<p>Let me paint a picture: I graduated one of the top Hospitality Schools in the nation and have been working for about two years full time in the Hospitality industry...large scope meetings and events - may not sound like much (people call us party planners some times) but we handle very large budgets and operations (i.e., Super Bowl and big scope events). In Hosp School I took Introduction, Managerial and Financial Accounting and did quite well but have no real-life experience in accounting. I thought of doing an MBA but my interest is truly in accounting. Managerial more than anything but willing to go for public accounting. </p>
<p>Since this would sort of be a 180 degree spin, would it be better to fulfill credit requirements through local community colleges for a CPA or going for an MSA or just sticking with the original MBA idea? All suggestions welcomed.</p>
<p>Also like Revenue Management and have experience in Consumer Research...</p>
<p>PS: My longterm plan is to work about 10 years in a relatively large company (wouldn't mind it if it was one of the Big 4) and then opening my own business (not sure if CPA or Consulting business)...thoughts?</p>
<p>10 years in the big 4 is hardcore. most people get pressured to leave after 1-3 years i think.</p>
<p>if ur not upper management material, they pressure u to happily leave the big 4 and become one of the worls thousands of happy “big 4 alums.” i make it sound like a bad thing, but its great experience. working at the big 4 is doing ur resume a big favor. its like getting an MBA that they pay YOU to get.</p>
<p>My thoughts - MBA is better than the MSA if you are not an Accounting Under graduate. Apply to Business School and major in Accounting. In the meanwhile, if you have a semester or two before your program starts then consider enrolling yourself for a few Accounting courses at your CC. This may not be a very useful thing but I am sure it will not hurt you either.
MBA will be a shortcut to get your feet into accounting and then search jobs. However, MSA/CPA will get you drenched in Accounting classes. Choose depending on your interest and career plans</p>
<p>If you plan on working in accounting you should definitely aim to become a CPA. The education requirements in many states are: 150 semester hours in accounting and business subjects distributed as follows:
30 semester hours in accounting including upper level courses in financial or intermediate accounting, management/cost accounting, taxation, and auditing
24 semester hours in business subjects, at the graduate or undergraduate level</p>
<p>If you take some introductory courses in accounting at your community college it may be enough (with your hospitality degree) to get you into an MSA program. Once you’ve completed the MSA you would be able to sit for the CPA exam. </p>
<p>I don’t see an advantage for you to obtain an MBA if you are going to work in accounting.</p>