Diverse Career Paths for FCU Accounting Graduates: Southern Taiwan Alumni Return to Share Professional Insights and Guidance

Career opportunities for accounting graduates have become increasingly diverse, spanning public accounting firms, corporate finance and accounting departments, and government services. Recognizing the different skills and mindsets required for each path, the Department of Accounting at Feng Chia University hosted a career-sharing event on May 5, inviting three distinguished alumni from various professional fields to share their career journeys and workplace experiences with current students.

The event began with the Feng Chia Accounting Education Foundation Scholarship Award Ceremony, presented by Ta-Ching Chung, President of the Southern Taiwan Alumni Association. Supported by generations of accounting alumni, the Foundation awards more than NT$1 million in scholarships annually, providing meaningful support to students and reflecting the strong tradition of alumni giving.

The Feng Chia Accounting Education Foundation awards more than NT$1 million in scholarships annually. The ceremony recognized and encouraged outstanding students through meaningful financial support.

The Accountant’s Journey: Ta-Ching Chung, Managing Partner of Yuantong CPAs

Ta-Ching Chung, President of the Southern Taiwan Alumni Association and Managing Partner of Yuantong CPAs, encouraged students with the message, “Life will find its own path.” He emphasized that it is perfectly normal for students to feel uncertain about their future direction.

“There are no shortcuts,” Chung noted. “The path I took was built step by step.” Drawing from his own experience working at small and medium-sized accounting firms, he shared how he spent four years preparing for the CPA examination while working full-time. He reminded students that success is not about how quickly goals are achieved, but whether they continue moving forward consistently.

Your Major Is a Starting Point, Not a Limitation: Kuan-Fu Chen, Vice President of China Steel Corporation

Kuan-Fu Chen (Class of 1992) has built a career spanning human resources, public relations, overseas assignments, and corporate planning. He explained that the analytical skills and financial literacy acquired through accounting education are fundamental to business decision-making.

Reflecting on his career transitions, Chen described each new role as a period of adjustment and learning. He encouraged students to develop essential workplace competencies, including maintaining a learning mindset, paying close attention to details, proactively communicating with supervisors, understanding organizational needs, and building trust-based professional networks over time.

Practical Wisdom for Public Service: Tsun-Shan Pan, Section Chief, National Taxation Bureau of the Southern Area

Tsun-Shan Pan (Class of 1993), currently a Section Chief at the National Taxation Bureau of the Southern Area, recalled his university years and the study group he formed with fellow students. He emphasized the importance of sustained focus and dedication to learning.

Drawing from his experience in public service, Pan summarized his workplace philosophy in four simple principles: “Keep a smile on your face, speak kindly, remain humble, and act efficiently.” He noted that these communication skills are valuable not only in government agencies but in any professional environment. He also introduced students to the structure and responsibilities of the National Taxation Bureau, providing practical insights into public-sector careers.

Tung-Hsien Wu, Chair of the Department of Accounting, noted that the three invited alumni represent three distinct career pathways available to accounting graduates: professional practice, corporate management, and public service. Their experiences offered students diverse perspectives when considering their own futures.

The department expressed its appreciation for the Southern Taiwan Alumni Association’s long-term support and reaffirmed its commitment to organizing future alumni engagement activities, enabling students to learn directly from experienced professionals and broaden their career horizons.

Ta-Ching Chung (top), President of the Southern Taiwan Alumni Association; Tsun-Shan Pan (bottom left), Section Chief of the National Taxation Bureau of the Southern Area; and Kuan-Fu Chen (bottom right), Vice President of China Steel Corporation’s Planning Division, returned to campus to share professional experience and career insights with students.

Faculty members, alumni speakers, and students pose for a group photo following the career-sharing event hosted by the Department of Accounting at Feng Chia University. From left: Tung-Hsien Wu, Ju-Chuan Wu, Ta-Ching Chung, Kuan-Fu Chen, Tsun-Shan Pan, and participating faculty members and students.