Where to from here (Career advice - a *little* off topic)

[theArtfuldodger]

Heya guys,

Ok, this thread is a little off-topic, but I was hoping that perhaps I could find someone on here (qualified CA's / CFA's / Financial analysts) who could provide me with some advice.

I'm about to go into my third year at Uni, and am at a crossroads. My first two years here have been a bit experimental: I was not fully decided about the career path I wished to pursue, so I tried a bit of law, science and business and now I am 100% sure - commerce is the discipline for me!

Anyway, as I was saying, now I'm at a crossroads. These are my options:

A) Complete a BCom in Finance and Accountancy + PostDipGrad; or
B) Complete a BCom(hons) in Accountancy.

My problem, in essence, is deciding between a Honours accountancy, and having some Finance in my degree. Do you think it would be more beneficial having a BCom(hons) in Accounting or just a straight BCom in Finance AND Accountancy? I can't do a BCom(hons) in both, because it would take too long.

Some stuff I'd like considered:

- Earning capacity
- Generaly usefullness/versatility to a prospective employer
- Enjoyment
- Career opportunities (would I be looked on more favourably with a Hons degree in just Accounting, or a plain BCom in Finance AND Accounting)

After consulting with the associate professor, he told me that if I'm compeletley professionally career orientated (I am), then I should go for option A (straight BCom in Finc and Acc). He suggested that Hons was more for the academics who wish to do research.

Despite his recommendation, I am still not so sure. I imagine discussing accounting issues and doing some research for the Honours year would be very interesting. BUT, I am also extremely interested in finance (and if I do hons, I will do considerably less finance).

Any advice?

Thanks guys; I realize this is a bit off topic... but I figured this forum would be a good source of advice from people with actual experience.

[Corporate]

My choice would be option A

I did Accounting and Commercial Law + Dipolma Professional Accounting. If I had got into finance papers before my 4th year I would have complete a major in it too.

Also depends what sort of accounting you want to get into?

Just wait to you get to sitting PAS/PCE2

[steve fleming]

I agree, Option A.

It keeps your options open, and doesn't pigeon-hole you.

I was invited to do hons in Acctng, but turned it down. Ended up with a BCom in Fin and Acctng, and a BA in Econ. Worked out OK.

Now, i often get to look over the CVs and interview grads. Generally, its the academically well rounded grads (i.e. can confidently discuss various disciplines) that present the best.

[theArtfuldodger]

Thanks for the advice guys. In regards to the area of accounting I'm wanting to get into, I think I'm going for a public advisory role (hopefully with my own practice, eventually), or forensic investigation (I believe there is a bit of a shortage in this field and I'm also really into the law side of things).

[shasta]

Thanks for the advice guys. In regards to the area of accounting I'm wanting to get into, I think I'm going for a public advisory role (hopefully with my own practice, eventually), or forensic investigation (I believe there is a bit of a shortage in this field and I'm also really into the law side of things).

Make sure you get into a big CA firm for your "training years", it opens up your opportunities down the line

I've done a bit of everything without ever really specialising in anything.

Get a good grounding & down the track contracting can be very rewarding

[theArtfuldodger]

Thanks Shasta. Also, do you agree with Steve and Corporate's recommendation? I'm thinking what they say makes sense. And with the professor recommending I give honours a miss too, perhaps it is best? I just want to make sure that when/if the big firms come headhunting, they come to me first.

[Corporate]

Make sure you get into a big CA firm for your "training years", it opens up your opportunities down the line

I definitely agree with this comment. Don't buy into what people employeed by small firms say about the Big4!

[Corporate]

Thanks Shasta. Also, do you agree with Steve and Corporate's recommendation? I'm thinking what they say makes sense. And with the professor recommending I give honours a miss too, perhaps it is best? I just want to make sure that when/if the big firms come headhunting, they come to me first.

Don't sit back and wait to get "headhunted", apply for every interinship and grad program available.

If you've got good grades then focus on things outside the Uni/Acedemic space. Work experience, public speaking and being involved in sports/hobbies goes a long way.

A good CV/Grades will get your application in the door. But it is your personality and ability to communicate with college, clients and Partners is what will get you a job.

[sharer]

ArtfulDodger
Don't worry so much about all that Finance stuff - it's only money!
Go for Honours - when you are 20 years older you'll be glad you did.
Oh, and get a decent haircut.

Best of luck!

[theArtfuldodger]

Lol thanks for clearing that one up Sharer. Deciding what haircut to wear to interviews was keeping me up at night

Ok guys, this is great. I'm getting the idea. BCom, keeping as broad as possible, get involved and build on my experiences and try get in on the Big 4.

Go for Honours - when you are 20 years older you'll be glad you did.

Any justifications as to why I'll be greatful I did Honours in 20 years time Sharer?