6 answers
Abel
Student
Sherman, Texas
2
Questions
Asked
439 views
How much does starting at a community college impact my opportunities in accounting, particularly in terms of networking, internships, and recruiting by major firms? Would attending a university from the beginning provide a significant advantage, or can I achieve similar outcomes through the community college transfer pathway?
I will be graduating high school this May and plan to major in accounting. My dad already told me that he can't help me pay for college, so I am deciding between attending a community college, which I can afford, or enrolling directly in a university, which would require me to take out student loans.
6 answers
Nellie Bloom
Consultant
4
Answers
Matawan, New Jersey
Updated
Nellie’s Answer
Attending community college will not impact your opportunities at all. I attended community college and then transferred to a 4 year state school and had no issues getting recruited and hired by a Big 4 firm. Do yourself a favor and go to community college and do your best to graduate with as little student loans as possible. This will set you up for success in life.
Brad Rush
Certified Public Accountant
5
Answers
Moseley, Virginia
Updated
Brad’s Answer
Great question!
1. Starting at a community college won't hold back your accounting career if you transfer by junior year. Employers focus more on your GPA, internships, and when you graduate rather than where you began your studies.
2. Once you transfer to a university, you'll have access to the same networking opportunities, accounting clubs, career fairs, and recruitment channels as those who started there.
3. The timing of your internships matters more than where you started school. Being at a university by junior year sets you up for the important junior-to-senior summer internship that often leads to full-time job offers.
4. Starting at a university from day one only gives a small head start and doesn't justify taking on large student loans, especially in a field with standard early-career salaries.
5. Choosing the community college to university transfer path is a smart financial and professional move for accounting. It helps you reduce debt while still competing for roles at Big 4, national, and regional firms.
Wishing you success in your journey!
1. Starting at a community college won't hold back your accounting career if you transfer by junior year. Employers focus more on your GPA, internships, and when you graduate rather than where you began your studies.
2. Once you transfer to a university, you'll have access to the same networking opportunities, accounting clubs, career fairs, and recruitment channels as those who started there.
3. The timing of your internships matters more than where you started school. Being at a university by junior year sets you up for the important junior-to-senior summer internship that often leads to full-time job offers.
4. Starting at a university from day one only gives a small head start and doesn't justify taking on large student loans, especially in a field with standard early-career salaries.
5. Choosing the community college to university transfer path is a smart financial and professional move for accounting. It helps you reduce debt while still competing for roles at Big 4, national, and regional firms.
Wishing you success in your journey!
Cynthia Acosta
Senior Tax
3
Answers
Burlington, New Jersey
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
In my opinion, I don't see any downside for you; in fact, starting at a community college could save you a lot of money. I started at a community college and then transferred to a university to finish my degree. I was easily able to get involved with the accounting association, which led to internship opportunities with the Big 4 firms. My advice is to work very hard to keep your GPA high, because that is the key that will open every door for you.
Jacob Roberts
Consulting
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
I agree with the responses above that starting at a community college will not impact your ability to get an accounting job, as I followed the same path myself. What matters more is your attitude, your networking connections, and your knowledge. To break those down, knowledge comes from studying the subject, putting in the effort to truly understand the concepts from your classes, and not just memorizing information. In my experience, many of the people I met at community college were just as strong (if not stronger) than some of the students I encountered at university because they spent additional time outside the classroom learning more complex accounting topics. This can include staying current on industry news, studying how companies structure their financial statements, or learning how accounting processes work within different systems, including ERP platforms, to better understand bookkeeping practices.
The next piece is connections, which comes from putting yourself out there through clubs, activities, and professional opportunities, even when it feels uncomfortable at first. That helps you build confidence speaking with professionals in the field, share your interest, and demonstrate the knowledge you have worked hard to develop. Networking is a skill that many people continue to work on throughout their careers, but attending community college does not limit your ability to do it. There are many tools available to help you connect with others, such as LinkedIn or reaching out through friends and family who may know someone in the industry. Those conversations can help you learn the language of the profession and express your interest more effectively.
Finally, attitude is often more important than the school listed on your resume. People are more likely to remember your enthusiasm, positive mindset, and willingness to work hard than where you attended college. A strong attitude helps show that you are someone who stays optimistic and is ready to contribute, even when there is plenty of work to do. That is something fully within your control and can go a long way in helping you present your best self to others.
The next piece is connections, which comes from putting yourself out there through clubs, activities, and professional opportunities, even when it feels uncomfortable at first. That helps you build confidence speaking with professionals in the field, share your interest, and demonstrate the knowledge you have worked hard to develop. Networking is a skill that many people continue to work on throughout their careers, but attending community college does not limit your ability to do it. There are many tools available to help you connect with others, such as LinkedIn or reaching out through friends and family who may know someone in the industry. Those conversations can help you learn the language of the profession and express your interest more effectively.
Finally, attitude is often more important than the school listed on your resume. People are more likely to remember your enthusiasm, positive mindset, and willingness to work hard than where you attended college. A strong attitude helps show that you are someone who stays optimistic and is ready to contribute, even when there is plenty of work to do. That is something fully within your control and can go a long way in helping you present your best self to others.
Michelle Diaz, CPA
Senior Manager - Financial Statement Audit
4
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Abel!
Attending a community college can be a great start and won't limit your chances in accounting. The important time for recruiting is your junior year, so as long as you transfer by then, you'll be on track with your peers.
Make sure you know the requirements of the accounting program at the university you plan to transfer to. At my university, students had to take basic accounting courses there to enter the Professional Program in Accountancy (PPA). I took mine at a community college and had to submit a petition, but everything worked out fine. Knowing this ahead of time can help you be better prepared.
Attending a community college can be a great start and won't limit your chances in accounting. The important time for recruiting is your junior year, so as long as you transfer by then, you'll be on track with your peers.
Make sure you know the requirements of the accounting program at the university you plan to transfer to. At my university, students had to take basic accounting courses there to enter the Professional Program in Accountancy (PPA). I took mine at a community college and had to submit a petition, but everything worked out fine. Knowing this ahead of time can help you be better prepared.
Jordyn Bushnell
Finance, accounting, and consulting
5
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jordyn’s Answer
Starting at a community college will not have negative impact on your opportunity in accounting. I encourage you to get involved to demonstrate your interest in accounting and finance even in your community college. Look for classes related to finance and accounting if available. Join student organizations. Seek internship opportunities or job opportunities that will give you direct exposure to accounting and finance, with local businesses or with the community college. There could be accounting jobs on campus even - student associations, school newspaper, etc. all need finance work.
The biggest advantage you have in seeking accounting work is to be looking for internship opportunities right when you transfer. Internships before your last year of undergrad are the most critical for accounting jobs.
The biggest advantage you have in seeking accounting work is to be looking for internship opportunities right when you transfer. Internships before your last year of undergrad are the most critical for accounting jobs.
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