[GSU Josh]

I’m currently unemployed and waiting on my CPA license to be issued. I never finished any graduate programs although I do have more than the 150 credit hour requirement (major change and a semester of MBA courses). It’s such a bad job market, I’m considering other options if I can’t get picked up by the end of the year. I was mainly looking at an MST program since I have no tax experience (1 year of audit exp. only), but have also considered finishing the MBA as well. Or would I just be wasting my time as the CPA trumps them anyway?

My GPA isn’t great (3.07) with some really low accounting grades, but it’s only because of family issues (father died, major depression, etc.). Anyway, I bounced back strong and completed the CPA with the scores below (studied more thoroughly and obsessively than any other time in my life). I wouldn’t think I would have trouble getting into a program considering I’ve completed the CPA exam like I did. Just looking for some guidance and what would be best to do to further my career? Thanks, guys.

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

[Trevor]

Well I can say this… a professor in college once told me to find a specialization and master it. This being said I would not simply get a MST because you have no tax experience, for this I would definitely see if you like taxation… I also do not think a CPA trumps a MBA, they are two completely different things. A MBA teaches you on the structure of a business and how to make one run effectively and efficiently (in short)… IMO a MBA and CPA combination is a deadly duo, a knockout! Not only will you know the general ins and outs of business you will also have a more in depth sense of its accounting, a very expensive cost… Look at all of the CFO's out there… I would say over 50% of them have a CPA and MBA combination.

Long story short, finish your MBA and then see where you can go. If it brings you into taxes, and you like it/think you can be successful doing it THEN get your MST…

For me I enjoy taxes and personal finance so I will likely get my MST while my wife gets her MBA… I want to be done all of this by the time I am 26 – just over three years to go!

BEC: 73,81(7/6/2010); AUD: 75(5/24/2010); FAR: 76(8/31/2010); REG: 77 (10/18/2010) - DONE!!!!

[potatogun]

Also it is worth considering that going back to school would just be incurring more debt. So there is the opportunity cost of not working at all, even though I know you've been looking for a while. But I think it is a major decision and major debt isn't necessarily the correct answer even if it is for further education.

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[Trevor]

Good point, also if you could find a job to pay for some of the tuition. I am glad to have that perk…

BEC: 73,81(7/6/2010); AUD: 75(5/24/2010); FAR: 76(8/31/2010); REG: 77 (10/18/2010) - DONE!!!!

[GSU Josh]

Thanks for the info. So, MBA>MST from my standpoint right now? I know I would be incurring more debt, but at least I could get student loans and get some money right now. If I'm not in school, I don't think anyone would loan me a dime at this point. I don't want to go back to school at all, but if I don't have a job very soon I feel like I have no choice. I can't sit around putting out resumes forever waiting for a call that will never come.

Obviously, this wasn't the plan before the CPA. I planned on getting the CPA, then jumping into a pretty good job by this point hoping to make close to $50k. Unfortunately, with this stubborn job market, it's not looking like I'm gonna be able to do that. Everyone's so willing to help out and network, but no one is willing to hire me whatsoever. It's one of the most frustrating times in my life to be so smart and capable and just not be given any chances whatsoever. If only the Big 4 knew what a slave they would get if they hired me, they would do it in a second.

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

[potatogun]

Have you networked with anyone in Big4? If you think you're a strong candidate the Big4 are definitely bumping hiring numbers from the past couple years ago…

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[GSU Josh]

No, I have no idea who to contact. I live in Georgia and was looking to go to a UGA recruiting event or something, but I couldn't find any information about it. Do you know any contacts or have any suggestions? Should I just apply on their websites or is there a better way?

Would I even have a chance with them? My undergrad GPA isn't great (3.07), and my accounting grades are even worse. But I got through the CPA without much of a problem, and I really do have a legitimate excuse as I was going through many issues back then. Do they really care about that or do they care more about my personality and being a down to earth person and the fact that I finished the CPA?

AUD - 74, 87; BEC - 84; FAR - 78; REG - 79
It's done, Son!

[limey]

Please consider the opportunity costs of incurring more debt, especially loans you end up taking out. Having an MBA isn't necessarily a guarantee, as there's a lot of experienced, unemployed individuals who have them. An example would be a firm I worked with, who shed every MBA and only kept the CPAs. An alumni president of a highly-ranked business school believes that the market is very saturated with MBA holders, and that business schools have spent a lot of money on infrastructure, but are stuck trying to justify high tuition and opportunity costs in a bad job market and economy. I have family members with MBAs from high-ranking schools who are doing okay. So it's a bit of a crapshoot, just be very careful about the debt you incur.

I really can't pass again!

[potatogun]

You basically need an introduction from someone to get through if you don't have some specifically relevant background that is in demand (for instance pwc is really focusing on building up its advisory).

I would say the CPA part is a highlight but it wouldn't be the defining factor of wanting to hire you. It show cases your drive though.

I am in CA so I can't really help you as far as GA specific contacts. Do Big4 recruit at your undergrad school? Try and dig up contact info from career services or if you have any sort of accounting association or business organization. Ask friends and family if they know anyone in Big4/national firms. Having an intro/resume push is critical especially if you're concerned with your grades.

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[75 CPA]

I have a worthless MBA. It did not open any doors for me.

What did get a job for me was my reputation as a quality guy among my church friends. My new employer, who is a CPA, did not even care to see my resume.

[Author]

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