4 answers
Alyssa
Student
McSherrystown, PA
1
Question
Updated
249 views
How did you decide which type of accounting was right for you?
I'm a current high school senior, planning to attend Shippensburg University for my bachelor's in accounting. How would I know whether tax, auditing, corporate, or forensic is best for me?
Login to comment
4 answers
Tina Austin
Auditor
2
Answers
Springfield, Missouri
Updated
Tina’s Answer
Great question! Overall I would explore all of them. Also consider looking at being an insurance premium auditor. This field has lots of growth potential in the future. Large commercial insurance company's will have many vacancy positions as older auditors retire. Best of luck!
Bruce Lane
I am a CPA and now work in Software Sales with Microsoft.
8
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Bruce’s Answer
Alyssa, gaining experience will be key in finding the right path for you. Try to connect with mentors who have backgrounds in public accounting and industry, like your university professors. It's important to explore each area of accounting yourself. Early in my career, I had the chance to try different fields, and it was really helpful. Look for jobs at firms that let you experience both audit and tax, at least. Keep in mind that bigger firms might not offer a wide range of experiences. You’ve got this, and exploring these opportunities will guide you to the right fit!
Alexandra Grashkina-Hristov
International Tax Professional
188
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Alyssa, I chose to go into tax after a 10-week internship during the summer after my second year of law school. Even though I'm not a CPA, I found tax fascinating because of this hands-on experience. Now, I'm a lawyer working in tax, and I love it. It's tough to decide on a career without trying it out and seeing what it's like day-to-day. That's why internships and talking to people in different fields are so important. I ended up in a career I didn't expect, so keep an open mind and explore various options. Remember, your college major or even a graduate degree doesn't have to dictate your career path. You get to decide that!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Alyssa. As a lecturer who teaches accounting and business courses, I can tell you that most students don't know right away which type of accounting is best for them. That's completely normal. Most people figure it out by taking different classes, trying internships, and noticing what type of work feels comfortable and interesting.
A helpful first step is understanding the differences between each field. Tax accounting is about preparing tax returns, learning tax rules, and helping people or companies plan their finances. It's good for people who enjoy detailed work and solving problems. Auditing means checking financial records to make sure everything is correct and follows the rules. This is a good fit if you like investigating, asking questions, and working in teams. Corporate accounting takes place inside a company, helping with budgeting, financial statements, and internal decision-making. It's ideal for students who want stability and enjoy being part of a long-term team. Forensic accounting deals with fraud, money crimes, and financial investigations. If you enjoy solving mysteries and looking for clues, this might be exciting for you.
Your first two years of college will give you time to take introductory classes in each area, and these courses often make your interests clearer. Ask yourself: Which topics make you curious? Which assignments feel fun or satisfying? Which ones feel boring or stressful? Your reactions can help point you toward the right specialty.
Internships are also extremely helpful. Even one short internship or job-shadowing experience can teach you more about a field than reading about it. Many students discover what they want to do simply by trying something hands-on. Sometimes you'll be surprised, something you never thought you'd like might end up being the perfect fit. All the best to you.
A helpful first step is understanding the differences between each field. Tax accounting is about preparing tax returns, learning tax rules, and helping people or companies plan their finances. It's good for people who enjoy detailed work and solving problems. Auditing means checking financial records to make sure everything is correct and follows the rules. This is a good fit if you like investigating, asking questions, and working in teams. Corporate accounting takes place inside a company, helping with budgeting, financial statements, and internal decision-making. It's ideal for students who want stability and enjoy being part of a long-term team. Forensic accounting deals with fraud, money crimes, and financial investigations. If you enjoy solving mysteries and looking for clues, this might be exciting for you.
Your first two years of college will give you time to take introductory classes in each area, and these courses often make your interests clearer. Ask yourself: Which topics make you curious? Which assignments feel fun or satisfying? Which ones feel boring or stressful? Your reactions can help point you toward the right specialty.
Internships are also extremely helpful. Even one short internship or job-shadowing experience can teach you more about a field than reading about it. Many students discover what they want to do simply by trying something hands-on. Sometimes you'll be surprised, something you never thought you'd like might end up being the perfect fit. All the best to you.