not overly casual or self-serving. Aim to find a tone that’s respectful, friendly, and professional. Being authentic means expressing genuine interest and care, not over-sharing personal details.
Adapting Your Networking Approach Post-Pandemic
The shift to remote and hybrid work environments has changed networking dynamics:
1. Virtual Events and Conferences:
Professional summits, workshops, and panel discussions often occur online. Participate actively in chat discussions, connect with speakers on LinkedIn, and engage in post-event digital “hallway” conversations.
2. Social Media Engagement Beyond LinkedIn:
While LinkedIn remains the premier platform for professional networking, don’t ignore industry-specific forums, Slack channels, and even Twitter or Reddit communities. Sharing insights and asking questions in these spaces can connect you with new professionals.
3. Video Calls and Informational Interviews:
It’s now common to meet contacts virtually. Video calls feel more personal than emails or LinkedIn messages and can accelerate relationship-building. Suggest a brief virtual coffee chat with someone you admire to discuss their career journey.
Case Study: From Audit to Consulting Through Networking
Scenario:
Amara, a senior internal auditor, wanted to transition into a consulting role focused on process improvement. She had a solid technical skill set but lacked the industry connections to break into consulting. Over six months, Amara executed a networking strategy:
• Step 1: Identified Targets:
Amara researched consulting firms known for internal controls and process improvement engagements.
• Step 2: Leveraged Existing Contacts:
She reached out to a former colleague who had joined a boutique consulting firm. He introduced her to a senior consultant specializing in operations improvements.
• Step 3: Joined Professional Groups:
Amara joined the Association of Management Consultants and attended a virtual panel discussion on emerging trends in process optimization. After the event, she connected with the panelists on LinkedIn and followed up with personalized messages.
• Step 4: Informational Interviews:
Over several months, Amara conducted 4-5 informational interviews with consultants at different firms. She asked about career paths, skill requirements, and common misconceptions about consulting.
• Step 5: Mutual Exchange:
Amara offered to share her insights on internal audit best practices, which helped her contacts understand her value proposition. When a consultant heard of an opening on a team needing someone with strong internal control knowledge, he recommended Amara.
• Result:
Amara landed an interview and secured a consulting role. Without her targeted networking efforts and the trust built with new contacts, she might never have known about or been recommended for the opportunity.
Measuring Your Networking Success
Networking is a long-term endeavor, so how do you know if you’re making progress?
1. Quality of Conversations:
Are you having more substantial, meaningful dialogues rather than superficial exchanges?
2. Diversity of Contacts:
Have you expanded your network to include professionals outside internal audit, spanning multiple industries and functions?
3. Number of Referrals and Introductions Received:
Have you received any referrals, direct introductions to hiring managers, or invitations to apply for unposted roles?
4. Improved Understanding of Your Target Field:
Are you gaining clarity on the skills, certifications, and experiences you need to break into your desired role?
5. Offers and Opportunities:
Ultimately, the sign of successful networking is when opportunities start to come your way—whether interviews, project collaborations, or even just personalized guidance that speeds up your career transition.
Maintaining Professionalism as You Exit
As you network your way toward leaving internal audit, remember to maintain professionalism within your current organization. Don’t burn bridges with colleagues, managers, or the audit community. You never know when a former coworker might resurface in your future career path or when you might need a favorable reference from your former manager.
• Transparency (When Appropriate):
If it’s safe and politically wise, let your closest mentors or managers know that you’re exploring new opportunities. They might support you or even open doors.
• Respect for Confidential Information:
As an auditor, you deal with sensitive data. Don’t misuse any proprietary information to get ahead. Ethical lapses can destroy your reputation and your relationships.
Final Thoughts
Leaving internal audit behind and moving into a new role often hinges on your ability to build and leverage a strong professional network. By clearly defining your career goals, expanding your network beyond the audit sphere, nurturing meaningful relationships, and providing value to others, you’ll create a community of professionals invested in your success.
Networking is not a transactional step, but a continuous, evolving process that enriches your career and personal growth. Whether you’re aiming for a risk management role, a position in corporate finance, a consulting job, or a strategy-oriented position, your network can provide the guidance, introductions, and trust signals you need to make the leap.
With time, patience, and authenticity, you’ll find that your network doesn’t just help you leave audit—it leads you toward a more fulfilling, dynamic career aligned with your passions and professional ambitions.
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