By Prof. John DeSpagna
Campus News
As you make your way through college, one of your concerns should be putting a lot of thought into what career path you want to pursue. You can ask others about career options, engage in research about different career options or just simply write down some career options that are of interest to you.
If you are good with numbers, have an attention to detail, are well organized, ethical, have good analytical skills and a willingness to work hard, then a career in accounting may be for you.
The path to being to an accountant will require a lot of studying and commitment. Obtaining an associate’s degree from a community college is an initial step. You will need to master the coursework in introductory accounting and then intermediate accounting. Some of the content areas that you will need to learn include an income statement, a balance sheet, depreciation, managerial accounting and financial accounting. As you go further into an accounting program, you will study more advanced topics.
Registering for and successfully completing an internship can provide you valuable experience and knowledge. Internships in accounting are a way to get in the door with an accounting position. You can see what the work is like on a daily basis and also have the opportunity to network with others. Many students end up obtaining a post internship job with the organization that they interned with. You can also just as importantly find out if this is the correct career path for you.
After earning your associate’s degree, you can start work on your accounting degree at a four-year college or university. This will entail mastering upper level course work and lay down the foundation for a full-time position.
You should also keep in mind the possibility of doing additional course work by completing a master’s degree in accounting. This will enhance your skillset and enhance your marketability to potential employers. Another possibility would be to earn an M.B.A. degree.
A final step in your preparation for a lifelong career in accounting would be to earn the distinction of becoming a Certified Public Accountant/CPA. You must meet a set of criteria including educational and work experiences along with passing the CPA exam.
As you are earning these different credentials, you have many different positions to choose from. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth in the field of accounting that is faster than other fields. There is a great demand in the marketplace for qualified accountants, and you can have flexibility as to where you would like to work. You will also have the opportunity to take on additional responsibility and have personal growth in your career aspirations. To learn more about an association that is a leader in the field of accounting, you can contact the AICPA. They set the standards in the industry and are a rule-making body. You can visit their website to learn about their history and mission.
An initial step to take after graduating from college would be to take position as an entry level accountant. This is where you will gain experience and learn. From this first position, you can become a tax accountant, finance manager, chief financial officer, college accounting professor, CPA or even open up your own accounting practice.
There are many opportunities that are available to you in the field of accounting. The field is projected to continue to grow and can be a very rewarding career path to pursue.
John DeSpagna is Chair of the Accounting and Business Administration Department at Nassau Community College in Garden City, N.Y.
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