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How can I make sure I am not going to be bored with my degree that I choose?

I am currently pursuing a degree in accounting, in a lot of movies and shows you see accountants as the person in the cubicle that hate it and are bored with their lives. How can I make sure that does not happen to me?

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Christopher’s Answer

First, ask yourself if the coursework excites you. If it does, you're already on the right path! Loving what you study is a great start. I always enjoyed math, which led me to love accounting. But if you find it dull, it might be time to think about whether this major truly suits you.

Second, remember that an accounting degree opens many doors. If you ever feel stuck or realize your current job isn't your dream career, this degree gives you plenty of options. For example, I began in auditing and spent 8 years there. Eventually, I craved more excitement, so I switched to accounting advisory, which keeps me engaged and happy. Many people have similar journeys, moving to different roles with their accounting background. You can switch roles within the same company, move from public to private sectors, or even go back to school for a master's degree if you decide accounting isn't your thing. An accounting degree can lead to a rewarding career in accounting or serve as a stepping stone to other opportunities.
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Gabriel’s Answer

Hi Ian. To echo what some others have already said, the coursework should help with determining if this field is right for you. It certainly is not a fit for everyone. Those jobs you described certainly do exist but there are many others that are the complete opposite. I have been working as an auditor for almost a year now. Although some of the work I do can be boring at times, there's plenty of other times where I get to use the analytical side of my brain. I also got to work with clients in different industries. So far this role has been a good fit for me and I'm happy with where I am at. It's all about finding the specific area that works for you.

Based on your question, I would avoid working in government accounting as the pace is known to be slower. I did intern for a local government and although the experience was positive, that type of work environment was not the best fit for me.
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Dana’s Answer

Whether or not you are bored is largely up to you and the initiatives you take. Regardless of your major, you should lean into AI and data analytics.
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Ivan’s Answer

Think of a degree as a key that opens many doors. In the first years of your career, focus on learning the ropes, showing your skills, and learning from experienced coworkers. After that, it's really up to you. Most accounting firms offer a variety of career paths, so you can shape your future based on what you like. Whether it's bookkeeping, tax, auditing, consulting, or even areas like IT, HR, or Law, there are plenty of options!
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Asma’s Answer

Hi Ian! It's completely normal to feel that the career you choose might not be the one for you, but you never know you could start in the one path and end up in the most perfect path for you. I personally started off wanting to become an attorney and I ended up in accounting. I specifically work in the entertainment industry and someone once told me "it's the most sexy form of tax" :) And guess what, I ended up falling in love with accounting (I know it's weird LOL) but if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life. I wish you the best in whatever career path you pick!
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Mark’s Answer

Hi Ian,

I've been where you are, and that's a great question. Start with small steps that will guide you in the right direction. Let me share a story that might help. I began doing mechanical drafting for parts and architectural drawings with CAD in high school. I spent a year in tech school and was two tests away from being certified. But I got bored. I made a list of pros and cons for this career and imagined where I'd be financially in 10 years. After talking to a few people, I decided to pursue a degree in computer science and haven't regretted it.

I have severe ADHD, so getting a bachelor's degree was challenging because I get distracted easily. Now, I'm a ML OPS AI engineer, and this job suits me because the work is different every day, and there are always new problems to solve. Many engineers dislike this constant change, as technology evolves and requires ongoing learning.

Consider the work-life balance for accountants in different industries, and compare it to software engineers and other fields. Do you see the pattern? For now, focus on getting your generals done. Network with people in your area or on LinkedIn who are working in those roles. Ask them about their experiences. You'll likely find the answers you're looking for. Keep improving your skills no matter what. Good luck!
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Joe’s Answer

Ian, You in an exciting time in your career/education timeline where you have alot to learn and experience. My advise would be to ensure that you are exploring all the avenues that an accounting background can take you down. It can lead to Big 4 Accounting/Tax, various corporate positions (accounting, tax, FP&A, Treasury, Controllership), and even financial consulting. I would leverage the alumni base and school resources at your disposal to learn from the companies recruiting at your school and alumni to do information interviews to explore the possibilities!
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E'Delana’s Answer

It's important to remember that many people leave college thinking they'll follow one career path, but it's perfectly normal to change direction later. Career changes happen all the time, and switching paths doesn't mean you're starting from zero. The skills and experiences you gain in any job, like accounting, can often be used in other fields. If you ever feel bored or uninterested, don't hesitate to look into other industries. What's most important is your ability to see and show the value of your skills in new areas.
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Melissa’s Answer

Hi Ian,

It's totally fine to change your mind. If you start the coursework and find it super boring, maybe it's not the right fit for you. I found some courses dull too, but I really enjoy being an accountant. The work can be a bit repetitive, but it's also very rewarding. There are lots of career paths, and having a degree will give you more opportunities. Do your best and stay open to different possibilities!
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Taylor’s Answer

Hi Ian - That is a great question. I would suggest starting out in public accounting rather than going straight into "industry" (ie. working for a company in their accounting department). Given the nature of public accounting, at least in Audit, you are closely working on a team with other individuals who are typically around the same age and the same stage in their life. Some benefits of this as compared to working in industry include team collaboration on a daily basis (as compared to working solo at a company), a sense of community with your peers, a social atmosphere, constant opportunities to learn from not only your team, but from many other service lines and levels (ie. tax, consulting, advisory, IT, etc.). In addition, given the size of most public accounting firms, you will likely get to spend time on multiple different clients with multiple different team members and you get to constantly meet new people and try new industries.

While working in industry is a great opportunity as well, I would suggest spending a few years in public accounting and then, if it is not the right fit, leaving to find a role in industry. There are so many opportunities that will arise from even a few years of experience in public accounting, even if it is not accounting or tax related. The network at these big firms are huge!

Hopefully this helps!!
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