[James1484]

Hello,

I got my MBA in accounting 3 years ago. Started working at a company in their accounting department with variety of responsibilities including payroll, payables, a/r. I moved to a different state 5 months ago and decided to study for the CPA exam. Passed FAR last month, just took AUD and waiting for results.

I am conflicted because I am not sure if I should hold off on looking for a job and continue studying for REG. I am afraid that a wide gap of unemployment on resume will look bad. Also, I have no tax experience and not sure if I should apply for a tax internship to get exposure. Otherwise I will just continue on the path of assistant accounting.

So my question is, do you think I should hold off on looking for a job and study REG, or look for a tax internship, or look for a regular assistant accounting position like the one I had? Any type of suggestion is greatly appreciated.

[fuzyfro89]

“So my question is, do you think I should hold off on looking for a job and study REG, or look for a tax internship, or look for a regular assistant accounting position like the one I had? Any type of suggestion is greatly appreciated.”

– No, do not put off a job search to gain more academic credentials. You already got an MBA and it hasn't helped much so far. It's not logical to add more education when you simply don't have the right experience.

– Also, no, do not look for an INTERNSHIP. You have a graduate degree plus 3 years of experience. Even if you manage to get an internship, you're moving backward in your career.

– Type of job: Whatever you can get that you think is a good opportunity to develop some type of relevant skills to enhance your resume. You don't have the degree/qualifications/experience so don't be picky, but don't sell yourself short either.

Go hard with Linkedin, cold calls, Randstad/Robert Half/Accountemps/whatever else, and dedicate at least 1 hour per day to brush up on your:

– “elevator pitch”

– your “story”

– answers to basic interview questions

– reflect on yourself, career goals, past experience, etc

– staying positive to yourself (to help project positivite image when you talk to people)

– personal grooming (basic cleanliness of hair, nails, teeth, etc)

– make sure you have some professional clothes, both for a interview (suit and all) or just a informational meeting (nice pants, blazer, shoes, etc)

Then, get your tail out there! Good luck

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