If you are interested in making a career change, you would be wise to obtain a Master’s in Accounting. There may not be a completely recession-proof career field, but accounting is about as close as it gets. Here is how to make it happen for you.
Do Your Homework
The first step is always the most difficult. After deciding that you want to get an accounting degree, you will need to find at least one program that is of interest to you. The range of schools offering master’s degrees in accounting is diverse, providing potential applicants with a number of options related to size, rigor, location and proximity to potential employers. Choosing a program that suits your preferences is of the utmost importance.
Take the Plunge
After choosing programs in which you are interested, you will need to apply. In addition to the application itself and the accompanying fee, you will need to obtain letters of recommendation, usually between two and four of them, and transcripts from any postsecondary institutions you have attended. You will also need to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) and have your score sent with your applications. The GMAT can be scheduled at almost any time of year, and most Master’s in Accounting programs allow students to start in the fall, spring, or summer, so you should encounter very few hurdles as far as timing flexibility is concerned, according to Rogers’ CPA Review. Depending on the number of schools to which you apply, this initial step of the process could cost several hundred dollars, so set aside a bit of money for these expenses in advance.
Course Work
Graduate accounting courses are no walk in the park. You cannot afford to fall behind, so establishing a routine that allows you to complete all of your assignments is essential to your success, since most master’s students have other non-school related responsibilities. Make yourself a schedule and stick to it. Courses typically required to complete a Master’s in Accounting include financial accounting, managerial accounting, accounting periods and methods, auditing, federal income taxation, business taxation, business law, tax research, corporate finance and choice of entities. Additionally, if your academic background is in something other than business, you will likely be required to take undergraduate economics, marketing, operations management, statistical methods and financial management courses before proceeding to graduate-level work.
Get an Internship
The final piece of the Master’s in Accounting puzzle is securing an internship that, with hard work and a bit of luck, could well lead to a full-time job effort upon graduation. Attend job fairs, contact employers on your own and seek out every possible opportunity to network, you will be glad you did. Remember, it only takes one job offer to make your education worth it.
Related Resource: Jobs with a Human Resources MBA
Conclusion
This is the first day of the rest of your life. Following the steps above help you complete a Master’s in Accounting and, in doing so, set you on an exciting new professional path.