Working for family? Thoughts

[keano]

Hi there all, I am in a bit of a dilemma and just wanted your opinions on this:

One of my relatives is a partner in an accounting firm in Nova Scotia who has the same accounting designation I want to pursue (CMA -- I am already in the accelerated program). I sat down and discussed with him over what should I be looking for in a job (especially to fulfill the practical experience requirements). He has mentioned to me what the firm has for openings and what now. At first, I didn't think it would be a wise move given that he's an extended family member. I have had a hard time finding a job and given that I lack accounting experience, it now seems like it would be a smart route to take. I would have to relocate, but I have no problem doing that.

What is your take on working for family? Would you take a job if it was basically offered to you? Thoughts.

[Nucks]

If it's a legitimate company, why not?
Especially if you are already unemployed.

Now is it a one man army type of company or is a larger firm with multiple partners?

[Mariat]

Take the job[that is if it a legit company], but try not add others that he is you relative...Get experience you need ( and who knows they may even pay for ur CMA) and get out...

[keano]

If it's a legitimate company, why not?
Especially if you are already unemployed.

Now is it a one man army type of company or is a larger firm with multiple partners?

It is larger firm with multiple partners. I would probably classify it between small and mid size firm (and if it's not midsize it is deffo one of the bigger smaller firms...they got offices all over the province).

I asked a few people on this and they have said you should cut your own path..even though one person who told me this worked for his father when he was younger (he owns a landscaping company). I wasn't sure because sometimes bad things can happen..but if I were to be placed, I'd imagine the only contact I'd have with my relative is a Sunday dinner lol. I just want to get some experience, and ideally pick up a mentor.

Other thing is, how would it look like on a resume? Also trying to plot a path because I noticed some companies that you try to get into, they really start you off at the ground floor, especially here in Newfoundland (e.g. banks, bigger companies)

[Questionz]

Definitely a good opportunity since it exposes you to the professional environment. Since you currently lack in the experience portion, this will truly benefit you.

Just try to actually GAIN the professional experience, rather than receive special treatment because of your relative (assuming he has some say in your hiring process)

[Frosc]

No reason not to unless the company is illegitimate or has a terrible reputation; you would likely be given opportunities you wouldn't otherwise have access to (or at least not as quickly) working in a family business.

You probably wouldn't want to use your family member as your reference on a resume, but as long as you don't develop a reputation as just being a dead-weight nepotism hire likely one of the other partners would be able to provide you a reference if you needed one down the line.

[ullyeus]

You can find my take for this in a thread I created....


http://forums.redflagdeals.com/why-h...2/#post8163326

[Manatus]

I think this is a lot different from working in an actual family run business, though. You're essentially using your relative as an inside reference to get employed, rather than working directly under him in a position he created just so you can have a job. I don't think there's anything wrong with your relative putting in a good word to help you get hired.