Accounting Students – Commit to Your Education and Career!
Many people select a degree in accounting because it has historically had great job options upon graduation. While this is still true today, employers aren't just handing out job offers to anyone with an accounting degree. As a university instructor myself, I can personally tell you that there's a huge difference between the students who are prepared and committed to their education and career and those who are being pulled along for the ride. Today, I'm going to share with you three key areas that college students need to focus on to have the best chances at a successful accounting career.
Disclaimer - I care about your success as an accounting student and future professional. There are many ways to succeed that may not require what I'm about to share with you. However, I find that my students do the best when they have more options for their future career path. For students in 2024 and beyond, having options generally involves having the strongest resume possible.
GPA - when you have enough full-time working experience, GPA doesn't matter. But if you're an accounting student looking for an entry-level job in accounting, you don't have that work experience. Generally speaking, a higher GPA is proof that you understand the fundamental knowledge that accounting jobs require, and you are able to commit to your higher education. There are some circumstances where an overall GPA may not be ideal, like if a student changes their major. In those cases, a major GPA should be presented on a resume instead of or alongside the cumulative GPA. In recent years, I've seen students kill their GPAs by simply not showing up to class or doing the work. While GPA isn't everything, it's one of the first things a recruiter or employer looks at when they see your resume. Be sure to do your best in your classes so your GPA provides more answers than questions.
CPA Eligibility - like it or not, becoming a CPA is a critical milestone in the modern accounting career. Historically, public accounting firms would not hire people who are not CPA eligible because it would impact their career trajectory after they started with the firm. To give yourself the most options upon graduation, it's important that you know your path to CPA eligibility. The most common hurdle for CPA eligibility is having 150 credits for CPA licensure while also having the right accounting classes required by your state board of accountancy. This requirement is usually fulfilled in one of the following ways:
Having 150 credits when graduating with a bachelor’s degree – This is usually accomplished through having double major, changed major, AP credits
Pursuing a master's degree after graduating
Taking courses at a community college after graduating
This will look different for everyone, but the important thing to remember is that employers don't want to hear “I'm not sure yet” because if they are planning around you getting a CPA license, they need to know how you're going to get there.
Internships - having an internship or two on your resume shows that you are committing to your career. For many employers, it's also a sanity check to see if someone else will hire you. In case you haven't seen the pattern yet, it's very difficult to get a job when you are not committed to your own success. Getting internships is just another way to demonstrate that you are serious about investing in yourself and your future. Go out of your way to get some experience on your resume and it will make a huge difference when looking for that first job.
A common issue that many employers are facing with their new hires is a lack of competence and commitment. To give yourself the most options for your career, you need to show your commitment in as many ways as possible, including your commitment to getting good grades, your commitment to your future self, getting the CPA, and your commitment to learning the ropes through internships.