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What should my Goal be??

As a new student going into the Accounting field in Summer of 2026, what is a goal I should set for my career? #Spring25

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Gregory’s Answer

I would suggest getting an internship that would help you. By doing an internship then can figure out if this is the field for you.
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Margeaux’s Answer

A good first step is to land an internship at a public accounting firm. Lots of firms have programs for students as early as the summer after your first or second year in college. This can be a great chance to get started in the field. Keep an eye out for campus events, join accounting or finance clubs, and find ways to practice networking and interviewing. As graduation gets closer, think about how you'll meet the credit requirements to take the CPA exam. It's a lot easier to study and pass while you're still in school, before you start working full-time.
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Bethany’s Answer

Hi Garrett! That’s a fantastic question as you prepare to start your journey in accounting!

A great career goal to set early on is to challenge yourself to attend a specific number of networking events each semester/year. Whether they’re career fairs, industry meetups, or student organization gatherings all of these are great to meet new people who have been in your shoes starting off their career. At each event, aim to connect with at least one new person you haven’t met before, and try to make it a point to follow up with them afterward. I've done this in my experience and sometimes you are able to meet 1:1 to ask further questions and could even land you a mentor in the field!

Building these strong, genuine connections is key in accounting (and many other fields) because networking often leads to internship opportunities, mentorship, and valuable insights about the profession that you won’t find in textbooks. By setting this goal, you’ll not only grow your professional network but also practice communication and relationship building skills that will help serve you throughout your career.

As you look ahead to Summer 2026 and beyond, think about how many events you want to attend and how you’ll keep in touch with the people you meet. Small consistent efforts can make a big difference! Keep pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, and you’ll find your path becoming clearer with each new connection.

Wishing you all the best!
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Lee’s Answer

That’s awesome that you’re starting your journey in accounting—there’s so much opportunity in this field! One great goal to set early on is to gain real-world experience through internships or part-time roles by the end of your first academic year. Accounting is a profession where hands-on experience really boosts your confidence and helps you connect classroom learning with practical skills.

Look for opportunities with local firms, small businesses, or even nonprofit organizations that need help with bookkeeping or tax prep. You’ll build a stronger resume, start growing your professional network, and figure out which areas of accounting interest you most—like auditing, tax, or corporate finance.

Also, consider setting a long-term goal like working toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Even though that’s down the road, keeping it in mind early can help you choose the right classes and plan ahead for the requirements.

Wishing you all the best as you kick off this exciting chapter! Spring25
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Meghan’s Answer

Hi Garrett, as a new student in the Accounting field, I think one goal would be to ensure you secure at least one relevant internship before graduation (multiple would be great to have different experiences). This will help you determine what kind of accounting you enjoy - public vs. corporate, tax vs. audit, etc.
Additionally, I would highly recommend planning early to earn your CPA license as soon as possible after completing school. Ideally taking a course before your graduate such as Becker, can really help you prepare and pass the exam.
Good luck with your journey!
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Jiaxin’s Answer

I would suggest gaining some internship experience while you are in school. The Big Four firms usually offer many internship programs for freshmen and sophomores, and during these internships, you will have the opportunity to connect with many professionals and experience different roles within an accounting firm. That said, if you wish to work at an accounting firm, expanding your network and gaining internship experience would be highly beneficial.
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Tiffany P.’s Answer

If you’re just starting out in accounting, you're stepping into a field full of opportunity. One of the best things you can do early on is get clear on your goals. A good place to start is asking yourself: Why am I pursuing this path? and What do I want to get out of it?

Understanding your "why" will help guide your decisions—whether it's choosing classes, internships, or future jobs. It doesn't have to be a perfect answer right away, but having a sense of what you're working toward (like building financial expertise, working in a specific industry, or eventually becoming a CPA) can really help you stay focused and motivated.

Set goals that help you grow—like learning how to read financial statements confidently, joining a student org, or finding a mentor. Keep checking in with yourself and adjust as you go. Your goals can change, and that’s totally okay.

Be flexible, don't be too hard on yourself, and stay passionate! There's so much to explore out there!
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Elizabeth’s Answer

Hi Garrett!

Consider looking for an internship at an accounting firm, possibly even one of the Big Four. This can give you a good introduction to the field and help you learn about the daily work. Also, think about aiming to pass part 1 or 2 of the CPA exam. This can help you stay on track to get your CPA before you graduate!
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James’s Answer

As others have stated, you can aim to land an accounting internship. There are various opportunities available in public accounting that include tax, audit, consulting, advisory and more. Many of these firms participate in campus recruiting events throughout the year. It may be a good idea to look into them to see which firms align with what you would like in your career.
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