[Anonymous]

I am finally a senior in college and trying to figure out my next step. I knew that studying for the exam requires many hours and a lengthy time period. After doing more research on the hours of dedication, I wonder if I would be able to handle working full time, studying, and being a single mother. I planned on applying to jobs this year so I could get my experience and with hopes of finding the right firm for me. Should I just tough it out a little longer and focus on sitting or should I join the workforce for that experience? I see how difficult it is for many working full time and not sure if I could pass my exams during the 18 month period with a 6 year old on top of it.

[foreseeableCPA]

My advice would be to apply for jobs while you are still in college and see if you can get hired. If not, study hard for the CPA exam upon graduating and finish it as soon as you can. It is difficult to get a job in the accounting field once you are out of college, since most new hires are college kids who most likely had internships. I graduated but still needed more units to reach 150 so I decided to study for the cpa exam while taking more college units before working.

CPA - Class of 2013
CIA - Class of 2016

[jelly]

I'd say look for a gig while you are still in school, as that's where the firm recruiters go for entry-level accountants. It gets trickier when you leave school unless you have a lot of client business to offer, or are experienced at the senior level. If you can look for a firm that does not have a lot of travel, you will have more time to study.

I don't know when you are graduating and what kind of clients you will be on, but typical calendar year clients imply that during busy season months, i.e. Jan-March/April, it will be really challenging to study. If you're graduating in May/June, and starting in September, getting 1 part passed during the summer will help a lot.

Couldn't pass again!

[Mr. Mini]

I think this is more of a financial decision than anything. Can you afford not to work for 6 months so you can study full time for the exam? How will you pay for all of your living expenses if you are not working? Working, studying, and raising a child is definitely doable. It is just going to take a heck of a commitment on your part. You'll need to set aside a couple hours each night (probably after your child goes to sleep) for 6-8 weeks per exam and you should be good to go. Good luck with everything!

[Anonymous]

job search vs studying for the CPA?

The correct answer is “Yes”

[Anonymous]

I believe I will be able to make it financially while I study. The way I see it, I have struggled this long, so what is a little longer? I planned on taking out extra student loans to cover my expenses during the period as well as to cover my study aid & sitting. I feel that since my name is out there right now from several noteworthy scholarships, being the Accounting Club President, and also serving on student council and all these committees, that I may pass up the opportunity to find a great firm if I do not start applying now.

I did not think that 6 months to pass was reasonable, but that sounds much better than what seems to be around a year for most!

[Author]

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