[southern star]

Quick question, I will be leaving the military in 2016. I am have an MS in Accounting and will hopefully pass the CPA exam. Do I have a chance to start a new career in accounting? Or will people look at me like I am the old man!! I do look very young, I have exercised regularly and have a proven track record of leadership in the military. Don’t hold back and tell the truth!

[Anonymous]

We've had several non-traditional students return from the military w/o their degrees and then finish school and then go through the process and be our strongest candidates so I don't see why returning with one and going through the process would be any different, you would go through as an experienced hire and I think the work ethic you have shown would benefit you in public accounting recruiting far more than any thoughts on your age would detract from your resume. The only issue from a public accounting stand point is you can't really stay to make partner due to mandatory retirement age, as you would likely not make it through the ranks to partner in time to be able to retire…but if that's not a concern of yours then it won't be a concern of theirs and they aren't allowed to ask your age. Thank you for your service and best of luck on your next pursuit!

[Anonymous]

The military instills discipline, neatness and orderliness just to name a few. It's been my experience that a fair amount of employers don't see those as positive attributes, but negative in that you are stuck in your ways, you are rigid, you think there is only one way to do things and you are used to being told how to do things rather than being able to make your own decisions with sound judgment (after all, everyone in the military is given orders and don't possess free thoughts). Is this true? To some extent, but not 100%. It took a long time for me to find an employer who wanted the “rigid” military qualities I possess. The military transition is often more difficult than what we're lead to believe.

I wish you luck in your process.

[Anonymous]

The military instills discipline, neatness and orderliness just to name a few. It's been my experience that a fair amount of employers don't see those as positive attributes, but negative in that you are stuck in your ways, you are rigid, you think there is only one way to do things and you are used to being told how to do things rather than being able to make your own decisions with sound judgment (after all, everyone in the military is given orders and don't possess free thoughts). Is this true? To some extent, but not 100%. It took a long time for me to find an employer who wanted the “rigid” military qualities I possess. The military transition is often more difficult than what we're lead to believe.

I wish you luck in your process.

[Anonymous]

I'd hire you in a heartbeat!

[Anonymous]

I'd hire you in a heartbeat!

[Author]

Replies