Tag Archives: choosing path

3rd Year Lessons – Track

There are a few things that we all learn through our experience in this program. Some of those things being Financial Accounting Concepts and Research and GAAP, and others being things worth laughing about. I prefer to laugh at those things.

In an attempt to post less than 1,000 words, I’ll post each of these topics on its own. Consider this Part 1.

Track

cfniSo, you’ve joined the program, and that’s about it. You’ve received acceptance and you kind-of know how to dress for orientation (more on that later), and you show up for said orientation and are handed a binder that contains everything you need to know inside of it. Everything is laid out for you, and all you need to do is choose. Choose what kind of accountant you’d like to be. No, really, it’s okay, just choose your track.

I think this moment frightens everyone. Sure, most of us probably have some idea of which track is the least appealing to us, but how on Earth are we supposed to jump right in and choose which direction in which we’d like to develop our accounting careers? The information provided about each track is great, and I think most students who end up in the MPA Program are receptive to statistics, and those are helpful also.

Here’s what you’ve probably already learned, that new 3rd years will be learning for years and years after you: this is not a make-or-break decision. This is not like the faction-choosing ceremony in Divergent. Your blood does not commit you to one track for life. While it’s a good idea to do some research on your own and really consider what your personal goals and interests are for your future career, your initial choice is really more of a place-holder until you either confirm it or decide to change it. I don’t know many students who have had a hard time doing this in time for recruiting season. I did it right before recruiting season. We are exposed to so much information and so many resources and professionals with personal experiences to share in our first semester of our 3rd year that it’s hard not to form an idea of which area of accounting best fits us individually. MPA career consultants are also incredibly helpful. No need to fret. You are not going to be factionless. (Last Divergent reference, swear.)