[Mortimer87]

Hey guys, I’m looking for some advice. I’m considering going after a MAcc (mostly for the networking / recruiting). Here’s the problem – I graduated a little over two years ago and only have some lite bookkeeping experience under my belt. Do you think going to grad school for the networking would be useless in my case – since I’ve been out of school for over two years have no real accounting experience?

I work as a bookkeeper at a small auto part shop and haven’t been able to break into a real accounting job. When I was in school, I was an idiot and didn’t participate in any internships, campus recruiting, or anything and after graduation I moved several states away (to my home town) with no work experience or anything lined up. I did attempt the CPA and passed BEC right off the bat, but then failed FAR and AUD a couple of times and gave up.

I’ve been continuing to look for a better job, but with no avail. Do you think going after a MAcc would be a wise decision for me? I know recruiters come early (in the Fall, I believe) but I feel like I have nothing to sell them on. But then again, I’m going nowhere at the moment. What do you guys think?

[hockeydude]

RonBurgundy – How did you decide on the MST from Bentley vs. the program at other schools such as Northeastern, GGU, University of Denver, etc.? I'm starting to get the impression that the reputation of the school doesn't matter as much for an MST program compared to an MBA. The most important criteria in selecting a program is the curriculum. For example, if you know you want to be in international tax, which school provides the best education in international tax, etc. Through your experience, is this your impression as well?

[nashville79]

MAcc, no CPA = 0.5

CPA, no grad degree = 3.0

CPA + MAcc = 3.5

CPA + MBA = 4.0

CPA + CMA + MBA = 5.0

CPA + CMA + MBA + industry niche = 6.0

Certs + MBA + niche + networking with fellow nerd balls = 7.0

Certs + MBA + niche + networking with a diverse group of professionals = 8.0

Certs + MBA + niche + diverse network + communication skills not typically attained by accountants = 9.0

Certs + MBA + niche + diverse network + comm. + work/life balance = 10.0

[ParanoidAndroid]

CPA+Big 4 experience=100

CPA for life...

[RonBurgundy]

hockeydude – You are right in that the reputation of the school for an MST is not nearly as important as it is for an MBA. Now and in the future, the MST is and will be an extremely valuable degree that will help differentiate you from other people who have an MSA, MAAC, or MBA. I believe that curriculum is important for selecting a program, but I also believe that networking opportunities, program flexibility, and the faculty are extremely important factors to consider. I chose to attend Bentley University for many reasons. They have one of the largest MST alumni networks in the country (over 4,000 people), the program can be finished in one academic year by attending full-time, all of the classes are hybrid so you can either finish the entire program online or on-campus, and the course selection is pretty vast and the most flexible I have ever seen. The program requires 5 courses in taxation and 5 electives. The electives can be in any other graduate level subject you want or in taxation. I chose to fill my electives with 5 financial planning courses to earn the Master Personal Financial Planner Certificate and gain experience in that field, which is extremely interconnected with tax and wealth planning for clients. In addition, if you are interested in international business or did not get the chance to study abroad as an undergraduate, they offer many study abroad programs every year that take place during the winter, spring, and summer breaks for 10-14 days and count as an elective. People end up visiting multiple countries on these trips and get to network and communicate with professionals from 8-12 companies depending on the trip. And finally, the professors are some of the best teachers and professionals I have ever interacted with. Each of them is a specialist in their field and most of them work full-time, so they teach you from practical experience and how to solve client needs. From my experience, Bentley's program is well worth the time and cost. However, you will have to find the program that best fits your needs both on personal and financial levels. The good news is that no matter where you get your MST, it is still a rare degree that not many other people have.

~ You Stay Classy, San Diego

FAR - 77
BEC - 82
REG - 81
AUD - 84

[Author]

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