Get AS MUCH experience as possible while in college in what you want to do -- try to be specific as possible, like small- the mid- size public accounting, large public accounting, industry, etc. It might even be worth dragging your college career on a little longer just to be able to get more experience.
Anybody really can pass the CPA, but don't glorify passing the CPA. The most important thing by far for the entry-level person is experience in what you want to do.
get out before its too late!
Just because you couldn't hack it, doesn't give you the right to give such bad advice.
why is it bad advice? most auditors will tell you they work twice the hours and make half as much as a management consultant, and a fourth as much as a banker.
Well how do you think they become consultants or banker?
I did the consulting thing with McKinsey, and you think we worked less hours than auditors? Worse, and more travel. Plan on Sunday nights going back east and not leaving until Friday.
IBankers worse lots of hours, but make way more. But unless you have an MBA from a top school, becoming a serious well paid IB is not going to happen.
Pay your dues in audit, particularly with a big 4, and you can go private in a few years and make decent money. Just get your CPA.
OK, then, go law or medical. at least these are more exciting professions that involve working with people, helping people.
Why are you so down on accounting. There are so many paths to go....
Law or medical? Big investment for what return. I know doctors that once they pay malpractice make less than I do. I have several friends that have graduated from law school and are looking for jobs. One actually became a teacher to pay the bills. Hard to believe the legal market is saturated.
I am a CPA and CISA. I sell, install and customize accounting software (MAS
90, OSAS, Travers). I did my time in consulting and audit, never any tax. The forensic accounting is is making me a ton of money, and I don't have my CFE yet. Anyways, I work less than 40 hours a week (sometimes I do 50) and do very well.So, accounting is a good profession. You have to pay your dues for a couple years to gain some experience. Once you do that you can go private or leave the industry all together. I have friends that are CPAs and do sales, marketing, information technology and a variety of other services outside of audit and tax.
However, I do know lots of accountants working 60+ hours a week and making half what I make. The key is, regardless of industry (accounting, law, medical), is that one has to be motivated and take charge of their career path. If you expect to walk into any industry, work 40 hours a week and make six figures, you are in fantasy land. But, if you work hard, see the opportunities and take charge, you can do 40 hours a week and make six figures after a few years.
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