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what is the best job in the business major? what are some internship for business/accounting majors?
#business #accounting #college-major #internship
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14 answers
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Rich’s Answer
Accounting jobs (and internships) are always looking for candidates, year in and year out. I would strongly suggest you try at least a couple different internships get a feel for which field you want to work in or a business that you want to work for. All businesses need staff to run the accounting functions of accounts receivable and payable, as well as management staff to hire, motivate and retain other employees. The Bureau of Labor Statistics study that is updated every year shows which jobs and fields have the best prospects in the next few years up to the next decade.
Link here https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/article/education-level-and-openings.htm. As you can see, there are excellent prospects for business managers, which would make use of both business and accounting degrees.
Review the BLS career outlook https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/article/education-level-and-openings.htm
Consider what companies you might want to work for - Medical, Fashion, Non-profit, Cloud Computing, Manufacturing, there are infinite choices!
Once you have an idea of what you want to try, look for internships available. Your college/university should have a website and/or office to help.
Link here https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/article/education-level-and-openings.htm. As you can see, there are excellent prospects for business managers, which would make use of both business and accounting degrees.
Rich recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for the advice.
Gianna
Updated
Shanta’s Answer
In my opinion it depends on your preference for what the "best" job for a business major would be. It wholly depends on your personality and the types of projects and tasks that you want or see yourself doing in the future. The good thing about most business degrees out there is that most college programs will give a you a good sense of what to expect from the other types of business majors as well. My suggestion for internships would be to use your network, use your school's career center/guidance counselor, try online forums and try to get at least 2 different types of internship experiences under your belt so you'll be a good judge of what works/interests you the most! Hope this helps!
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Gianna
Updated
William’s Answer
The best job depends on your personality and preference to the things you feel motivated or engaged to do.
To be more specific within accounting:
Audit from my experience is following the previous year's work and building upon that, whereas tax is more on the recommendation side of things, where you are able to guide the client on what to do. In my opinion, Tax sort of mimics consulting, whereas audit is its own thing.
I would recommend a rotational program, where you are able to experience either of them to see what you like, and that goes for other areas in which you are interested in.
To be more specific within accounting:
Audit from my experience is following the previous year's work and building upon that, whereas tax is more on the recommendation side of things, where you are able to guide the client on what to do. In my opinion, Tax sort of mimics consulting, whereas audit is its own thing.
I would recommend a rotational program, where you are able to experience either of them to see what you like, and that goes for other areas in which you are interested in.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Gianna
Updated
Ebony’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Gianna,
When thinking about possible internship opportunities you'll want to consider what you enjoy along with skills you'd like to build upon. So for example, if you're interested in building on skills to help with your public speaking, then remain on the lookout for internships that will give you space to practice that skill.
Remember, an internship is hands-on learning. Learning to actively listen, receive instruction and feedback, develop and maintain deadlines, support a team, just to name a few. So the goal is to place yourself in spaces where you can learn and grow.
I hope this helps!
When thinking about possible internship opportunities you'll want to consider what you enjoy along with skills you'd like to build upon. So for example, if you're interested in building on skills to help with your public speaking, then remain on the lookout for internships that will give you space to practice that skill.
Remember, an internship is hands-on learning. Learning to actively listen, receive instruction and feedback, develop and maintain deadlines, support a team, just to name a few. So the goal is to place yourself in spaces where you can learn and grow.
I hope this helps!
Your advice was so helpful!
Gianna
Updated
samantha’s Answer
There are plenty of different internship opportunities for an accounting major. They range from the Big 4, to mid-tier/smaller public firms, or even private companies. Personally, I completed an accounting internship at a large entertainment company and then went to a public firm after graduating college. The great thing about being in accounting, is that there are so many choices and you don't get pigeon holed into an industry that you don't like.
Updated
Ian’s Answer
In my experience, the accounting field has the broadest reach and offers a spring board to any other career in business you may want. You may make more money in other fields, but over time I believe the opportunities and income will equalize. Also, accounting is a hard field and depending on your role, there may be some demanding hours to work.
Internships for business can run the gambit, but choosing something that you are interested in is a great first step. Have a couple industries or fields you would like to explore and apply.
Polish your resume and be enthusiastic about where ever you apply.
Internships for business can run the gambit, but choosing something that you are interested in is a great first step. Have a couple industries or fields you would like to explore and apply.
Ian recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the advice, Ian.
Gianna
Updated
Parshva’s Answer
Hi Gianna! I completely echo with all the comments made so far. There is not one best job for business majors. It really depends on what you like, what are your future goals and aspirations. And internships are the way to figure this out. Doing short stints in a few different roles within the business realm can really help you understand as to what business role is best suited for you.
Having said that, in my experience, majority of the business students either pursue - accounting/audit, consulting or banking as a starting point in their career out of college. Hope this helps!
Having said that, in my experience, majority of the business students either pursue - accounting/audit, consulting or banking as a starting point in their career out of college. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much, Parshva!
Gianna
Updated
Evan’s Answer
This is a good question and one you might have to do a bit more researching/sole searching internally. Business degrees are very broad and can encompass a variety of fields. This includes Management Consulting, Banking, Accounting, Marketing/Sales, Human Resources, Economics, and much more than what I have listed. You should ask yourself what is your interests and do some internet research to see if that piques your interest.
As it relates to internships in business and accounting, there is plenty of opportunities that exist out there. Doing a routine internet search can find some opportunities that are currently out there that are paid and unpaid.
As it relates to internships in business and accounting, there is plenty of opportunities that exist out there. Doing a routine internet search can find some opportunities that are currently out there that are paid and unpaid.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Gianna
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
The best job is different for everyone, but there are definitely some great internship and career exposure opportunities that can help you find the best option for you.
There are an abundance of internship opportunities in accounting. For example, public accounting internships are very common for college students studying accounting. I recommend trying out a public accounting internship. People often begin their careers in public accounting and then may either stay in public or branch out once they are exposed to various industries and roles. Additionally, it may be helpful to look for an internship outside of public accounting to get a better idea of what other types of work are like. Since there are so many types of jobs available to accounting majors, I also recommend seeking other opportunities to gain insight on what careers are available. For example, look for career fairs, shadow opportunities, etc. Be sure to take advantage of any career resources or career centers that your university may have to offer, as this will help you find some great opportunities.
There are an abundance of internship opportunities in accounting. For example, public accounting internships are very common for college students studying accounting. I recommend trying out a public accounting internship. People often begin their careers in public accounting and then may either stay in public or branch out once they are exposed to various industries and roles. Additionally, it may be helpful to look for an internship outside of public accounting to get a better idea of what other types of work are like. Since there are so many types of jobs available to accounting majors, I also recommend seeking other opportunities to gain insight on what careers are available. For example, look for career fairs, shadow opportunities, etc. Be sure to take advantage of any career resources or career centers that your university may have to offer, as this will help you find some great opportunities.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Gianna
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Hi, Gianna,
I think there are some good thoughts in the previous answers but I'll add a few of my own here.
There isn't really a "best" job for a business/accounting major. What's more important is finding what you're interested in and pursuing internships that can help launch your career in that field.
As far as accounting majors go, there are plenty of internship/career options for you. All companies have accountants, in one form or another. There are also large, professional service firms that employ accountants in a variety of disciplines. If you are able, it would be good to explore both in-house internships (also referred to as private roles) and internships with a professional services firm (commonly referred to as public accounting - check out the first link below for a summary of the differences between the two). Even if you are only able to pursue an internship in one of those spaces, you will likely get exposure to the other.
I personally work as a public accountant. We have a ton of internship opportunities, both in the winter and in the summer. The second link below gives summary and brief description of my firm's different lines of service - it's probably fair to say that list is representative of what other professional services would offer too.
At the end of the day, your goal should be to pursue whatever interests you most. I encourage you to try different things, experiment while you're in school, and don't fear making mistakes. It may seem like the decisions you make now are locking you into one career or discipline for life but, remember, this is just the first of many steps in your career.
I hope this helps. Feel free to add a comment if you have any follow-up questions. Good luck!
https://www.accountingedu.org/public-vs-private-accounting/
https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services.html
I think there are some good thoughts in the previous answers but I'll add a few of my own here.
There isn't really a "best" job for a business/accounting major. What's more important is finding what you're interested in and pursuing internships that can help launch your career in that field.
As far as accounting majors go, there are plenty of internship/career options for you. All companies have accountants, in one form or another. There are also large, professional service firms that employ accountants in a variety of disciplines. If you are able, it would be good to explore both in-house internships (also referred to as private roles) and internships with a professional services firm (commonly referred to as public accounting - check out the first link below for a summary of the differences between the two). Even if you are only able to pursue an internship in one of those spaces, you will likely get exposure to the other.
I personally work as a public accountant. We have a ton of internship opportunities, both in the winter and in the summer. The second link below gives summary and brief description of my firm's different lines of service - it's probably fair to say that list is representative of what other professional services would offer too.
At the end of the day, your goal should be to pursue whatever interests you most. I encourage you to try different things, experiment while you're in school, and don't fear making mistakes. It may seem like the decisions you make now are locking you into one career or discipline for life but, remember, this is just the first of many steps in your career.
I hope this helps. Feel free to add a comment if you have any follow-up questions. Good luck!
Jacob recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, Jacob!
Gianna
Updated
Ziru’s Answer
It is hard to say what is the "best" job in the business major since each person would have a different opinion. It will certainly depend on your preference and what interests you most and an internship it's definitely a great way to see if this career path fits you. Sometimes what you expect from a job is quite different when you actually doing it. And it is always not late for you to switch your career if you believe it is not what you want to do.
Here are some ways to find internships in Accounting/business area. First, a lot of schools will have career fairs where companies will introduce their internship programs and take resumes for potential candidates. Sometimes, the school also have Co-op internship programs for students in Business major. Second, you can browse job-hunting websites such as Glassdoor and Linkedin for intership that interests you. Third, talk to the people you know that are in the area for potential opportunities, such as people you get to know from career fairs, family friends, and alumni.
Here are some ways to find internships in Accounting/business area. First, a lot of schools will have career fairs where companies will introduce their internship programs and take resumes for potential candidates. Sometimes, the school also have Co-op internship programs for students in Business major. Second, you can browse job-hunting websites such as Glassdoor and Linkedin for intership that interests you. Third, talk to the people you know that are in the area for potential opportunities, such as people you get to know from career fairs, family friends, and alumni.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Gianna
Updated
Jake’s Answer
The best job for business majors is based on one's personal preferences and where they would like to work at. Personally, I would say some of the better business degrees would be finance, accounting, supply chain, and marketing but one can't go wrong with picking a business degree. There is a need for business professionals no matter what degree one obtains in every business. I will say a minor that would be very beneficial to pair with most business degrees is data analytics. With most companies, there is a growing need for business professionals that are able to work with large data sets, spot trends, and create visuals. Having a minor in data analytics would help with landing internships and make one more marketable for a full time position.
In terms of internships for business and/or accounting majors, one can land an internship with most companies that have the need for interns. For accounting, one can land an internship with one of the Big 4 accounting firms or even work at a smaller firm during busy season. Internships are very beneficial since they help one build up their resume and make them more marketable when looking for a full time position with a company. Plus, internships are almost a "tryout" with the company to see if they would like to hire you fulltime after graduation.
In terms of internships for business and/or accounting majors, one can land an internship with most companies that have the need for interns. For accounting, one can land an internship with one of the Big 4 accounting firms or even work at a smaller firm during busy season. Internships are very beneficial since they help one build up their resume and make them more marketable when looking for a full time position with a company. Plus, internships are almost a "tryout" with the company to see if they would like to hire you fulltime after graduation.
Thank you, Jacob for the advice.
Gianna
Updated
John’s Answer
I would highly recommend public accounting. In addition to the technical aspects that people immediately thinks of, a career in public accounting is so much more. It includes coaching, mentoring and supervision of others quickly, it involves recruiting, writing, problem solving, public speaking, teaching, thought leadership and so much more. You will be working to guard the public trust and to help companies solve complex problems. You'll also work every day with some of the brightest and most energetic people around.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Gianna
Updated
Oscar’s Answer
If your major is accounting, the most common internships are audit and tax. Usually, when you try to join a big 4 for that, they hire a year early for their upcoming busy season. For example, in summer 2021, the hired all the people they need for 2022 busy season.
After completing your internship and college degree, you must shoot for a master degree. Usually a master in accountancy or a master in tax go well with your accounting major, because it gives you more education. The certification that you must shoot for is CPA. A CPA license will make the difference in your career. It's hard work but it's worth the price. Usually if you landed an internship with a big 4 and if you performed well in that time, they offer you a full time position. Generally accounting firms take care of your CPA exam material and exam fees, so that is a great benefit!
After completing your internship and college degree, you must shoot for a master degree. Usually a master in accountancy or a master in tax go well with your accounting major, because it gives you more education. The certification that you must shoot for is CPA. A CPA license will make the difference in your career. It's hard work but it's worth the price. Usually if you landed an internship with a big 4 and if you performed well in that time, they offer you a full time position. Generally accounting firms take care of your CPA exam material and exam fees, so that is a great benefit!
Thank you so much!
Gianna