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What can I do to increase my chances of becoming a successful accountant while attending college?

I am a 17 year old senior graduating high school May 2025 and I am an upcoming freshman attending Cedarville University in Fall 2025, majoring in accounting. I have taken a dual enrollment course about economics, I am sure I want to be an accountant.

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Ann M.’s Answer

I see some good advice already.

To give yourself an advantage, make yourself seen by your professors so that they know you and may refer you to connections in the industry. Also, many firms start early with forming connections with students by forming leadership or career programs to bring in candidates in early to shadow various departments to explore career options in the field such as audit, advisory, tax, business valuations, and so on. Many firms use this as a way to find students for potential internships and future hiring of staff. So, work with your university's placement office early to seek out these opportunities. Also, you can check employers directly by searching their website.

If you find a firm that you are interested in, connect with them on social media - Facebook, Linked-In, etc. and look for opportunities directly and not rely 100% on the University's placement office. Everyone will be seeing the same opportunities from that source. Don't wait until you are a junior or senior. Firms are wanting to bring in interns in possibly over two periods to provide as much advance training for when they bring that person on full-time.

Being active in other clubs, associations, sports, even other than just in your career show that you are more than just book smart. A well-rounded person shows that you are socially comfortable and will make a better team member.
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Kayla’s Answer

Hi Sophie! You're doing an amazing job! At 17, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, so it's fantastic that you're already researching and planning for your future. Here are some tips to help you succeed in college: 1. Join accounting groups to connect with others, 2. Attend study groups to learn more, 3. Go to career fairs to explore opportunities, 4. Apply for internships early and try a few to see what you like best, 5. Get your CPA as soon as you can. Good luck on your journey! You've got this!
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Jake’s Answer

Hi Sophie. Accounting is a great career, as there is a shortage of accountants. There are a few things you should do:

1. Connections: join your school’s accounting club to connect with other students and build relationships with recruiters.
2. Classes: take the necessary classes (managerial, financial accounting, audit, intermediate accounting, etc) to be prepared for the CPA exam. Go to office hours to seek additional help.
3. CPA Exam: I highly suggest preparing and taking as many CPA exams before working, as it is much easier to pass.
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Amanda’s Answer

Great question! Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of becoming a successful accountant while attending college:

### Academic Excellence
1. **Focus on Your Studies**: Aim for high grades in your accounting courses. A strong academic record can open doors to internships and job opportunities.
2. **Understand the Fundamentals**: Make sure you have a solid grasp of basic accounting principles, as they are the foundation for more advanced topics.

### Practical Experience
3. **Internships**: Seek out internships with accounting firms or businesses. Practical experience is invaluable and can help you apply what you've learned in class.
4. **Part-Time Jobs**: Consider part-time positions related to accounting, such as bookkeeping or working in a finance department.

### Networking
5. **Join Professional Organizations**: Become a member of accounting associations like the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) or your school's accounting club. Networking with professionals and peers can provide valuable insights and opportunities.
6. **Attend Industry Events**: Participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops to meet industry professionals and learn about the latest trends.

### Skill Development
7. **Technical Skills**: Develop proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks, Excel, and other financial tools. Familiarity with these programs is often required in accounting roles.
8. **Soft Skills**: Enhance your communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Accountants need to explain complex financial information clearly and make informed decisions.

### Certifications
9. **CPA Preparation**: If you plan to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), start preparing for the CPA exam early. This certification is highly regarded in the accounting profession.
10. **Additional Certifications**: Consider other certifications like CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) to broaden your expertise.

### Stay Informed
11. **Keep Up with Industry Trends**: Stay updated on changes in accounting standards, tax laws, and financial regulations. This knowledge can make you more competitive in the job market.

### Personal Development
12. **Time Management**: Balance your academic, work, and personal life effectively. Good time management skills are crucial for success in both college and your future career.
13. **Seek Mentorship**: Find a mentor who can provide guidance, support, and advice as you navigate your career path.

By focusing on these areas, you can build a strong foundation for a successful career in accounting.
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Sandy Y’s Answer

Accounting can be challenging, but don't let that bring you down. If you find some classes tough, remember you're not alone. Reach out to accountants and professors to learn what they enjoy about accounting, why they chose it, and how they overcame their own struggles. Stay engaged in class and communicate with your professors. Building a relationship with them can be very helpful. They can become great mentors and guide you through this demanding yet rewarding career path.
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Brittany’s Answer

Hi Sophie,

The advice given so far is excellent, and I’d like to add some tips for succeeding in college, especially in accounting, which can be challenging. Each class often builds on the last, so it’s important to grasp the concepts thoroughly. Here are some suggestions:

1. Sit in the front two rows of your classes. This might feel a bit daunting, but it helps you focus and research shows that students who sit up front often perform better. Plus, your professors will likely recognize you, which is helpful if you need assistance during office hours.

2. Spend one to two hours every day studying after class. Reviewing the material right after learning it helps you remember it better. Repeating the information is crucial!

3. Connect with your classmates and form a study group. Studying with friends makes it easier and more enjoyable.

Accounting is a fantastic field to study! Best of luck to you!
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Holly’s Answer

Hi Sophie,

My biggest recommendation is to apply for an internship with an accounting firm. This will show you the concepts you learn in your accounting classes applied in different scenarios and help you get your foot in the door with a firm. This will also give you some experience with the software used in accounting. My second recommendation is focus on taking the classes that will help you grow your knowledge on the subject more and that will help you work towards the CPA Exam. Along with this, I would recommend spending time outside of school learning more accounting concepts and how they are applied in real-world scenarios. Best of luck!
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Matthew’s Answer

Hi Sophie,

I've got a few recommendations that could really boost your journey:

Consider finding an internship or part-time job in accounting. This will give you valuable experience, help you make important connections, and strengthen your resume.

Also, think about joining a business or accounting club at your school. This will expand your network and give you more exposure. These resources will be super helpful when you're looking for a job as you get closer to graduation.
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Thrivikram’s Answer

Begin by reading financial journals and articles in financial newspapers often. This will help you build a good understanding of the rules and analysis in finance. Once you're qualified, you'll need strong skills in both areas to do well in your career. Also, join seminars, conferences, or online sessions to learn about how things work in real life and stay updated on industry trends.
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Nija’s Answer

Hi Sophie,

To become a successful accountant while in college, start building a strong foundation now. Focus on excelling in your accounting, finance, and math courses, as they are crucial for your future career.

Simultaneously, seek internships or part-time jobs in accounting or bookkeeping. Even helping at a small business or nonprofit can provide valuable experience. Joining student accounting or business clubs is also beneficial; they offer networking events, guest speakers, and internship connections.

Familiarize yourself with the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) requirements early. Even if you're unsure about this path, understanding the requirements can help you plan your courses effectively.

Also, develop soft skills like time management, communication, and attention to detail. Employers value reliability, organization, and teamwork alongside numerical skills.

By gaining real-world experience, building connections, and staying dedicated to your studies, you'll enhance your chances of success after graduation. Keep up the great work!
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Juanita’s Answer

Hi there Sophie. This is such a great question and your dedication is commendable.

I also suggest looking for businesses where you can help out with finances. Even if it's just shadowing the financial manager or CPA to see what it's really like working as one so you can get hands-on experience. Don't be afraid to do free work or attend a free internship because this will help you start out. Becoming an accountant takes a lot of learning, but it's absolutely fantastic. I love the learning curve that comes with anything math related.

Start scouring the internet and build your knowledge by attending some free or small courses before starting college then you can be a step ahead when school starts.

I want to wish you the best of luck on your journey and I am sure you will do great.
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ying’s Answer

Hi Sophie,

Here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Internship: Try to get an internship at a CPA or bookkeeping firm. It will be a great start for your career!
2. Classes: Check what your state board needs for the CPA exam. Make sure you take the right classes and meet the required hours during college.
3. CPA Exam: Start studying for the CPA exam before you begin working. It will make things easier later on!
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Makenzie’s Answer

Hi Sophie! Great question! I suggest checking out the CPA requirements so you know which classes to take. Also, internships are a great way to get some real-world experience. Good luck!
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Elizabeth’s Answer

Hi Sophie!

The best thing you can do to become a successful accountant while attending college is to gain some experience. What I've found is there a big difference between learning with book compared to real life experience. There are also so many different types of careers in accounting such as tax, auditing, consulting. I would see what topics interest you most and find an internship during college for tax and/or auditing and see which one is of more interest to you.

I would also familiarize yourself with all of the study topics for the CPA. This is crucial to get done in your first year out of college. This way you won't have to worry about studying for the CPA while you advance in your career and get busier.

Hope this helps!
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Joben’s Answer

Hi Sophie, that's great that you already know what career direction you would like to go. In terms of becoming a successful accountant, I would say that the career growth potential depends greatly on each individual, but keeping a mindset of wanting to always learn and grow while in school gets you into a routine of asking questions which comes in handy once you start your profession as an accountant. The two main paths I see for accountants is either going to work for a company straight out of college or go into an accounting firm first and then shift over to a company down the line, I would say that working on getting your CPA would be one of the main priorities as it will unlock some potential opportunities for you if you ever want gears into a different direction that is still accounting related. Good luck on your studies and I hope this helps!
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Jamey’s Answer

Hi Sophie!
Great question! Definitely would suggest looking at your State's CPA requirements and ensuring you map out a plan to meet them. It would also be very beneficial to find a part-time job at a local firm. This will help you on so many levels, it will provide hands-on experience, will help cement the concepts you're learning in school, and will provide you with valuable work experience. That being said, accounting is a demanding major and I would encourage you to find balance between work and school. It can very easily become overwhelming so be mindful of that and set healthy boundaries.
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Christopher’s Answer

Hi Sophie,

I recommend you try an internship for both tax and audit. They are both major starting points for a lot of accountants post college. Trying them both out would give you direction on whereto focus in your undergraduate career. Try finding a summer bookkeeping job that will give you real life experience to what you are studying. If you are interest in tax, I would consider volunteering in your local VITA program to prepare tax returns for free for individuals.
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Robert M.’s Answer

1. Develop strong writing skills. Take as many English courses as you can, and include creative writing if possible. Being able to communicate clearly and professionally is valuable in any career.

2. Maintain a positive attitude. Be someone others enjoy working with, take on any task willingly, and prioritize the team's success over your own.

3. Remember that education is just the start of your learning journey. In the CPA field, continuous learning is essential. Always stay updated on new accounting and auditing standards, as well as changes in regulations and industry practices that affect your work.

Good luck with your career!
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Daniel’s Answer

I've found that these ingredients are what a lot of successful accountants seem to have--they are naturally curious, they aren't afraid of hard work, and they've developed the skills to connect with others. What does that look like at the university?

Curious--Hit the books! Talk to professors, other classmates, attend events. Don't stop, there is so much to explore and learn.

Hard work--Dig deeper. Does a specific topic pique your interest?--read an additional article about it, think about an extra-credit project, etc. Don't be afraid to put in the extra effort.

Relationships--Join accounting societies, learn about others, learn to help others, get jobs to expand your professional network, read books on relationship building and business development.

Hope that helps. Good luck! You got this!
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