6 answers
Jhon
Student
Virginia Beach, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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What can I do to continue my life career ?
Im currently an accounting student at Santa Monica College transferring to a four-year university this fall 2023. I have completed both Financial and Managerial accounting courses and information
systems courses that emphasize Microsoft Excel.
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6 answers
Olga Jorth
Assurance Associate
9
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Olga’s Answer
Choosing a career can be a daunting task, particularly if you're uncertain about whether consulting is the right choice for you. It's fantastic that you've secured an internship with a major consulting firm, as this gives you a first-hand look at the industry. However, it's completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed and unsure, especially when you're new to the role.
Here are some key points to think about to help you make an informed career decision:
1. Self-reflection: Spend some time pondering your interests, abilities, and long-term ambitions. Think about what parts of consulting you find appealing and which align with your strengths. Consider the kind of work environment, challenges, and opportunities that bring out the best in you.
2. Understand the consulting industry: Try to gain a deeper knowledge of what a career in consulting involves. Investigate the various types of consulting (such as management, strategy, technology) and the specific roles within these areas. This will help you figure out if your current work is a good representation of the wider consulting field.
3. Find a mentor: Connect with professionals in the consulting industry, both inside and outside your current firm. Engage in discussions to learn about their experiences, hurdles, and rewards. Their guidance can help you assess if consulting fits with your career goals.
4. Look at other possibilities: If your current internship is making you feel overwhelmed, it might be beneficial to look at other career paths. Research other industries or roles that match your interests and strengths. This can broaden your perspective and help you make a well-informed decision.
5. Speak with your supervisor: If you're feeling swamped, it's crucial to share your worries with your supervisor. They might be able to offer advice, reassurance, or even modify your workload to better match your skills and interests. Open communication can help clear up any confusion and alleviate some of your concerns.
Remember, it's completely normal to feel unsure about your career path, especially during an internship. Take the time to weigh your options, seek guidance, and think about your long-term ambitions. Consulting can be a rewarding and challenging field, but it's vital to make sure it aligns with your interests and goals before fully committing to it.
Here are some key points to think about to help you make an informed career decision:
1. Self-reflection: Spend some time pondering your interests, abilities, and long-term ambitions. Think about what parts of consulting you find appealing and which align with your strengths. Consider the kind of work environment, challenges, and opportunities that bring out the best in you.
2. Understand the consulting industry: Try to gain a deeper knowledge of what a career in consulting involves. Investigate the various types of consulting (such as management, strategy, technology) and the specific roles within these areas. This will help you figure out if your current work is a good representation of the wider consulting field.
3. Find a mentor: Connect with professionals in the consulting industry, both inside and outside your current firm. Engage in discussions to learn about their experiences, hurdles, and rewards. Their guidance can help you assess if consulting fits with your career goals.
4. Look at other possibilities: If your current internship is making you feel overwhelmed, it might be beneficial to look at other career paths. Research other industries or roles that match your interests and strengths. This can broaden your perspective and help you make a well-informed decision.
5. Speak with your supervisor: If you're feeling swamped, it's crucial to share your worries with your supervisor. They might be able to offer advice, reassurance, or even modify your workload to better match your skills and interests. Open communication can help clear up any confusion and alleviate some of your concerns.
Remember, it's completely normal to feel unsure about your career path, especially during an internship. Take the time to weigh your options, seek guidance, and think about your long-term ambitions. Consulting can be a rewarding and challenging field, but it's vital to make sure it aligns with your interests and goals before fully committing to it.
Will Buddendeck
Accountant
3
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Will’s Answer
Hi Jhon,
Those courses you mentioned are all fantastic building blocks for pursuing a major (and career!) in finance, accounting, business, and even data analysis (to name a few). I have used Microsoft Excel every single day since beginning my career as an accountant. I would encourage you to continue taking courses available in areas such as corporate finance, financial reporting, audit, tax, and data science/analytics to build on what you've already learned. A broad range of coursework will help you identify what specific areas you are interested in pursuing fulltime!
I would also think about where geographically you'd like to begin your career. Larger metro areas will have more job opportunities available for new graduates. If you're interested in accounting, I recommend researching the CPA licensure process. Take a look at what the CPA requirements are for the different states you might be interested in, as they vary from place to place. If you're more interested in finance roles, maybe take a look at the CFA instead.
Make sure to get involved in any career oriented clubs/organizations at your university, and also take advantage of the career services offered by the university or business school (if available). Building a network of like-minded career-driven peers is invaluable and will help you in the long run. Companies often hold recruiting events at universities, which is a great way to get your foot in the door for finding your next internship or job. Recruiting usually happens in the fall for roles beginning the following summer, so make sure you are proactive and sign up for these events!
It sounds like you're on a good track so far. Keep up the good work and best of luck!
Those courses you mentioned are all fantastic building blocks for pursuing a major (and career!) in finance, accounting, business, and even data analysis (to name a few). I have used Microsoft Excel every single day since beginning my career as an accountant. I would encourage you to continue taking courses available in areas such as corporate finance, financial reporting, audit, tax, and data science/analytics to build on what you've already learned. A broad range of coursework will help you identify what specific areas you are interested in pursuing fulltime!
I would also think about where geographically you'd like to begin your career. Larger metro areas will have more job opportunities available for new graduates. If you're interested in accounting, I recommend researching the CPA licensure process. Take a look at what the CPA requirements are for the different states you might be interested in, as they vary from place to place. If you're more interested in finance roles, maybe take a look at the CFA instead.
Make sure to get involved in any career oriented clubs/organizations at your university, and also take advantage of the career services offered by the university or business school (if available). Building a network of like-minded career-driven peers is invaluable and will help you in the long run. Companies often hold recruiting events at universities, which is a great way to get your foot in the door for finding your next internship or job. Recruiting usually happens in the fall for roles beginning the following summer, so make sure you are proactive and sign up for these events!
It sounds like you're on a good track so far. Keep up the good work and best of luck!
Thiago Carmo
Business Development | MBA
40
Answers
Kirkland, Washington
Updated
Thiago’s Answer
Hi Jhon!
You're building a strong foundation in both financial and managerial accounting, as well as in information systems with a focus on Microsoft Excel. As you prepare to transfer to a four-year university, it's a good time to consider deepening your specialization in an area of accounting that most interests you, such as auditing, tax, or corporate finance. Specializing can make you more competitive and sought after in the job market.
Continue to enhance your technical skills by building proficiency in essential accounting software like QuickBooks or SAP, in addition to Excel. These skills are highly valued in accounting roles and will help set you apart from others.
Lastly, start building your professional network by attending accounting seminars, joining networks like the American Institute of CPAs, and engaging with guest speakers and professors. Additionally, seek out internship opportunities that can provide practical experience and potentially open doors to future employment. Keeping abreast of industry trends and changes in accounting standards will be crucial for your ongoing professional development. With your proactive approach and commitment to continuous learning, you're well on your way to a successful career in accounting.
You're building a strong foundation in both financial and managerial accounting, as well as in information systems with a focus on Microsoft Excel. As you prepare to transfer to a four-year university, it's a good time to consider deepening your specialization in an area of accounting that most interests you, such as auditing, tax, or corporate finance. Specializing can make you more competitive and sought after in the job market.
Continue to enhance your technical skills by building proficiency in essential accounting software like QuickBooks or SAP, in addition to Excel. These skills are highly valued in accounting roles and will help set you apart from others.
Lastly, start building your professional network by attending accounting seminars, joining networks like the American Institute of CPAs, and engaging with guest speakers and professors. Additionally, seek out internship opportunities that can provide practical experience and potentially open doors to future employment. Keeping abreast of industry trends and changes in accounting standards will be crucial for your ongoing professional development. With your proactive approach and commitment to continuous learning, you're well on your way to a successful career in accounting.
Allison Jones
Talent Acquisition Leader
9
Answers
Carlsbad, California
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Hi Jhon,
To continue your career in accounting after transferring to a four-year university, you have various options to explore based on your interests and goals.
Accounting offers diverse career paths, including public accounting and private accounting.
Public accountants work with multiple clients, while private accountants work within a single organization's finance department.
Specializations in areas like tax accounting, financial accounting, and management accounting can enhance your career prospects.
Additionally, transitioning from college to a career in accounting involves considering personal skills and networking opportunities. External resources to explore include articles on accounting career paths, tips for students entering the field, networking tips for accounting students, and advice for career advancement in accounting and finance.
https://www.franklin.edu/blog/accounting-mvp/accounting-career-path
https://www.stukent.com/blog/14-accounting-tips-for-students/
https://www.efficientlearning.com/accounting-career-guide/
To continue your career in accounting after transferring to a four-year university, you have various options to explore based on your interests and goals.
Accounting offers diverse career paths, including public accounting and private accounting.
Public accountants work with multiple clients, while private accountants work within a single organization's finance department.
Specializations in areas like tax accounting, financial accounting, and management accounting can enhance your career prospects.
Additionally, transitioning from college to a career in accounting involves considering personal skills and networking opportunities. External resources to explore include articles on accounting career paths, tips for students entering the field, networking tips for accounting students, and advice for career advancement in accounting and finance.
Allison recommends the following next steps:
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Jhon,
I appreciate you reaching out to us. Your query reminds me of my own journey. Here's what I did: I took a step back to reevaluate my ambitions and aspirations. As we grow older, our preferences, passions, and objectives often evolve, and it's important to acknowledge this.
Your previous coursework has all been interconnected, and your proficiency in MS Office Excel is an added advantage. This could make your transition back into your original field of interest smoother.
However, if you feel your interests and objectives have shifted, I recommend identifying three career paths that currently appeal to you. These could be similar to your previous career or entirely different.
As you contemplate your career trajectory, consider these factors:
1) The state of the job market
2) The long-term viability of the job
3) Economic factors
4) The possibility of remote work
These considerations will help guide your decision-making process.
I appreciate you reaching out to us. Your query reminds me of my own journey. Here's what I did: I took a step back to reevaluate my ambitions and aspirations. As we grow older, our preferences, passions, and objectives often evolve, and it's important to acknowledge this.
Your previous coursework has all been interconnected, and your proficiency in MS Office Excel is an added advantage. This could make your transition back into your original field of interest smoother.
However, if you feel your interests and objectives have shifted, I recommend identifying three career paths that currently appeal to you. These could be similar to your previous career or entirely different.
As you contemplate your career trajectory, consider these factors:
1) The state of the job market
2) The long-term viability of the job
3) Economic factors
4) The possibility of remote work
These considerations will help guide your decision-making process.
Hey Dino, I may be misunderstanding the question but it looks like the learner is asking how they can continue to prepare themselves for a career in accounting. Do you have any thoughts around that?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Thank you for your message. I really appreciate it.
Dino Ubalde
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Jhon,
I truly believe you're on a promising path towards your Accounting career. The courses you've taken have undoubtedly equipped you with the essential knowledge and skills for your future profession.
Mastering MS Office Excel is a significant achievement, as it will be instrumental in managing various accounting formulas that are vital in your line of work. Just like the proficient CPAs I am acquainted with, they have fully harnessed the power of Excel in their professional tasks.
Stay motivated and keep pushing forward! You're definitely heading in the right direction. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
I truly believe you're on a promising path towards your Accounting career. The courses you've taken have undoubtedly equipped you with the essential knowledge and skills for your future profession.
Mastering MS Office Excel is a significant achievement, as it will be instrumental in managing various accounting formulas that are vital in your line of work. Just like the proficient CPAs I am acquainted with, they have fully harnessed the power of Excel in their professional tasks.
Stay motivated and keep pushing forward! You're definitely heading in the right direction. Wishing you all the best on your journey!