I once had a professor who used the phrase “real world” a lot. Well, actually I took four of his classes. Either way, I have now experienced my first few weeks of the real world. The REAL WORLD of ACCOUNTING.

Now, I know that does not have the same ring to it that the MTV show does, but let me tell you, it is a lot of fun. My audit classes could never quite prepare me for this, but they did give me a great foundation. Initially the tasks I was assigned scared me, but there are so many people that are willing to help, I soon realized there was nothing to be afraid of. I have been on two different clients so far. One was a large mutual fund and the other was a Fortune 500 company. Very different types of audits, so the skill sets needed are slightly different. Just as they told us in recruiting, this is a fast-paced job. If this is what you want, stay in accounting because it is quick. The hours are long and the job is tough, but I love it.

One of the key pieces of knowledge I have gained is about the industry that I have worked on. This hands-on experience with a mutual fund is priceless. Apparently, only four offices can really serve mutual fund clients because of the experience, so I am sure this will come in handy down the road.

On a lighter note, I am rather pleased with my ten-key skills. Now, I know this sounds nerdy…but let’s face it…I am an accountant. It is kind of fun keeping one’s head down, pounding those keys, and plugging away. There are times that two hours goes by and I would finish a task thinking, “Where has the day gone?”

I have a few more clients to go, but so far, so good. Hope all is well back at UT, Hook ’em