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What should I do if I'm starting to feel like accounting isn't for me anymore, even though I still want to be a successful accountant or partner at a Big 4 firm someday #Spring25?

People aren't kidding when they say junior year is the hardest. I'm currently a junior majoring in accounting, and I’ve been struggling this semester—especially with Intermediate Accounting 2 and Intro to Tax. I also work two small on-campus jobs and have a part-time remote tax internship. While I liked my supervisors, I’m unsure if I want to go the tax route long-term.

Lately, I’ve been really stressed. I didn’t do well on my recent exams, and with finals coming up, I’m losing confidence and not enjoying what I’m learning. I’m starting to wonder if accounting is still the right path for me. I used to enjoy it back at community college, but these university-level courses are definitely tougher.

The thing is, I still want a stable corporate career, and I’ve always dreamed of working at a Big 4 firm—I even have an internship lined up for Summer 2026. I don’t want to waste that opportunity. I don’t really have any other strong interests, so switching majors feels scary and uncertain. I like solving problems and working hands-on, but this semester has been rough.

Has anyone else felt like this before? Should I wait until my internship to see if it’s a better fit? How do you push through the hard parts of the accounting journey?

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Christine’s Answer

I remember my junior year of college feeling unsure about choosing accounting. But by the fall of my senior year, I started receiving job offers, while some of my friends in other fields did not. So, I decided to stick with it. I joined the Big 4 and, to be honest, didn't enjoy the work at first, but I really liked the people. For a long time, I wondered why I was in accounting and what I truly wanted to do. If you're unhappy in accounting, consider exploring other options sooner rather than later, so you don't find yourself questioning your career path later on.

On the bright side, one reason I chose accounting was the job security and the ability to work flexible hours, like parent's hours. This has proven true. I have friends in other fields who struggle to find work and earn the same salary. Now, I work part-time as an accounting consultant and truly love my job. My career has allowed me to be home with my children when they were young, work flexible hours when they were in school, and even now, I have a job that gives me the flexibility to be there for my family and myself while still advancing in my career.

Plus, accounting is a strong foundation, much like engineering, and can open doors to other careers. Every industry needs accountants, so being an accountant can lead you to a job in a field that excites you.

Christine recommends the following next steps:

Take the internship and decide if you really do not enjoy the work. If you are miserable - don't think that you will love the years you have to spend in public accounting.
Think about what you do want to do. What your strengths are, and what type of lifestyle you want. I.e. do you want a career that is mostly 9-5 in an office, or 7-3 in a hospital, or a more flexible remote job.
Talk you to college counselor and to people in the profession you think you might enjoy.
Consider the income potential for fields you are interested in, but realize that even if you make a ton of money, if you are spending 40 hours a week being miserable, it may not be worth it.
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Holly’s Answer

I definitely understand that feeling. Accounting is a hard course of study. My best recommendation is to build a support team of other students in your class and work together through the difficult concepts. I did this in several of my classes and talking over the concepts with others helped me understand the classes better. I would also recommend reaching out to your professors and seeing if they have office hours where they can go over some of the areas you are struggling with. Along with this, I would recommend at least trying out the internship and seeing how you feel afterwards. My internship helped me realize I wanted to continue in public accounting. Your internship will give you an opportunity to see if you want to work at a Big 4 Firm or work in a smaller public accounting firm.
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Jake’s Answer

I would suggest trying to use your school’s tutoring resources to try to get assistance. Additionally, going to office hours is important to build relationships with your professors. They won’t know what you are going through unless you are there in person. Lastly, if the big 4 isn’t right for you, you’ll still have a satisfying career at a smaller firm.
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Anthony’s Answer

I felt the same way when I was in college. I finished with a degree in accounting and a Master of Accountancy. My first job was as a tax associate at a big public accounting firm. I worried I might have trapped myself, but then I realized there were many other career paths in that company and others like it. Knowing accounting is great and can make you stand out, but it doesn’t mean you have to stick to accounting. Now, I work in Tech Consulting, creating forecasting and budgeting models, which is far from a typical accounting career. I’m not saying my path is the right one for everyone, but here are some thoughts:

1) There are many degree paths related to finance, tech, or law that go well with accounting. If accounting doesn’t feel right, look for another interesting degree that shares some courses. You might switch without delaying your graduation. Don’t feel like you have to stick to one path!

2) If you graduate with an accounting degree, you don’t have to work in accounting. You can take a Big 4 job right after college and use that experience to decide your next step. An accounting background gives you a good understanding of how businesses work. You can use it to move into finance, tech, law, or other roles.

3) Your career won't always go in a straight line. There will be ups and downs—everyone has them. Learn from these experiences. Don’t be afraid to fail. Take risks and try new things. Keep learning and meeting people. If something isn’t right now, use what you’ve learned to find a new direction.

4) Your happiness is what matters most. Some people find joy in the work itself, others in happy clients. Some want a mission-driven job, while others enjoy the technical side. Reflect on what truly makes you happy while you finish your degree and internships. Most people work for a long time after college, so it’s important to find something you enjoy. Don’t be scared to fail. You might not find it right away, but aim to discover what success, happiness, and fulfillment mean to YOU!
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Amanda’s Answer

Keep going! Starting your career in public accounting at a Big 4 firm is an amazing foundation. You'll gain valuable experience in various industries and tackle all sorts of projects. I began my career with a Big 4 firm, which sparked my interest in healthcare. This led me to work with different healthcare companies as a Controller. After nearly 20 years in the industry, I discovered my passion for problem-solving and improving processes. This passion took me to consulting, where I now help clients with diverse projects, keeping my work exciting and fresh every day. Best of luck! It's truly worth it!
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Aleks’s Answer

When I transitioned from community college to a university, I faced the same challenges as you. The classes were tougher, my grades slipped, and I doubted if accounting was the right path for me. However, three important reasons kept me going:

1. Accounting offers stable work and opens doors to other corporate jobs.
2. I made great friends in my classes who became study partners.
3. I feared wasting the time I'd already invested (not the best reason, but it was real for me).

Looking back, I'm grateful I persevered. I graduated in 2007, and my degree gave me the freedom to explore different opportunities until I found my fit. Accounting allowed me to work in various roles, from sales to finance, and even labor, which I enjoyed but knew wasn't sustainable long-term. It was reassuring to know I could always return to accounting if needed. Now, I work in Consulting for Accounting Software and manage projects, which I love. Without my accounting degree, reaching this point would have been much harder, if not impossible. Only you can decide what's best for you, but I hope my story inspires you to keep going!
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Ashley’s Answer

Hi Emily,

From reading your post, I think my first thought is: if you aren't enjoying your studies, what IS it about a Big Four partnership job that is desirable to you? We all definitely go through seasons where the work we do isn't enjoyable, but we are still called to those careers. At the same time, I would encourage you to really assess what it is about a Big Four partnership career that does appeal to you. Is it just the stability? The prestige? The income? Or maybe it is the work itself! And that's great. These are great questions to ask and mull over now. If you ask yourself the hard questions not about WHY you want that job, you'll probably either (1) come out more determined to push through this tough season or (2) you may realize that the reasons you want a Big Four partnership role are not limited to an accounting/tax job and could be achieved via a field of study that is more engage and fulfilling.

My thoughts above are not meant to discourage, but meant to provoke a different perspective and help you consider pieces of this scenario beyond "just" the immediate tax/accounting aspect of this. I hope it's helpful and you are able to recognize what you are called to do in this life!
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Alina’s Answer

I've loved accounting ever since I was a kid. I used to play in my mom's shop, pretending to sell products, count them, and handle the money from customers. It was so much fun! When I think about accounting in the real world, I remember why I chose it in the first place. If it still makes you happy, keep going, find your strength, and things will turn out great before you know it!
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Shanna’s Answer

Hi Emily,

What you are feeling and going through is completely normal! You are in the hardest part of your college career on top of balancing jobs while being a full time student, I did this through college myself as well while majoring in accounting. What I can say is you're getting real life experience right now of learning how to balance many pieces of your life and the stress that comes with it, not everyone gets that before they get into the professional setting of how stressful any career can be. You are so much closer to being done then it feels right now, it will be worth it!

When it comes to the tax piece, don't stress if you end up not wanting to do Tax. The great news is, accounting/tax is a great general background and you are not tied to it forever!

I agree that you absolutely should take the internship because I can tell you that I don't remember most of what I learned in college because what I do on a daily basis with colleagues and clients is so different. Actually my internship is what accelerated me into my senior year to want to finish strong because I was very excited about what life looked like after college. This was a big incentive to push through, I had a job offer at a good firm right out of college to look forward to in a new town. After your internship, if you find out tax isn't for you, so many firms and maybe even the firm you intern with could offer another internship that isn't tax. Again, tax/accounting is just the foundation of many careers in public accounting. And if you are wanting a corporate job, many corporate businesses prefer someone with some sort of bigger firm experience. Don't be discouraged yet!

Also, you are taking some of the more difficult foundation classes, go to tutoring and build relationships with your professors (this was huge for me).

Shanna recommends the following next steps:

Take the Internship!
Explore other accounting internships if the first one isn't a fit.
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Patrick’s Answer

Great question Emily.

Some suggestions:
1. Set up study sessions with your classmates
2. Consider working with a tutor to assist you with difficult topics
3. Join the Accounting Society or a similar on-campus club

Awesome to hear that you've landed the internship - this will really highlight whether or not accounting is the right fit for you by giving you real exposure to the work. Always remember - careers aren't always a linear path, I started off in Finance, moved to Accounting, and now in Consulting. Sometimes it just takes work experience to know where you want to go next. Hope this helps!
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Jess’s Answer

Keep going! You're likely feeling stressed with everything you're juggling. We're just getting past the busy season, so things will improve. I've been doing this for years, and I can tell you that while it can be tough, it's also very rewarding, especially if you enjoy being organized and paying attention to details.
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Marc’s Answer

Why aim for a Big 4 partnership if you're not really into accounting? If it's mostly about the paycheck, think it over. Becoming a partner can take 10 to 20 years of late nights and tight deadlines, and AI is changing the field faster than many realize. Yes, partners earn a lot, but there are many other careers where you can make good money without doing work you don't enjoy.

Before diving in, get an internship at a Big 4 or a reputable accounting firm. Talk to associates, managers, and partners. Ask what they love, what frustrates them, how the partner track works, and how automation is affecting their jobs. These talks will show you the ups, downs, and sleepless nights.

Remember, a Big 4 firm isn't just about tax returns and audits. They have teams for valuation, M&A advisory, forensic accounting, cyber risk, and various consulting groups. Try a few areas to see what interests you. If accounting still feels dull, consider corporate finance, investment management, fintech, or anything that suits your skills and interests. Ultimately, choose a path that truly excites you, not just one that boosts your bank account, because a long career is much easier when you enjoy what you do.
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Celeste’s Answer

It can be difficult to gauge what a career in public accounting looks like from college courses alone. The courses at school are designed to expose you to a lot of different concepts/scenarios in a very small amount of time making it feel confusing and overwhelming. However, when you start a career in public accounting, you see the same scenarios/issues frequently and essentially learn to specialize in the area that you work. I completed my degree in accounting and did a tax compliance internship at a Big 4 firm during my senior year of college - it was a wonderful experience, but I learned over the 12 weeks that tax compliance was not for me. Additionally, what I thought I wanted (a Big 4 career) was also different than expected. I ended up finding another internship opportunity for a specialized tax group (not compliance) after I graduated college at a smaller firm - I found it to be a very good fit and enjoyed the work much more than my previous internship. Don't be afraid to try and pivot your career plans as needed - you will find the right fit for you!
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Pam’s Answer

Hi Emily!

I totally understand how you're feeling. Accounting can be tough, but you’ve got this! Try joining a study group with other students; it helped me a lot. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors and TAs—they’re there to help you succeed. Keep going, and don’t get discouraged—you will make it through! An internship is a fantastic opportunity, and my time in public accounting was amazing. Give the internship a try—it can teach you so much and confirm that this is the right path for you.

Good luck!
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Jame’s Answer

Hi Emily, accounting is certainly a tough major, I and many other also struggled and I'd admit junior year was my most challenging year. Intermediate 2, tax and cost accounting were not easy to get through, but the process is rewarding once you get through it. It also sounds like you have a lot on your plate with you part time and internship. A few things I wish I knew when I was in your position is that it's okay to ask for help. Going out of your way to let your professors know what your situation is can help them help you! Most professors are very understanding; they may help provide you resources or one on one help during office hours. Also, with your internship I'd take this as a learning opportunity and not put too much pressure on yourself in feeling like you have to stick with Tax! Many interns I've mentored and worked walked around the office and talked to other people working in different industries and sectors and ask them about their career. This can help you find out your own interest or if Tax is for you! I know it's hard to manage stress when you're going through it but do small things for yourself that help keep your mind in a peaceful state perhaps take walks, schedule time with friends or family to have something to look forward to! Keep up the hard work, you got this!
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Peter’s Answer

Stay the course! College can be tough for many reasons, and accounting classes might feel repetitive and dull at times. However, they don't fully represent what working in public accounting will be like. You seem dedicated and interested in this field, so keep going! Remember, an accounting major is valuable for many careers, not just public accounting. It's a skill set that employers appreciate in various fields. Keep pushing through!
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Lexie’s Answer

It's okay to not work at one of the Big-4! Much as Jake mentioned, you can absolutely have a satisfying career at a smaller, regional firm. From my experience, the regional firms have a better work-life balance and are often involved in the community you live in! It's actually pretty cool to be driving and recognize names of the clients you serve! You can be "corporate" without being at one of the Big-4 . While I can't speak from personal experience at the Big-4, I do have many colleagues who were burnt out after 3-5 years and pivoted to private or industry accounting. This is not to scare you, but an honest observation. Research some local firms and see if they could align with your goals - you'd be surprised.

Yes, junior year will be your hardest. Don't be afraid to utilize your resources - including office hours, study groups, the tutoring center, etc. Sometimes things come easy to us, and sometimes they don't. Seems like if this is truly what you strive to do in life (even if it's not at the Big-4), you may have to work on it a little harder.

You'll certainly have a better grasp on your feelings after your internship in 2026, but until then, utilize those resources that are available.
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Danni’s Answer

Hi! It is great that you were given an opportunity to intern at a big 4 accounting firm. It can be an outstanding starting point for your resume. As for whether you want to resume as an accounting professional, I suggest you try out interact with accounting professionals in different fields, such as tax, audit, consulting and many more. Ask them about their daily tasks and career development. This way, you can at least have a big picture of what it is like in each fields other than just learn them from the textbook.
Personally, I am not a traditional accounting student. I did accounting classes and studied for my CPA exams while I was a stay-at-home mom. My advice on difficult learning curves is that you seek different resources and form a study group. Stay positive and don't give up.
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Rosanna’s Answer

I too felt that my junior year in college was the hardest. I was discouraged when a peer of mine landed an internship at my top choice firm, and I didn't. However, I kept on attending professional networking events, participated in study groups, joined a business fraternity group which all led me to where I am today. I think you are on the right path, and doing all the right things. You may find that Tax, or the Big4 isn't the right path for you - and that's OK! There are SO many branches of accounting, so many opportunities, that you will find your strengths, your likes, dislikes, along the way. All of your experiences will shape you, and keep reaching for your goals. Have fun during your internship, network, and plan to take your CPA exam. You can still have a very successful corporate career outside of Big 4.
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Jamey’s Answer

I encourage you to reevaluate after your internship. Have you considered an audit internship to see if you prefer audit to tax? Public accounting is definitely a demanding and at times stressful career, however you do get to work on a variety of projects, and it keeps accounting interesting. I believe the hands-on experience will help clear things up for you. There is a lot you can do with an accounting degree, it's a strong foundation for business roles. If public accounting/big 4 isn't for you there are smaller firms, industry, and many other options you can pivot to.
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Anima’s Answer

I understand how tough things can be right now. Accounting isn't as simple as it seems, but don't give up! Keep pushing forward. Look for a tutoring assistant at your school—they can be a big help. Joining groups focused on accounting or finance can connect you with other students who feel the same way. An internship is a great way to see if this career path is right for you. Also, make sure to check out career fairs and workshops. You've got this!
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Jephte’s Answer

I know it's tough right now, but you're not alone! I remember feeling unsure about my major near the end of college too. If I could go back, I'd tell myself to imagine what I want my life to be like in five years. Write it down so you can see it clearly. Then, look at how choosing accounting fits into that vision. If there’s a good match, keep going! Your hard work will pay off. But if it doesn't fit well, think about other careers that match the life you want. See if you can use what you’ve learned to move into a new field without starting from scratch. Keep believing in yourself!
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Gregory’s Answer

I'm a firm believer in following what your passion is. Life will take you on many adventures, and even if it something completely different there's nothing wrong with that.

I thought I was going to be an Occupational Therapist, and now I work in accounting. So you may start in one direction, and find a career you truly want to do.
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Olivia’s Answer

Hi Emily,

Junior year was my toughest too, and like you, I switched majors—from Animal Science to Mathematics with a focus on accounting. During that time, I juggled a full-time job at a call center and cared for two small children. It was incredibly challenging, and I struggled with my exams. But a few key things helped me regain my confidence and enthusiasm. The most important was the support of the people around me. I was fortunate to have friends at school and a supportive husband who believed in me even on my hardest days. I also committed to joining study groups and sought a job in my chosen field to gain practical experience and knowledge.

After finishing school, I quickly realized that accounting wasn't where I wanted to focus my career. I felt uncertain about my next steps until a friend introduced me to the consulting and technology field. This path allowed me to use my accounting skills while enjoying better pay and flexibility, which was perfect for supporting my family.

The best advice I can offer is to explore the less obvious career paths that accounting might open for you, like technology. You never know where your journey might lead, so don't feel discouraged if accounting doesn't seem like the perfect fit. It doesn't mean you've wasted your time or money, nor does it mean you'll be stuck in a job you don't enjoy. Keep an open mind, and exciting opportunities might just be around the corner.
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Thomas’s Answer

I don't have a background in accounting but I do work at a major accounting and consulting firm. My line of work within our firm is in information technology. Our customers are companies that need new software systems to run their business. The software systems themselves are called "ERP" systems or "enterprise resource planning" systems. These systems help companies keep all their operations in one place, in one software. They can help you keep track of inventory, manufacture, HR, payroll, etc, etc. At their core, all of these systems are accounting systems. They help you track all the money coming into the business and all the money going out. We have specialists that help our customers configure, learn, test, and deploy each area of the system and it can take 6 months to a few years to deploy a single project and get the customer operating. Our team members on each project specialize in all the areas a customer needs to be successful (manufacturing, inventory, integrations, sales, purchasing, and accounting). It's extremely valuable to have a background in accounting. You can get a degree in accounting but it doesn't mean you have to be an accountant. You can have a very fulfilling career as a person with knowledge and training in accounting without ever being an accountant yourself. Consulting firms that deliver business management systems will often hire and train new grads in the technology. Likewise, management consulting firms deliver professional and advisory services and would also find a background in accounting useful. You can treat accounting as a stepping stone to other career paths. Get your degree, get some experience as an accountant, and then transition to the advisory career paths that interest you!
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Victoria’s Answer

When I was in college I knew that I wanted to do something in business and finance, but not sure which exact direction. The nice thing is that the business major at my university allowed me to take classes in many different areas of finance and business. There were classes I enjoyed and ones that I didn't. There were also classes that were more challenging than others. My recommendations would be to stick with it and explore as many classes as possible. College allows for a great opportunity to explore different topics and classes. There were some accounting classes I liked and some that I didn't. However, I enjoyed the finance and investment classes the most and thought that would be my career path. I also really enjoyed my economics classes and took enough to get a minor in economics. I started in retail banking, but quickly knew it was not for me and as a second job I ended up working very entry level job at a local CPA firm, I grew to love the business and eventually took additional classes after graduation to have enough accounting units to sit for the CPA exam. I have now been in the industry for 20 years and still do Tax. Many people end up in jobs that aren't exactly related to their major. College teaches you many skills that are adaptable and transferrable across many different professions and jobs. Don't feel like your decision today locks you in somehow into one particular area. You will be able to pivot if needed.
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Sandy Y’s Answer

First things first - recognize that accounting can be challenging, and that's perfectly fine! It's important to wait until after your internship to see how you truly feel about it. Remember, accounting is a wide field, so there might be parts you don't enjoy or fully grasp, and that's completely okay. Accounting offers many different paths, so it's normal if you find it tough sometimes. Build a support system and don't get discouraged if some topics are confusing or difficult. Reach out to your professors for advice and tips. Keep in mind, while accounting can be tough, it can also be very rewarding and can lead to many opportunities.
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Marin’s Answer

Wow, I feel like I could have written this 10 years ago. I intensely struggled with my tax courses at university, and I even had to retake one. It feels so counter intuitive coming from the GAAP world of Accounting 101. I ended up landing a full-time tax position at EY right out of school, and while it took a year or two, tax did eventually click for me. Tax just takes time and hands-on experience to wrap your mind around, you're not going to master it through college courses alone, so don't be too hard on yourself.

If you've managed to score a Big 4 internship, you're doing better than you think. Those things are gold and hard to come by, so if I were you, I'd hold off on switching for now and see it through. As an intern and later as a new staff, you really won't be expected to know anything. Your college classes lay down a general accounting groundwork, but the real learning happens on the job.

Lastly, if tax isn't for you, that's okay too. Big 4 (and accounting in general) has so many different service offerings - audit, consulting, forensic, tech, etc. All you need to do is get your foot in the door, do your best, and branch out from there. Whatever you choose now, remember you are not locked in for life.
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Christopher’s Answer

Hi Emily,
Intermediate accounting can be challenging and learning tax midway in your education can throw a wrench in your overall grasp. Getting comfortable with some level of stress and learning to manage it with various strategies is useful. The frustration of tackling new challenges does not stop at school; it happens all the time on the job. I think asking for help via tutors or your professor can be a big help. They can give you new perspective to help you understand the problem that you have never approached before. There is no need to always figure out things yourself.

The majority of people are not completely sure if they know what they are doing is correct at the beginning of a journey. Feeling hesitant is quite normal. I advise that you keep venturing through accounting. Be flexible and open. Big 4 might be the fit for you, it may not. The world of corporate career does not end at Big 4.

Enjoy the the journey. It has only just begin.
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William’s Answer

Thank you for being honest—what you’re feeling is completely normal, especially in junior year. Intermediate Accounting II and Tax are tough. Plus, managing two jobs and a remote internship is a lot, so it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

Struggling now doesn’t mean you’re not meant for accounting or a corporate career. These challenging classes are common hurdles. Remember, you can question your path without abandoning your dream.

Don’t limit yourself to one idea of success. The Big 4 is a well-known goal, but it’s not the only way to have a successful career in accounting. Not everyone finds happiness at a large firm, and that’s fine. Smaller or mid-sized firms can be fulfilling, offering chances to build strong client relationships, especially with small business owners. This personal connection can make the work more meaningful.

Use your upcoming internship to explore and think about what you enjoy. You don’t have to decide your entire future now—just stay open to what you like and don’t like. Let this experience guide your next steps, not dictate your whole career.

Finally, be kind to yourself. You’re handling a lot, and continuing to push forward shows your determination. Keep showing up, stay curious, and remember that your success can look different from anyone else’s.
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Danielle’s Answer

There are so many things you can do with an accounting degree! I would encourage you to ride out the internship to be certain whether you want to continue on a public accounting path. It will be great on your resume either way. I worked in public accounting (audit) for 2 years and then made the switch to family office. It's a degree that you can do anything in, however, you are early enough in your career that it's totally okay to make a switch. Best of luck!
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Jacob’s Answer

Hi Emily:

Sorry to hear you feel like you are not connecting with accounting/tax. Sometimes when we see accounting we only think of Tax accounting and that is the only way to be successful in the big 4 firms. Just like there are many types of law (I.e. real estate, tax, litigation, corporate, international) there are many avenues of being a successful accountant. If you feel like tax is not right for you, there is audit or consulting or even forensic. Speak with a qualified career coach on campus and explore the diff types of accountant avenues that there are. You will be surprised and maybe fall in love with something you did not even know was a possibility
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Manal’s Answer

Hi Emily. Accounting is definitely a tough field and Intermediate accounting 2 is tough, but once you get through it, there are so many fields of accounting that you can get into. I chose tax early on because I loved my tax course in college. Then I took on a couple of internships before graduating and loved the business and tax world. Your internship will give you a glimpse of what the work and environment will be like. Also, many companies offer stellar training for interns and first year hires. I'd encourage you to take advantage of the internship and learn as much as you can form it. If you end up sticking with accounting, you will have so many choices in the workforce, and it also makes for a very stable and secure career.
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Amanda’s Answer

I also remember questioning my choice in accounting as a third-year student. What I wish I would have known at that time is there are other career options outside of external audit and tax. I would suggest pursuing the internship and figuring out what service lines you're most interested in. While I have my degree in accounting, I found a rewarding career path working as a data analyst for a smaller public accounting firm in their Advisory services department. Internal audit is also a great career path to pursue if you enjoy learning how a business operates. You've come so far, so I would encourage you to push through and utilize your resources at school to help get you through your classes. Hopefully your internship will give you the opportunity to figure out the best career path for you.
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Kayla’s Answer

Hi Emily, I totally get how you're feeling—I felt the same way back in college. Big dreams and goals can be tough and sometimes not much fun, but they usually pay off in the end. Try teaming up with others who also want a career in corporate accounting. You can study together, go to career events, and talk to mentors. This can make your classes more enjoyable and help you reach graduation. Also, stick with your planned internship; it might give you a fresh perspective. You'll get a real taste of life in the corporate accounting world. Good luck with everything you choose to do!
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Sean’s Answer

Emily this is such an incredible question. In fact, I mentioned it to a co-worker of mine (we are combined over 20 years in public accounting) and he said “how did my question get on this website!?” So first and foremost, you are NOT alone and we even have these feelings come up still. Here is what I have learned in my career: this job is HARD but it is so worth it! My experience in school was extremely similar to this. I was taking those intermediate classes and when I watched some students where it just clicked I thought “this can’t be for me…” What I learned overtime is that there is no perfect path or perfect way to do this career. I am still not the most technical person but I have found a path and after 12 years I am hoping to make partner soon. I have worked hard, I have cried, I have laughed, I have screamed in frustration and in joy. Like every good thing in my life, this job is worth working hard for.

My advice: don’t quit. You’ve got this.
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namra’s Answer

Accounting is a hard course of study. and if you lack interest then you probably pursue something else, I would say give it a chance spend more time and give your best.
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Dominick’s Answer

Feeling overwhelmed during your junior year is completely normal. Intermediate Accounting II and Tax are some of the toughest courses, but remember, struggling now doesn’t mean you’re not meant for accounting. Balancing school, jobs, and an internship is a lot, and many students feel unsure at this stage. Keep in mind, real-world work can be quite different from what you learn in class. If tax doesn’t feel like the right path, that’s okay—your Big 4 internship will let you explore other areas like audit or advisory. Don’t rush into major decisions; focus on getting through this semester, be kind to yourself, and use your internship to discover what you truly enjoy.
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Bruna’s Answer

Hi Emily,
I think we've all been there. Completely normal what you are feeling.
Lots of good advice already in here but what I want to say is that my first job was at a Big 4. While it wasnt the perfect timing for me, it opened a lot of doors and even perspective of what i could within finance.
I ended up moving to one of their clients, moving to a different country and learning many things along the way.
So my advice to you, take a deep breath. Everyday school is a bit different from what you will see in your everyday work. Take the internship, dont miss the opportunity and see where it takes you. Remember to enjoy the ride :)
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Stella’s Answer

It's completely normal to feel this way—it doesn't mean accounting isn't for you. Sometimes it's just burnout or not yet finding the right fit. Accounting offers so many paths, and your journey is unique. Stay curious, connect with people in various roles, and keep exploring. You can still achieve that Big 4 partner dream—just allow yourself room to grow into it. A great way to explore is by trying different internships or part-time roles in accounting firms, like advisory, business operations, or tax. There might be more opportunities than you imagined!
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Angelica’s Answer

Hi Emily,
I can definitely confirm that Junior year is the absolute hardest year, and if I would have had the opportunity to give you some advice before this year of your life started, I would have told you to streamline your focus as best you can, even if it’s just for this year. Since the coursework is the hardest in this year, it would have been so beneficial to just focus on schoolwork and not split your focus between work and school, but I totally understand that is not always an option as well. However, the good news is that your junior year is behind you now, and you didn’t quit! That builds strength to draw on in the next challenge you will face in life.

The best advice I can give to get through hard times is to create a timeline and stick to it. It will give you something to push towards and something to reward yourself for when you achieve the next step. It is also really important to be kind to yourself and give yourself grace, too. Some days it’s more beneficial to take a break and a walk, than to keep beating yourself up over something that’s giving you trouble. Also, celebrate your little wins more than you agonize over any defeat and it will help to boost your morale. Anything worth doing is usually difficult, so don’t let that discourage you.

Keep in mind that there are so many different positions within accounting that offer exciting and challenging opportunities that have nothing to do with the “Big 4” accounting firms or tax. I feel that those firms don’t always do the best at growing and enriching those that work for them, and most are better served at various other level firms that align more with their own values and culture. In my opinion, accounting is a great profession because we help people maximize the potential of their limited resources and can really make a difference in the lives of those we serve! As a multi-faceted profession, I really can’t think of a better way to ensure a stable career in the corporate world, whether that be public or industry accounting. Starting in public could also put you ahead of other candidates for industry positions if you decide that public accounting isn’t for you later in your career journey.

I would absolutely wait until your internship to make any decisions and would also apply for as many different internship opportunities as possible! As a tax professional, I can attest to the many long hours that we work in the Spring and Fall during “busy season” to serve our clients. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you like solving problems and putting puzzles together without the reference picture, I can’t think of a better place to hone those skills! However, I also did audit and industry internships before I made the decision that tax was for me. Don’t be afraid to explore all the options you can find. The truth is, opportunity rarely knocks and can usually be found sitting in plain site where no one is looking for it, so don’t limit yourself. I started in for-profit tax as a generalist and found that I really enjoyed working with nonprofit entities and tax returns; now I feel that I have really found my happy place as a Nonprofit Tax Specialist, so just because you start in one place, doesn’t mean you have to stay there either.

My last piece of advice is to pass the CPA exam and get your license. It will be the hardest, and most rewarding, thing you will probably ever achieve professionally, but it is so worth it. The CPA license is a key that opens so many doors. There is a partner at our firm that jokes that his license is purely decoration for his office because he never uses it. He started off in a professional role but quickly found his calling in growth (bringing in new business for the firm) and now he spends his time with potential clients. He listens to their stories to understand their needs and helps them navigate all the services our firm can use to help their business. He could have never found his happy place for so many years within our firm without that license, and his day-to-day is so different than I’m sure he imagined it in his junior year of college.

I hope this helps, and I think the fact that you are taking the initiative to search for answers and advice is proof that you are doing a great job of ensuring your own success! I believe in you!

Angelica recommends the following next steps:

Review upcoming course load and evaluate the allocation of your focus.
Find a short go-to activity that helps relieve stress and refocus your mind.
Apply for as many different internships as possible.
Start choosing a review course for the CPA exam and studying. (I recommend Becker)
Determine the licensing requirements in your state.
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Angelica’s Answer

Hi Emily,
I can definitely confirm that Junior year is the absolute hardest year, and if I would have had the opportunity to give you some advice before this year of your life started, I would have told you to streamline your focus as best you can, even if it’s just for this year. Since the coursework is the hardest, it would have been so beneficial to just focus on schoolwork and not split your focus between work and school, but I totally understand that is not always an option as well. However, the good news is that your junior year is behind you now, and you didn’t quit! That builds strength to draw on in the next challenge you will face in life.
The best advice I can give to get through hard times is to create a timeline and stick to it. It will give you something to push towards and something to reward yourself for when you achieve the next step. It is also really important to be kind to yourself and give yourself grace, too. Some days it’s more beneficial to take a break and a walk, than to keep beating yourself up over something that’s giving you trouble. Also, celebrate your little wins more than you agonize over any defeat and it will help to boost your morale. Anything worth doing is usually difficult, so don’t let that discourage you.
Keep in mind that there are so many different positions within accounting that offer exciting and challenging opportunities that have nothing to do with the “Big 4” accounting firms or tax. I feel that those firms don’t always do the best at growing and enriching those that work for them, and most are better served at various other level firms that align more with their own values and culture. In my opinion, accounting is a great profession because we help people maximize the potential of their limited resources and can really make a difference in the lives of those we serve! As a multi-faceted profession, I really can’t think of a better way to ensure a stable career in the corporate world, whether that be public or industry accounting. Starting in public will also put you ahead of other candidates for industry positions if you decide that public accounting isn’t for you later in your career journey.
I would absolutely wait until your internship to make any decisions and would also apply for as many different internship opportunities as possible! As a tax professional, I can attest to the many long hours that we work in the Spring and Fall during “busy season” to serve our clients. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you like solving problems and putting puzzles together without the reference picture, I can’t think of a better place to hone those skills! However, I also did audit and industry internships before I made the decision that tax was for me. Don’t be afraid to explore all the options you can find. The truth is, opportunity rarely knocks and can usually be found sitting in plain site where no one is looking for it, so don’t limit yourself. I started in for-profit tax as a generalist and found that I really enjoyed working with nonprofit entities and tax returns; now I feel that I have really found my happy place as a Nonprofit Tax Specialist, so just because you start in one place, doesn’t mean you have to stay there either.
My last piece of advice is to pass the CPA exam and get your license. It will be the hardest, and most rewarding, thing you will probably ever achieve professionally, but it is so worth it. The CPA license is a key that opens so many doors. There is a partner at our firm that jokes that his license is purely decoration for his office because he never uses it. He started off in a professional role but quickly found his calling in growth (bringing in new business for the firm) and now he spends his time with potential clients. He listens to their stories to understand their needs and helps them navigate all the services our firm can use to help their business. He could have never found his happy place for so many years within our firm without that license, and his day-to-day is so different than I’m sure he imagined it in his junior year of college.
I hope this helps, and I think the fact that you are taking the initiative to search for answers and advice is proof that you are doing a great job of ensuring your own success! I believe in you!

Angelica recommends the following next steps:

Figure out a short activity that helps relieve stress and help refocus.
Find a CPA study-guide and start studying (I recommend Becker)
Apply for as many internships as you can find.
Review your coursework and allocation of focus (remember it's a limited resource!)
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Mineh’s Answer

Hi Emily, I can definitely understand the fatigue of junior year and the questions it can lead to. Can I still do this? Do I still want to do this? Is this the right path for me. I can answer the first one for you , you can definitely do this!! You seem incredibly hard working and you should be so proud of yourself. As for the other two questions, they are valid and can be a bit scary. I would encourage your to continue exploring those. You mentioned you want to be a partner at a Big 4. Try to speak with people who work at Big 4s in various stages on their career and have them tell you about their lives and try to imagine yourself in their shoes. Are they where you want to be in 2, 5, 10, 15 years? Do they have the LIFE you imagine for yourself, not just the career or job title you have always imagined for yourself. If the answer is not an enthusiastic YES then explore other options. I know it can seem daunting to think of switching gears but don't let that fear keep you stuck in a field that will not offer you the life you want. It is never too late! Especially as a Junior!! THIS is your time to explore!
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Candice’s Answer

Hi Emily! It seems like you have a lot going on with intermediate accounting and tax courses, which can be challenging. Remember, you're not alone—check if your university offers tutoring or connect with classmates to form a study group for the upcoming finals.

When stress starts to build, it's easy to lose focus, so try different ways to manage it and see what helps you. Even a short walk can do wonders for clearing your mind.

Keep chasing your dreams! An internship is a fantastic opportunity to experience the corporate world, especially with the Big 4. You've got this!
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