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Looking back on your own journey, what is one unconventional or unexpected decision you made during college that ended up significantly shaping your accounting career?

My desire is to earn my bachelor's degree in Accounting. I understand the path to getting one's CPA isn't always linear, that is why I am asking this question.

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Julia’s Answer

While many accounting majors know early on what career path they want to pursue in accounting such as tax, audit, private/public accounting, or corporate accounting, I had no idea what interested me most. Because of this, I worked various internships to help narrow down to what I was most interested in. I would encourage you to keep an open mind and try different things out while you're still in college to give you a better idea of what you want your career to look like after college.
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David’s Answer

Hi Ricardo,

I am not an accountant but I think I can offer some advice. Since you’re aiming for a bachelor’s in Accounting and eventually a CPA, let’s flip the question: what’s an unconventional choice I could imagine making in a hypothetical college scenario that might shape an accounting career?

Picture this: instead of grinding through the typical accounting electives, I decide to take a deep dive into computer science or data analytics—something not directly tied to debits and credits. Maybe I even join a coding club or pick up Python on the side. At first, it seems offbeat, maybe even a distraction from the CPA track. But years later, that choice pays off big. Why? Because modern accounting isn’t just about ledgers anymore—it’s about wrangling massive datasets, automating processes, and spotting trends with tech. Firms love accountants who can bridge numbers and tech, and that quirky detour could’ve made me a standout.

For you, the takeaway might be to look beyond the textbook path. The CPA road isn’t always a straight line, like you said—maybe a wildcard move like learning tech skills, studying behavioral economics, or even interning somewhere unexpected (like a startup instead of a Big Four firm) could set you apart. What’s one unconventional thing you’ve thought about trying as you chase that degree?
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Gus’s Answer

One unconventional step that I took was actually studying abroad. It may not seem like a direct connection to the accounting world, but it helped with many soft skills, namely: understanding other cultures, learning to communicate in different ways, and being open to new experiences. These are not "needed" for the accounting world, but they go a long way to helping you better interact and network with future coworkers. If you have the opportunity, I would give it a shot!
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Hannah’s Answer

Like Gus, one of the most impact decisions I made in college was choosing to study abroad in Japan – a path I hadn’t considered until end of my sophomore year. While unexpected, this experience became a defining moment in my educational journey. I had the opportunity to connect with business leaders, government officials, and fully immerse myself in Japan’s rich culture. This experience strengthened my soft skills, such as cross-cultural understanding, networking, developing a global mindset, and understanding diverse business norms and practices – skills that have been invaluable in my professional life. It also broadened my perspective, inspiring me to purse career opportunities I might not have otherwise considered. I highly recommend studying abroad if you have the chance. Best of luck!
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