<p>I'm a freshman in college(UCF) and I'm considering a degree in a field like Accounting or Finance. I had considered the medical for a while, because I can't lie to myself, I want to make a good bit of money. However, I'm also uninterested in science. </p>
<p>I'm way more interested in the kind of way a business makes money. I could really see myself in a meeting room discussing how to make a deal/analyze a budget kind of thing, because I like problem solving(not like calculus/physics problem solving, bleh!).</p>
<p>I really like the security of the accounting profession, however the average pay I've heard is around 75k salary the most. That seems a little low, but then again I don't really know how much a certain salary is in regards to comfort of life(I just want to be comfortable and be able to buy some luxuries without having to cut back for a whole year afterward). Really what I've use the Accounting degree for is to learn how business works and parlay that into a more kind of higher paying management career. Is it that likely?</p>
<p>Anyway, combining all my desires(above average pay, business related, problem solving, secure), I was considering getting a degree in Accounting/Finance(I've heard accounting is more versatile), getting a few years experience, and then becoming an Accounting/Finance Special Agent with the FBI. Is this a possible route to a possible six figure salary in 5-10 years? Not to mention the perks from being a government employee. Thanks for any input, I know I posted a ton of info.</p>
<p>Yes SP1212, the title is actually called Special Agent so that’s what I put.</p>
<p>As far as worrying about pay, I want to be comfortable, not have to worry about my/my family finances constantly. I’m not gonna sit here and pretend that if I’m making 30k a year as long as I enjoy my job thats ok. I need to support myself and a family eventually. I didn’t say I want 300k a year, nor will I be willing to work 100 hours a week at a job I hate just to make money. What I’m saying is if I can find a job that I kinda enjoy and I can make around 90-100k with some experience, I’m interested</p>
<p>I wasn’t commenting on your desire to make money. I was commenting on how you said “Accountants make $75,000”. Where did you get that information? My guess is you googled “Accountant’s Salary” and payscale or some other salary site popped up and gave you that information.</p>
<p>If you are basing any choices off of sites like that, you’re making a mistake. I mean…does it not even register that the internet doesn’t take into account the thousands of variables that would go into each individuals’ mid-career salary? Some accountants make $30,000 at 40. Some make $3 million. If at any point you are using any website salary info to determine your major, you’re being a fool.</p>
<p>EDIT: The best one is “OMG ECONOMICS MAJORS MAKE $75,000 STARTING OUT! I’M GETTING MY BA IN ECON!” Fast forward 4 years “Hi, welcome to Starbucks!” </p>
<p>I mean come on man, you start out your post by saying you hate sciences, but you considered medical school. Then you say you are interested in brokering corporate deals, then you say you want to do 007 Finance (or w/e you’re talking about). You clearly have very little idea of what you like. The only thing its clear you like is money. DO NOT make the mistake of choosing a major based off of salary. </p>
<p>EDIT 2: "(above average pay, business related, problem solving, secure), " Go to CPANet forums. Tell them how secure you think accounting is. You make your job secure by providing your company with indispensable, talented labor. You always here nursing majors say “I always want a job”. Yet, 1 in every 3 nurses change fields after the 1st year. A job will NEVER be secure if you hate it, because you will never perform up to your full potential.</p>
<p>Ok, lets tackle your statement point by point here. </p>
<p>“I mean come on man, you start out your post by saying you hate sciences, but you considered medical school.” </p>
<p>I guess I didn’t really make this clear, my fault. What I was saying is there was a time when I was younger that I wanted to do medicine, but as I got older and started taking more science classes and what not I realized quickly it was not for me. Not that I just considered it, even with knowing I wouldn’t like it.</p>
<p>“Then you say you are interested in brokering corporate deals, then you say you want to do 007 Finance (or w/e you’re talking about)”</p>
<p>I can’t tell if you’re trying to mock me here by saying 007 finance, but there are careers in the FBI that entail the use of accounting and financial expertise, such as solving financial crimes. What I was saying is the mix of something like financial analysis that interests me with the FBI that would also be interesting/exciting seems like a pretty unique career.</p>
<p>As far as picking a major based off of a salary, if that was the case I would just go for petroleum engineering or something of the sort, which I’m not doing. I’m not just following the money, I’m trying to find a mix of interesting career and sufficient pay.</p>
<p>The way I see it, the only job that I would really and truly LOVE would be either a play-by-play/color commentator for Major League Baseball or a writer(ESPN, area newspaper, Sports Illustrated) for Major League Baseball. I know more about sports than anyone I know, and I’m a good writer. However, I feel as though there are so many candidates for so few spots in this field, to pursue it and pass up a career that seems more accessible seems foolish. Therefore, if I’m not gonna love my job, I might as well at least find it a little interesting and make some money. That’s the point I’m trying to make.</p>
<p>Actually u dont need one, but u can. its one pathway. </p>
<pre><code>* Have been certified as a CPA; or
Possess, at minimum, a four-year degree with a major in Accounting and three years of progressively responsible accounting work in a professional accounting firm or comparable public setting, such as state comptroller or the General Accounting Office.
</code></pre>
The best decision you can make now is to attend a college that will get you the degree you seek and with minimal or no loans. That is more money in your pocket and not paying back student loans.