Career Transition Options

After graduating from college, former students are eager to put their degrees to work. An accounting degree is extremely appealing to many employers due to its versatility. This versatility gives job seekers a wide variety of choices when selecting their future careers.

An accounting degree is so diverse that many career avenues are open to graduates. For many, working in public accounting seems like an appealing option. While working in public accounting, you have the opportunity to learn much about the accounting profession, as well as the client companies that you work on, in a relatively short period of time. The rapid experience you gain leads to increased responsibility and rapid career advancement. There is so much to learn and experience that it is not surprising that your first month of work will turn into your first year in the blink of an eye.

In public accounting, you can work closely with many coworkers, senior client management and other businesspersons. Because of this invaluable experience, it is not uncommon for those in public accounting to advance quickly. After two years, many earn opportunities to lead the day-to-day operations of engagements, and after five years it is not uncommon to be promoted to manager.

Public accounting is diverse, and the first area you choose may not feel right to you. For example, you may become an auditor. It is great if you get through your first year and you love what you are doing, however, that is not always the case. It often seems that in order to know what you want to do in your career you need to explore multiple aspects of the profession. While it may seem like a daunting task to choose a career path by changing from one position to another, it is actually not that difficult early in your career. Here are a few career transition options:

Transfer Within Your Company
Whether your first job is in the public or private sector, many employers are ready to assist you with the transition to a new career option within the organization. Interact with employees across various functions and explore what they do. This allows you to build a resource network to assist with your transfer. This network is invaluable and will help facilitate the process. Communicate with your managers, coaches and supervisors so that they understand what you want from your career. If you are good at what you do and show loyalty to your employer, you will often find that the company will be more than willing to assist with a transfer.

Switching Companies
If you cannot find an opportunity at your present company, there may be other opportunities in the marketplace. One benefit of an accounting degree is that virtually every business employs accountants in one way or another. While it is never too late to consider a career change, it is generally easiest to do so early in your career. If you choose this path, make your transition in a professional manner, such as give your old employer ample notice and tie up as many loose ends as possible.

An accounting degree is very versatile offering many career options. Each person takes a different path and has different career aspirations. Keep an open mind and choose what fits in with your interests and personal goals.

Michael Levy is an Audit In-charge at Deloitte & Touche LLP and member of Tomorrow’s CPA Editorial Board.