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Ricardo
Student
Reno, Nevada
1
Question
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Looking back on your own journey, what is one unconventional or unexpected decision you made during college that ended up significantly shaping your accounting career?
My desire is to earn my bachelor's degree in Accounting. I understand the path to getting one's CPA isn't always linear, that is why I am asking this question.
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David Ludwick
Business Owner
47
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Ricardo,
I am not an accountant but I think I can offer some advice. Since you’re aiming for a bachelor’s in Accounting and eventually a CPA, let’s flip the question: what’s an unconventional choice I could imagine making in a hypothetical college scenario that might shape an accounting career?
Picture this: instead of grinding through the typical accounting electives, I decide to take a deep dive into computer science or data analytics—something not directly tied to debits and credits. Maybe I even join a coding club or pick up Python on the side. At first, it seems offbeat, maybe even a distraction from the CPA track. But years later, that choice pays off big. Why? Because modern accounting isn’t just about ledgers anymore—it’s about wrangling massive datasets, automating processes, and spotting trends with tech. Firms love accountants who can bridge numbers and tech, and that quirky detour could’ve made me a standout.
For you, the takeaway might be to look beyond the textbook path. The CPA road isn’t always a straight line, like you said—maybe a wildcard move like learning tech skills, studying behavioral economics, or even interning somewhere unexpected (like a startup instead of a Big Four firm) could set you apart. What’s one unconventional thing you’ve thought about trying as you chase that degree?
I am not an accountant but I think I can offer some advice. Since you’re aiming for a bachelor’s in Accounting and eventually a CPA, let’s flip the question: what’s an unconventional choice I could imagine making in a hypothetical college scenario that might shape an accounting career?
Picture this: instead of grinding through the typical accounting electives, I decide to take a deep dive into computer science or data analytics—something not directly tied to debits and credits. Maybe I even join a coding club or pick up Python on the side. At first, it seems offbeat, maybe even a distraction from the CPA track. But years later, that choice pays off big. Why? Because modern accounting isn’t just about ledgers anymore—it’s about wrangling massive datasets, automating processes, and spotting trends with tech. Firms love accountants who can bridge numbers and tech, and that quirky detour could’ve made me a standout.
For you, the takeaway might be to look beyond the textbook path. The CPA road isn’t always a straight line, like you said—maybe a wildcard move like learning tech skills, studying behavioral economics, or even interning somewhere unexpected (like a startup instead of a Big Four firm) could set you apart. What’s one unconventional thing you’ve thought about trying as you chase that degree?