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How can I use a career in finance or accounting to create opportunities for myself but also for my family and community?
I am currently a high school senior preparing to enter college. I am interested in finance and accounting because I enjoy working with numbers and problem solving. I am interested in financial budgeting and analysis. I will be the first in my family to go to college, is there any advice as how to navigate such a new environment?
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10 answers
Updated
Roger’s Answer
Hi Itzel,
I was the first in my family to go to college, too, and I want to share some tips that helped me. Try sitting in the front of the class to stay focused. Use index cards for notes and definitions, and keep them handy in your pocket to review whenever you have a moment. When buying textbooks, check if there's a workbook that goes with them. Many professors use these for exams, so it can be really helpful. You've got this!
Best,
Roger
I was the first in my family to go to college, too, and I want to share some tips that helped me. Try sitting in the front of the class to stay focused. Use index cards for notes and definitions, and keep them handy in your pocket to review whenever you have a moment. When buying textbooks, check if there's a workbook that goes with them. Many professors use these for exams, so it can be really helpful. You've got this!
Best,
Roger
Updated
Margaret’s Answer
Hi Itzel,
I was just like you back in high school! I loved math too and even started college aiming for a degree in secondary education math. Later, I switched to Finance with a minor in Mathematics. After graduating, I landed a job as a financial manager at a big company, handling large budgets for key clients. Every day brings new challenges, which keeps things interesting.
If you're thinking about Accounting, it's good to learn about the CPA test and how it can shape your career. For Finance, you might consider going for a CFA, or explore other areas like I did. In my job, I manage a huge global budget and work with people from all over the world. I have to explain complex numbers to those who aren't as into math and numbers. I love making spreadsheets, but I'm also learning how AI can help with routine tasks, so I can focus on the bigger picture. It's important to know how to explain what the numbers mean to leaders making big decisions.
There's another path I wish I knew about earlier: Actuarial Science. If you love both finance and math, look into it and see if it sparks your interest.
Hope this helps!
Margaret
I was just like you back in high school! I loved math too and even started college aiming for a degree in secondary education math. Later, I switched to Finance with a minor in Mathematics. After graduating, I landed a job as a financial manager at a big company, handling large budgets for key clients. Every day brings new challenges, which keeps things interesting.
If you're thinking about Accounting, it's good to learn about the CPA test and how it can shape your career. For Finance, you might consider going for a CFA, or explore other areas like I did. In my job, I manage a huge global budget and work with people from all over the world. I have to explain complex numbers to those who aren't as into math and numbers. I love making spreadsheets, but I'm also learning how AI can help with routine tasks, so I can focus on the bigger picture. It's important to know how to explain what the numbers mean to leaders making big decisions.
There's another path I wish I knew about earlier: Actuarial Science. If you love both finance and math, look into it and see if it sparks your interest.
Hope this helps!
Margaret
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hi Itzel,
First off, congrats on being a first gen college student! That is such an incredible achievement, and something that I can guarantee your family is incredibly proud of.
In terms of career path, if you're interested in financial budgeting, and want to work with people, I'd highly suggest majoring in Accounting & Finance. I'd look into Financial Advisor programs and explore the CFP material. There's so many different avenues that you can pursue within Finance, and Financial Literacy is incredibly low in this country overall. Being a FA gives you the opportunity to educate people and truly make their lives better from a financial perspective.
You're able to join a big firm, start your own company, as well as have significant flexibility in controlling what you want to do with your career. While you will need to be studious and pass industry certification exams, it's a lucrative career that many people enjoy. Good luck on your journey!
First off, congrats on being a first gen college student! That is such an incredible achievement, and something that I can guarantee your family is incredibly proud of.
In terms of career path, if you're interested in financial budgeting, and want to work with people, I'd highly suggest majoring in Accounting & Finance. I'd look into Financial Advisor programs and explore the CFP material. There's so many different avenues that you can pursue within Finance, and Financial Literacy is incredibly low in this country overall. Being a FA gives you the opportunity to educate people and truly make their lives better from a financial perspective.
You're able to join a big firm, start your own company, as well as have significant flexibility in controlling what you want to do with your career. While you will need to be studious and pass industry certification exams, it's a lucrative career that many people enjoy. Good luck on your journey!
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Financial literacy is really important, and it's not talked about enough in school. As the first in your family to attend college, you have a wonderful chance to share what you learn with your friends and family. You can teach them about things like credit scores, taxes, and saving for the future. This knowledge can really help those around you. Plus, there are amazing opportunities to give back by volunteering with organizations that help people with their taxes.
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Jacob’s Answer
Hi Itzel,
Many college accounting and finance courses focus on how big businesses operate. While these courses are valuable, I would encourage you to also take a class relating to personal finance or financial planning if you would like to learn content that more directly applies to helping individuals.
Many college accounting and finance courses focus on how big businesses operate. While these courses are valuable, I would encourage you to also take a class relating to personal finance or financial planning if you would like to learn content that more directly applies to helping individuals.
Updated
Jared’s Answer
Itzel - I hope you're doing well! Congratulations on being admitted to college - that's a huge deal!
An accounting and finance degree and the skills you learn in either/both can help you and your family and your community tremendously. You will graduate and be in high demand if you stay strategic and keep your north star in mind. I say that because you are afforded so many different experiences in college, some can be distracting and knock you off your course. Don't be afraid to take the road less traveled & know you're never alone in this journey. Ask the questions and keep dreaming. We need more dreamers and can-doers like you have already proved to be. There are so many people out there itching to help you get to where you want to go.
I started my own company because I wanted to help my friends and family with their accounting/finance needs. I was fielding so many one off questions that I thought "hey I could start a little side gig." It's been an incredibly challenging, yet rewarding journey and I've been able to take what I've learned in school and actually apply it to real world scenarios, helping my family and all sorts of people with their financial and accounting needs. Rewarding yes, but even more rewarding is the extra time I get to spend with the people I love.
An accounting and finance degree and the skills you learn in either/both can help you and your family and your community tremendously. You will graduate and be in high demand if you stay strategic and keep your north star in mind. I say that because you are afforded so many different experiences in college, some can be distracting and knock you off your course. Don't be afraid to take the road less traveled & know you're never alone in this journey. Ask the questions and keep dreaming. We need more dreamers and can-doers like you have already proved to be. There are so many people out there itching to help you get to where you want to go.
I started my own company because I wanted to help my friends and family with their accounting/finance needs. I was fielding so many one off questions that I thought "hey I could start a little side gig." It's been an incredibly challenging, yet rewarding journey and I've been able to take what I've learned in school and actually apply it to real world scenarios, helping my family and all sorts of people with their financial and accounting needs. Rewarding yes, but even more rewarding is the extra time I get to spend with the people I love.
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Brian’s Answer
These fields offer great earning potential based on things like location, company, and job type. They are essential to all businesses, so there will always be opportunities, even with AI. Each field has endless options, whether you want to work locally or internationally. A career in accounting or finance lets you learn, connect with others, and build a career that helps you support your family or community in various ways. You can share your knowledge, inspire others to follow similar paths, and create a family legacy by exploring new opportunities. Keep improving your skills and believe in yourself.
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Nisheedha’s Answer
Hi Itzel,
Finance and accounting can be more than a career, They can be your toolkit for changing the math of your life. They can help you build stability for yourself, give your family better choices, and teach your community how money can work for them. As a first-gen student, your biggest advantage is curiosity, ask questions, use every campus resource, and do not pretend you already know the system. You are not just entering college, you are opening a door your family can walk through too.
Regards,
Ni
Finance and accounting can be more than a career, They can be your toolkit for changing the math of your life. They can help you build stability for yourself, give your family better choices, and teach your community how money can work for them. As a first-gen student, your biggest advantage is curiosity, ask questions, use every campus resource, and do not pretend you already know the system. You are not just entering college, you are opening a door your family can walk through too.
Regards,
Ni
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
Congratulations on starting college, especially as the first in your family. That's a huge achievement, and I wish you great success.
About your question: Finance helps us figure out how to best use our resources, which are always limited. By getting a good education, you'll be able to make better decisions about where to allocate these resources.
This could involve working in public administration or charity to directly help your community. It could also mean deciding if a private company should invest in a new factory, research, or other projects.
In short, your finance education will empower you to make smart investment choices that can benefit your entire community.
About your question: Finance helps us figure out how to best use our resources, which are always limited. By getting a good education, you'll be able to make better decisions about where to allocate these resources.
This could involve working in public administration or charity to directly help your community. It could also mean deciding if a private company should invest in a new factory, research, or other projects.
In short, your finance education will empower you to make smart investment choices that can benefit your entire community.
Updated
Dwight’s Answer
Hi Itzel,
I hope all is well! This is a great and important question. A career in finance or accounting can create opportunities by giving you skills that directly impact financial stability and decision-making. With knowledge in budgeting, saving, investing, and managing money, you can not only build a strong career for yourself but also help your family make smarter financial decisions and create long-term security. Over time, this can extend to your community as well whether it’s mentoring others, supporting small businesses, or helping people better understand their finances.
Navigating this path can feel new, but taking small, intentional steps makes a big difference. Get involved on campus, seek out mentors, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. These resources are there to help you succeed. Staying consistent, building confidence, and surrounding yourself with supportive people will help you adjust to the environment and make the most of the opportunities in front of you.
I hope this helps you in your journey. Please reach out with any additional questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
I hope all is well! This is a great and important question. A career in finance or accounting can create opportunities by giving you skills that directly impact financial stability and decision-making. With knowledge in budgeting, saving, investing, and managing money, you can not only build a strong career for yourself but also help your family make smarter financial decisions and create long-term security. Over time, this can extend to your community as well whether it’s mentoring others, supporting small businesses, or helping people better understand their finances.
Navigating this path can feel new, but taking small, intentional steps makes a big difference. Get involved on campus, seek out mentors, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. These resources are there to help you succeed. Staying consistent, building confidence, and surrounding yourself with supportive people will help you adjust to the environment and make the most of the opportunities in front of you.
I hope this helps you in your journey. Please reach out with any additional questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight