How crucial is relevant work experience with a B.S. in Accounting?

College Majors Business Major
1

<p>I will be starting at the university this fall and have tentatively chosen to major in Accounting. I am concerned however about job prospects after graduation if I have no relevant work experience in the accounting field. I do have 3 years experience as an operations supervisor and currently work in the industrial engineering department for UPS, both part time. Am I making a mistake by going into accounting? I'm not really in a position to take any internships as I have a family to support. I find that I really like accounting, but im basing this off of intro to financial and managerial accounting. When I graduate I will still only be 26, but theoretically speaking, would I even be considered by a top 4 firm if I graduate with a strong GPA and my work experience?</p>

2

<p>A B.S. in Accounting (or anything for that matter) looks better than a B.A. The Big 4 of course will look at accounting majors. No one but the hiring managers you’re applying to can determine if you get hired, though, same with any field. Careers in accounting do not begin and end with the Big 4, however.</p>

<p>If you enjoy accounting and the type of work it will open up, then stick with it.</p>

3

<p>Zhanger,</p>

<p>Why does a BS look better than a BA? </p>

<p>Doesn’t the former indicate that you took more quantitative/scientific courses?</p>

4

<p>Correct. BA represents general education, BS represents technical education. Someone who is more quantitative is more valuable than someone who isn’t.</p>

5

<p>If you need help researching what your accounting job prospects are coming out of college (or looking for internships during college) this should help:</p>

<p>[Accounting</a> Major Jobs - MajoredIn](<a href=“http://www.majoredin.com/jobs/Accounting]Accounting”>http://www.majoredin.com/jobs/Accounting)</p>

6

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<p>Do you mean more valuable for certain professions?</p>

7

<p>Are you trying to be this dense or does it come naturally?</p>

8

<p>You raised an interesting point. Do you mean more valuable for certain professions or in general? I wonder if employers, in general, view BA and BS degrees differently.</p>

<p>By the way, I’m a naturally inquisitive person. Acquiring nowledge/information is to me as going shopping is to a shopaholic.</p>

9

<p>Work experience helps but it is not required. Go with the B.S. trying for a very high GPA. GL</p>