<p>Hello, I am a prospective accounting major looking way into the future. I understand the basic process in becoming a partner at a big accounting firm, but I cannot see if/where an MBA comes into play.</p>
<p>Is it better to go to a big accounting firm straight out of school and work for a long time, hoping to get promoted, or to work for 4-5 years, get an MBA, and try to come back for promotions?</p>
<p>The reason I ask is because obviously an MBA-type degree is helpful, but in order to get one (assuming full time) a student would have to quit their job. Coming back seems tough to me.</p>
<p>To my understanding, making partner at an accounting firm is not based on your education, it is based on how well you kiss a$$ early on and how much money (aka clients) you can bring to the firm. I did meet one partner with an MBA, but the vast majority, at least in my experience, have simply been really good at their job and really lucky. Then again, I have yet to actually work within public accounting, so you would be better off with advice from people who have been there.</p>
<p>I don’t think you should worry about this until you’ve gotten your bachelor’s degree and decide you really LIKE accounting & are good at it. Some firms will pay for you to get your MBA while you’re working for them. There will always be pros & cons of continuing straight through vs. stopping out & working a while before getting advanced degrees. To hedge your bets, take your GREs and GMAT in college, while the material is still fresh in your head instead of after you’ve been out of school for a while. S took GRE & LSAT in JR/SR year in college, in case he wants to go back to school after or while working (EE).</p>