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Is there any regrets you have about choosing this career?
I am currently in college to get my degree in accounting.
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6 answers
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Lisa’s Answer
I feel great about my journey. I've spent 32 years with my firm, starting right after college, and it's been an amazing experience. Accounting is a fantastic skill that opens up a lot of doors. Even if you don't become a CPA, it's a solid foundation for many business careers or even for starting your own small business.
Steven Graham
Chief Accounting Officer, Corporate Controller, VP Finance
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Steven’s Answer
Ignacio,
Shannon’s answer is spot on from the viewpoint of someone new-ish to the industry. From the standpoint of someone that had over 40 years in accounting, the one thing that was clear throughout my career was that the skills you learn in a firm are transferable to any industry or specialty. When I interviewing for a tech firm in the dow jones 50, they asked me whether I was concerned about not ever being in that large a firm. My answer, which helped me get the job, was that accounting is accounting, this company just had more zeroes in their amounts. My suggestion would be not to specialize too early, if that’s what you think about doing, so that you don’t box yourself in. Good luck.
Shannon’s answer is spot on from the viewpoint of someone new-ish to the industry. From the standpoint of someone that had over 40 years in accounting, the one thing that was clear throughout my career was that the skills you learn in a firm are transferable to any industry or specialty. When I interviewing for a tech firm in the dow jones 50, they asked me whether I was concerned about not ever being in that large a firm. My answer, which helped me get the job, was that accounting is accounting, this company just had more zeroes in their amounts. My suggestion would be not to specialize too early, if that’s what you think about doing, so that you don’t box yourself in. Good luck.
Updated
Saul’s Answer
Hi Ignacio!
I’m from Mexico City, and just like you, I’m studying Accounting. I’m currently in my last semester of the degree!
Honestly, I don’t regret choosing this career, but during my first year I almost dropped out. At that time, I wasn’t comfortable with my professors or the classes, and I didn’t like the program at all.
However, one day I met a finance professor who really opened my mind. I realized that Accounting offers many different subjects and career paths you just need to find the one that fits you. I believe that if you don’t feel it’s the right choice, even after putting in your best effort, and you can’t see yourself working in that field in the future, it’s okay to choose something else and study a different career.
Hope this helps.
Nice talking to you, and I wish you the best!
I’m from Mexico City, and just like you, I’m studying Accounting. I’m currently in my last semester of the degree!
Honestly, I don’t regret choosing this career, but during my first year I almost dropped out. At that time, I wasn’t comfortable with my professors or the classes, and I didn’t like the program at all.
However, one day I met a finance professor who really opened my mind. I realized that Accounting offers many different subjects and career paths you just need to find the one that fits you. I believe that if you don’t feel it’s the right choice, even after putting in your best effort, and you can’t see yourself working in that field in the future, it’s okay to choose something else and study a different career.
Hope this helps.
Nice talking to you, and I wish you the best!
Updated
Dranreb’s Answer
I am happy I chose a career in accounting. The skills I have learned can be used in many different jobs in business. Accounting also helps you understand how companies work. Plus, it gives you the chance to meet and learn from many different people in the business world.
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Danna’s Answer
Hi Ignacio, I hope you're doing great!
I'm also in my last semester of studying accounting. I really love it and don't regret choosing this path. Sure, there are ups and downs. Sometimes you have to work a lot, even during holidays, and busy seasons can be overwhelming. Good time management is key, or it can get stressful. The work often goes unnoticed, which can be a bit frustrating. But on the bright side, there's always something new to learn, which is very rewarding. You get to understand how companies work, which can lead to high-level positions. Plus, you can work in any type of business that interests you, so it's really flexible. Don't worry, you'll find your way and discover what you enjoy. If it doesn't feel right, you can always choose something you're passionate about. The most important thing is to be happy.
I'm also in my last semester of studying accounting. I really love it and don't regret choosing this path. Sure, there are ups and downs. Sometimes you have to work a lot, even during holidays, and busy seasons can be overwhelming. Good time management is key, or it can get stressful. The work often goes unnoticed, which can be a bit frustrating. But on the bright side, there's always something new to learn, which is very rewarding. You get to understand how companies work, which can lead to high-level positions. Plus, you can work in any type of business that interests you, so it's really flexible. Don't worry, you'll find your way and discover what you enjoy. If it doesn't feel right, you can always choose something you're passionate about. The most important thing is to be happy.
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
That’s a great question. I would honestly say no — I don’t regret choosing this career. What I’ve come to appreciate over time is that accounting is much broader than most people expect.
When I was younger, my reasoning was pretty simple: “I’m good at numbers and math, so accounting makes sense.” What I didn’t realize then was how much the career would stretch beyond numbers. It has exposed me to different industries, business models, leadership styles, and strategic decisions. I’ve worked with people across various roles and learned how organizations truly function.
Because the profession is so broad, it has allowed me to build highly transferable skills — analytical thinking, communication, project management, and understanding risk and strategy. Those skills can move across industries and even into consulting or other business roles.
That said, I also recognize that certain paths within accounting can be more specialized and may not feel as easily transferable. I started in audit, which gave me exposure to many industries and functions early on. Other paths may offer deeper specialization, which can still be valuable — it just shapes your trajectory differently.
If anything, what surprised me most is how much the work involves communication, critical thinking, and understanding people — not just calculations.
No career is perfect, and there are busy seasons and challenges. But I don’t view accounting as one rigid choice — I see it as a strong foundation that has opened doors I didn’t even know existed when I started.
So no, I don’t regret it. It’s evolved with me — and that’s what makes it feel right.
When I was younger, my reasoning was pretty simple: “I’m good at numbers and math, so accounting makes sense.” What I didn’t realize then was how much the career would stretch beyond numbers. It has exposed me to different industries, business models, leadership styles, and strategic decisions. I’ve worked with people across various roles and learned how organizations truly function.
Because the profession is so broad, it has allowed me to build highly transferable skills — analytical thinking, communication, project management, and understanding risk and strategy. Those skills can move across industries and even into consulting or other business roles.
That said, I also recognize that certain paths within accounting can be more specialized and may not feel as easily transferable. I started in audit, which gave me exposure to many industries and functions early on. Other paths may offer deeper specialization, which can still be valuable — it just shapes your trajectory differently.
If anything, what surprised me most is how much the work involves communication, critical thinking, and understanding people — not just calculations.
No career is perfect, and there are busy seasons and challenges. But I don’t view accounting as one rigid choice — I see it as a strong foundation that has opened doors I didn’t even know existed when I started.
So no, I don’t regret it. It’s evolved with me — and that’s what makes it feel right.