[TexasRed]

Hello I am working on a BBA in accounting. I know later I will need an extra thirty credits. And en ill need to take a cpa exam. I’m considering a masters to ground my knowledge in accounting. My question is. How long do I put off my career? It seems endless. A BAchelors. Then the credits. Then exam prep. What should I do? I have lt goals of working in corporate accounting but I hear two years of public experience is a must have. Is the review worth it? Is something besides a masters better? I’m looking to graduate as a competent CPA holding accountant ready to work hard and move up in a corporate setting. I also hope to relocate from Florida to New York which is what makes getting a job seem so important to me as I live with my parents now. But everyone says don’t work and go to school and don’t work and study for cpa exam. And definitely don’t do all thee at once. In all honesty is like to relocate into a masters program. Concurrently best the cpa exam. Hopefully get job offers and be good to go and have a job so that I won’t have to come back to Florida before relocating again to NYC. Also I might mention that I’d be less focused on working during school if I stay on campus. Thank you!

[smp73]

I worked and went to grad school at the same time. It was not terrible by any stretch. I also know people who did grad school and studied for their CPA and people who did 150 credits undergrad and passed all parts of the exam senior spring. There are a lot of different path's to the cpa and I don't think one is necessarily better than the other. You have to figure out what works for you financially, career wise and “sanity wise”.

I am working and studying now and while I am busy it is not an impossible task. Sounds like you have some time to think about it. Have you looked into the E&Y program that couples work with E&Y and a masters degree. I have some friends who did it and love it. Might be worth looking in to! Good Luck!

NYS CPA License # 113563
CIA: Done as of 2/15/14

Training for a half marathon post studying!

[mla1169]

First step is to figure out where you'll want to be licensed and look up the requirements in that state. You may need experience under a licensed CPA to get a license but in some cases you can get that experience in corporate.

It is entirely possible to work, be in grad school and sit for the exams if you're determined enough. Of course if you choose not to do anything but study for the exams, it's easier. Don't let anybody tell you what is and isn't possible for you to do.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Keely]

It'll go by quickly. A MAcc program is only one more year of school. If you don't work, you could probably study for the exams after you graduate and be finished by the end of the year. Really, you are only looking at another year and a half of ‘putting off your career.' Listen, I just started my career and I'm almost 28 years old. People years older than I am are doing the same thing. Don't worry about what you can't change. Just try to complete your remaining hurdles as quickly as you feel comfortable and realize that another year and a half or so isn't going to preclude you from anything.

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Anonymous]

I can't stress enough the importance of working while in school. if you are a junior or senior pick up a part time job on campus or spend some time volunteering / working for a not for profit you like. Try and pick up a summer internship between your junior and senior year or between senior and grad school (both is preferred). If you time things correctly, you can take 1 class as grad school winds down (last semester) and study / pass all CPA exams during this time. Having some work experience / internships on your resume is extremely important while searching for your first job (assuming your internships didnt offer you something). It creates a talking point that really helps during interviews. It also gives you added insight that will allow you to ask questions during your interview.

I had everything paid for during college, didn't work and didn't intern and am still digging myself out of that hole. If you want to start in a good position then you need to get a good job from on campus recruiting. Those recruiters will be looking to to start conversations with you about what you do other than study for a good gpa. That means join clubs / intern and hold part time jobs.

[Author]

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