a Sift Media publication
Over 23,000 pages of accounting passion and insight!   |   Sift Media logo
Q&A (back to index)

Beginner seeking career advice

Posted by damiyen on 05/27/2009 - 23:14

Hello,

I have recently been laid off and decided to return to school. I am currently working toward an Associate's degree in Accounting from a local technical college. I have twelve more classes to complete to earn the degree. I have heard that in Ohio, you can test for the CPA with an Associate's degree, a score of 620 or higher on the GMAT, and a certain number of semester hours. I've also heard that you need a Bachelor degree. Nonetheless, I have decided to pursue the Bachelor in Business Administration after earning the Associate's degree. I am a late bloomer at 37 years old, and have no experience in the field. I have worked for 15 years in Sales and Customer Service. My father is a CPA and has mentioned possibly going into business together. I am attending a co-op seminar this summer at the college, as the degree calls for a certain number of co-op hours. My only concern is that I won't make enough money to support my family. A classmate suggested I seek a part time co-op job to supplement my income. This will fulfill my financial needs while also satisfying my degree requirements. If anyone can share some advice, I would appreciate it!

Regards,

Rick

Rick Dallalio

  • 1853 reads


Geneva cityguide

Basically to follow up on the up-date of this topic on your web-site and would want to let you know just how much I prized the time you took to put together this valuable post. In the post, you spoke on how to really handle this problem with all convenience. It would be my pleasure to get together some more tips from your web-site and come as much as offer some others what I have benefited from you. Thanks for your usual wonderful effort. Geneva Hotels

Posted by tourguide on 04/30/2011 - 07:53
  • 4 reads

true

Many people are eager to start a career in Human Resources, as it is a fast-growing field with many lucrative opportunities. Career analysts expect the number of HR jobs to increase in the projected future and the median annual income is above the national average. Epson drivers archive

 

Posted by pams on 03/01/2011 - 08:45
  • 22 reads

what are friends for?

I advice you listen to your friend.Take a part time job inorder to suplement your income.with that, you can also pursue your degree program.stanley.,Auditor,Nigeria

Posted by umehstanley on 07/07/2009 - 22:22

Thank you

Thank you for reading my comment and responding. I appreciate your advice!

Posted by damiyen on 05/29/2009 - 10:04

Go After It!

Rick,

First of all it is never too late to start. People make career changes all of the time. In fact, my own mother is actually a good example. She taught school for 22 years and then went back to school got her RN and is now a nurse for a local hospital and loving it.

I always tell people that 80% of the job process is inward. Most people, hurriedly look for the job and try to make themselves squeeze into it somehow, but they have never taken the time to discover what there own natural gifts, skills & abilities are first.

You will be much happier when you move in a more natural direction. I say go for it and start walking down that path. Sounds like you have some future potential with you Father and a great mentor as well. Investigate and go after that CPA. It will be worth it.

Jonathan Milliganhttp://www.CPACareerCoach.com

Posted by CPACareerCoach on 05/28/2009 - 20:29
lindacavanaugh's picture

Late Bloomer Also

I didn't get my accounting degree until I was 34. I have been working in industry accounting ever since. I went back and got my Masters in Accountancy and my CPA certification. I found it was a lot easier going to school in my thirties than it was in my early twenties.

Co-ops are a great idea. They provide you with contacts for after graduation and you will get some real world experience that will look good on your resume.

Good Luck.

Posted by lindacavanaugh on 05/28/2009 - 13:29
  • 1 read
Welcome Visitor!
Sign up for the Weekly Insight newsletter to stay informed of future content in this category.
Email:
Already have an account? Sign in:
Forgotten your password?
Join us FB Connect with us LI Follow us
Voice of the Editor
Amidst a certain amount of controversy, the AICPA and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants have launched a new designation for global management accountants, the CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant). The designation is available to members of both organizations.
Read more >>

Gail Perry, CPA
Editor-in-Chief, AccountingWEB
editor@accountingweb.com