Public vs. Private Accounting: A guide to choosing which field is best for you
Class
Article
Graduation Year
2017
College
Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
Department
School of Accountancy
Faculty Mentor
Chad Simon
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Usually the big question among accounting students is tax or audit. However, there is a third option. Accounting students may find a carer in private accounting a better fit for them. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine which field of accounting will provide a student’s desired lifestyle and will lead the student to his or her ultimate career goal. It was easier for me to decide which field I wanted to peruse after experience public and private accounting through internships. The fields of private and public accounting are vastly different. These fields have different education requirements, encouraged certifications, working environments, day-to-day schedules, and future career opportunities. In addition to these factors, recruiting for a public accounting firm requires extra involvement including: networking events, summer leadership programs, and internships. Looking back on my experiences through the recruiting process, I hope to provide useful tips for meetings professionals, and what to expect during a summer leadership experience and internship. As I was searching for private accounting opportunities, I noticed most positions required previous work experience. I found several opportunities while finishing school to gain the experience employers require once students graduate. I hope sharing these potential opportunists will encourage students to take advantage of the work experiences available to them while they are still in school. Lastly, I hope to clarify for future students the requirements for the CMA and CPA , and the value these certifications provide.
I enjoyed both my internship experiences and the opportunities they provided for me to learn about public and private accounting. I hope by comparing the differences I noticed in these two field, I can help future accounting students determine which field of accounting they want to pursue and identify the step necessary for them to reach their ultimate career goal.
Location
Room 101
Start Date
4-13-2017 10:30 AM
End Date
4-13-2017 11:45 AM
Public vs. Private Accounting: A guide to choosing which field is best for you
Room 101
Usually the big question among accounting students is tax or audit. However, there is a third option. Accounting students may find a carer in private accounting a better fit for them. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine which field of accounting will provide a student’s desired lifestyle and will lead the student to his or her ultimate career goal. It was easier for me to decide which field I wanted to peruse after experience public and private accounting through internships. The fields of private and public accounting are vastly different. These fields have different education requirements, encouraged certifications, working environments, day-to-day schedules, and future career opportunities. In addition to these factors, recruiting for a public accounting firm requires extra involvement including: networking events, summer leadership programs, and internships. Looking back on my experiences through the recruiting process, I hope to provide useful tips for meetings professionals, and what to expect during a summer leadership experience and internship. As I was searching for private accounting opportunities, I noticed most positions required previous work experience. I found several opportunities while finishing school to gain the experience employers require once students graduate. I hope sharing these potential opportunists will encourage students to take advantage of the work experiences available to them while they are still in school. Lastly, I hope to clarify for future students the requirements for the CMA and CPA , and the value these certifications provide.
I enjoyed both my internship experiences and the opportunities they provided for me to learn about public and private accounting. I hope by comparing the differences I noticed in these two field, I can help future accounting students determine which field of accounting they want to pursue and identify the step necessary for them to reach their ultimate career goal.