In need of advice for switch to Accounting

Career Opportunities & Internships
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<p>Hello and thanks for taking the time to read this, I really appreciate any advice you can provide.
Just wanted to first share my story to get it off my chest and partly to justify to myself why I made my decisions. Skip down to the last 2 paragraphs if you want. </p>

<p>I am a recent grad in mechanical engineering from Cornell, but over the years have realized that I am not a good fit for that career. I was naive and went into it because I always loved physics but wanted something more practical than research. I did well (3.4 GPA) with the mostly theoretical coursework and have gained alot through the rigorous program. I am a much better person because of the engineering program though still with plenty of regrets.
Slowly I became fed up with the disconnect between what was taught and what industry wanted and dropped out half way into a Masters program (huge loans also big part of decision). I still got my BS in mech & aerospace and thought that would be enough. Unfortunately I didn't realize the importance of internships until junior year, which put me at a disadvantage against others who did. </p>

<p>Once I graduated, I ended up in 2 internships as mechanical engineer in machinery manufacturing companies since I didn't have the intern experience during college to be qualified for entry level job. Those 2 internships is what ultimately made me decide that mechanical engineering wasn't right for me. Although I do like technical work and analysis, I couldn't stand mechanical design or the love for hands-on work that I saw in my coworkers. I have never been the type to take machines apart or work on cars for fun, but I loved working with models and equations and indepth analysis. From what little I've seen there is precious little time and resources to do that as practicing engineer, you rely more on rules of thumb, estimation, and experience than theory. I guess I could be called a stickler for details. </p>

<p>And so I began my journey to explore other career options for a better fit and came across accounting. I never considered it before but I thought it was interesting, at least from what I read in an intro to accounting textbook and research. Problem is I had very little coursework in business or accounting in college due to engineering requirements, though I've picked up some from my internships. </p>

<p>*tldr</p>

<p>Long story short, I want to switch from mechanical engineering to accounting. What should I do to make this transition? I tried looking for clerk positions like A/P and A/R but that requires degree and years of exp in accounting. Should I volunteer to build some relevant experience? I am looking into a 2nd bachelors for accountancy in NYC but my financial situation is pretty bleak. All financial aid options were exhausted for Cornell and I still have massive loans needing monthly payments.
How would employers feel about a candidate like me? I am really at a loss for what to do. </p>

<p>Thanks</p>

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<p>Have you thought about doing a PhD in Mechanical or another similar based Engineering since you like theoretical work as much. Your GPA is solid and it seems like that would be exactly what you need.</p>

<p>As far as Accounting goes. Why Accounting? What do you like about Accounting that is interesting you enough to completely change your career track? I graduated as an accountant and am currently working as a CPA and can tell you it is almost nothing like the material you learn in school. It applies very much so on technical work, analysis, and pretty much doing what you’re told with a given set of guidelines.</p>

<p>Here’s the other issue - since you have had little coursework in business or accounting, you would have to take most the curriculum just to get this degree since engineering course cover very little of the curriculum. If you really wanted to go the business route, then I would advise looking at an MBA with your engineering degree as well as looking at Finance as an option.</p>

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<p>I thought about finance, but given the competition, stress and culture and the fact that there is hiring freeze in big firms and requires a certain personality it just doesn’t seem appealing.
You said are working as CPA. Can you tell me specifically what the majority of the time you spend involve? How did you first enter the field? through big 4 entry level? As for the work not being like what you learn in school, that seems to be the case in almost every profession including engineering. </p>

<p>I am actually considering a 2nd bachelors in accountant precisely because theres so little overlap in curriculum that I would need to take alot of prereqs for a MBA anyway. Its also alot cheaper than MBA. Im just concerned how useful 2nd degree would be for getting into entry level</p>