career advice needed...

[Quincey]

Hey all-

If anybody's an accountant or is familiar with the industry, i could really use your opinion....

I wrapped up my undergrad schooling last year, obtaining a liberal arts degree- assuming all along that i'd enroll myself into law school and live happily ever after. Since graduation, getting admitted to a law school hasnt been a problem. But, ultimately, once i started to go through the admission process, I got cold feet about the impending mountain of debt I'd be saddled with, and above all, my heart just wasnt in it anymore.

Now I'm pretty much consumed with the urge to dive into that wonderful 'working world' asap... and I've resorted to my plan B. I've enrolled in some introductory accounting classes at a city college during the evenings this summer in the hopes to quickly obtaining my associates degree. during my undergrad years, i took a liking to the few business classes i had, and i think accounting is the logical path to take at this point, and i'm committing to it.

I have a few questions though for anyone that can help. What are the best entry level jobs (if any) for me to get in the door, so to speak, while im still in school? are there any other ways to obtaining these jobs besides answering the employment ads and mass mailings of my resume. I've gone through these ads and all seem to require a couple years experience..thus the reason I'm sure for the minimal feedback I'm getting.
also, what are my chances of obtaining a quality job with only an Associates? or would i be much better off just focused on going straight through full-time, and getting my Bachelors before i look for employment? I want to ultimately become a CPA, but is it possible to obtain a decent position while still completing my education?

Also, I've looked at teller jobs at the banks around here, but the pay is minimal and I'm not sure if its worth leaving my present job (customer service), as i would be taken off my benefits. are there better options?

My knowledge of the accounting/business world is still somewhat minimal, so the advice that any of you guys have would be very beneficial to me and greatly appreciated!!



Quincey

 

[just hang on]

Q

If you want to become a CPA, you should go through Big 5 or local CPA firms to get your audit experience. You probably need to finish your degree first before they consider you. I know Big 5 firms do college recruiting, so go check it out with your campus career center.

Also, check out the licensing requirement in your state for a CPA license. It various among different states in regards to the years of experience, your education level...etc.

If you want a quality and relaxing job, this might not be as ideal because CPA's work pretty hard building their career.

Good Luck

 

[buddy]

Just a suggestion....

You may want to contact any or all railroads in your area and see if you might land an entry level job in their finance division or payroll department.

Although I don't work in finance, I do work for a railroad and it has been my experience railroads are more concerned with an enthusiastic attitude coupled to an ability of getting along with others than impressive resumes.

Railroads pay fairly well so you better be drug and alcohol free or you will be wasting your time.

 

[mjalam]

gettin into a big "4" firm would potentially be impossible....what i would do and what i did....was go to a temp agency to get experience....they found me a job with data entry and payroll...and now i've moved up..i'm also taking evening classes for my CPA exam.

I graduated from UCSB so i do have my degree...but i'm sure a temp agency could give you a good start...especially while you go to school


good luck

 

[Quincey]

JHO; buddy; & mjalam:

Thanks for all the great advice guys..I'll definitely check out both the railroad industry (hadnt even thought of this one, ..i actually worked for a mill, loading barges and trains about a decade ago)and the temp agencies around town here in the coming weeks as my classes get started..


quincey