[nazmar]

I’m not even sure if this is the right place, haha, forgive me if it isn’t.

Well, I’m 19 – I’m currently attending a local community college in California with sights on transferring to a CSU and majoring in Accounting. I’ll start taking into Accounting courses this fall, so I have an extremely clean slate right now in terms of future (Big 4, etc.)

Browsing the posts on this forum, I realized there are many, many different paths and roads to be taken in this field – but is there a conventional way that people from undergrad take or do to make themselves better prepared? (i.e. internships at x year, working while going to school, start studying for CPA exam during x year..)

I would like to start on the CPA exams before I graduate, while the information is still fresh in my mind – is this possible? Or perhaps, take an off year to study for it? I’ve read that it would make life much easier the sooner I can get the CPA exam done with.

I’ll also be required to have the extra 150 units by the time I graduate, so I would more than likely go with a Masters. Is that the window to perhaps start on CPA exams?

I’m not sure if these are mundane and routine questions, I’m sure they are; but Accounting doesn’t seem to have the well defined path that, say, going to Medical School does – which is good, in my opinion.

But thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

Most states require you to have 150 hours before you can sit for the exam. There is at least one state that allows you to sit before graduation but not sure which one it is (I know one of our forum members is doing that). You need to check with your state board and see what their requirements are. Maybe someone on here from California can help with that.

I didn't do internships as when I went to school for my accounting degree I was already working in accounting so I can't help you with that area.

[neika822]

I would definitely look to do an internship your junior year! You'll probably get a job offer by the end, and then you'll be all set senior year, when all of your friends are running around looking for jobs :).

I sat for the CPA exam during my Master's program, with 120 credits (in Massachusetts, you're allowed to do that – at least in 2010/2011 it was). However, I didn't have my priorities straight, and didn't pass any of the exams I took. I know one girl I went to undergrad with did one class of “independent study” and she basically just studied for the exam her last semester and took the exam right after her degree was conferred. So that's an option? Whatever you feel is right though.

I did the internship/full-time job offer route and went into public. I hated it. Some people like it/can stand it for a few years. I think that's the conventional route, but it's not the only option. I think it will help you with future opportunities though.

But enjoy being 19 :). You've still got time to enjoy being in college!

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[gobias]

Start looking for internships as early as possible. If you do one between sophomore and junior year, that will set you up for more opportunities between junior and senior year, and then full-time offers.

F - 86
R - 90
A - 97
B - 91

[nazmar]

Awesome advice, thank you. How exactly do you go about getting an internship? Is it through your school's career center, or pure networking, and attending social activities, contacting offices, etc.?

Thanks again, this is extremely helpful.

[neika822]

Mine was all through my school's career center. I'm sure once you start the 4-year school, they'll have opportunities. Or the firm will have a career page with their internship opportunities and ways to apply.

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[gobias]

It can be through a variety of means. Career center, career fairs, networking events, informational meetings, linkedin, bumped in to someone in an elevator, etc. I got my first internship through a friend who recommended me for a position he was rotating out of. Just use what resources you have at your disposal.

F - 86
R - 90
A - 97
B - 91

[Jaimcpa]

120 to sit for most states. 150 plus experience for license.

FAR- 73, 10/07/2013
REG- 8/31/2013
AUD- TBD
BEC- TBD

MAcc
Main: Becker Self-Study 2013. Supplements: Ninja / Wiley TB / CPAExcel (Bought before I received an offer).

[nazmar]

Thanks everyone for your previous responses, I've bumped this thread because I've got yet another question to impose on you folks:

One of my goals is to try and get recruited into one of the Big 4 firms, (or BDO, McGladery, Grant Thornton, Rothstein Kass, Armanino, etc.) and I've heard that they look favorably upon work experience. My question is: what kind of work experience? I've worked two jobs in the customer service/retail sector (not working now though, just school) – but never anything accounting related. Would the work experience I have + future internships be sufficient enough for most CPA firms? Or am I supposed to get some kind of part time job in an Accounting related field?

Also, there are quite a few local CPA firms here where I am attending a CC. Next summer or maybe this winter, even though I won't *technically* be a junior, do you think the local CPA firms would allow me to intern (paid or unpaid, I don't really care!) during the summer/winter? I was thinking of just shooting the firms my resume, and seeing if I get any type of response.

Thanks!

[nazmar]

EDIT: Ignore this one, sorry!

[jkpoker1]

You need 120 credits and coursework in auditing,tax, financial accounting, and cost/managerial. With auditing, you will probably have to take exam as a senior in college at the earliest. Also good idea. I currently don't work but am studying for the exam and I imagine its extremely difficult if you work full time (especially busy season for cpa firms). Also the material being fresh in your head is crucial. I took BEC and i recently took my AIS class and it helped a lot in regards to COSO internal control. Good luck.

Quest to be a CPA

BEC-74 (7/13),
REG- ?? (8/13)
AUD-TBA
FAR-TBA

[Author]

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