| Topic Name: |
A whole new career |
| Message Name: |
Age an issue? |
| Date Posted: |
08/20/2006 |
| In Reply To: |
OK, fellow vaulters, here's the scenario:
Journalism undergrad, worked in the newspaper business for 8 years, tired, concerned about the weak future of the biz, need a change. Seeking to make a shift into the accounting field (and am doing some basic coursework now -- and love it.)
I have spoken with some academics on a recommended path for a career changer, but what do you all think? Here's the choices:
1. Local college, known for its accounting program, offers a certificate in accounting (27 credits), which, combined with undergrad degree, meets state requirement to sit for CPA exam. Also, school has good recruiting connections. Cost: $12,000. Time frame: 12 months.
2. Combine certificate in accounting with a 14-month, 36-credit MBA program from an area AACSB-accredited mid-size state university.
Cost: $23,000.
Time frame: 14 months.
3. Forget the certificate altogether and pursue an MBA part-time from the city's big public university, which consistently ranks in the world's top 50 (top 15 public).
Cost: $45-50,000.
Time frame: 3 years.
Other details: 660 GMAT, 3.96 undergrad GPA.
Here's the big question (and, understanding there are a ton of variables involved): Will the Big 4 look at someone without a degree in business or accounting, but has the accounting coursework (accounting certificate) and is CPA eligible or has passed the CPA exam on his own? Or, with little undergrad business coursework, is it imperative to have an MBA, too?
Go ahead, fire away. |
| Message: |
I am a similar situation, contemplating a career switch into accounting, have no accounting work experience. I know this quesiton was discussed before, but I'm not a paid subscriber here and cannot read posts after 60 days.
Does being 30 years old put me at a significant disadvantage when trying to switch careers into public accounting? Do big 4 companies prefer college and MAcc grads in their early 20s ?
I am thinking about going for a MAcc degree, and I'm wondering if I'm too old to get an entry-leve big 4 job.
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