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Profiles of Accounting Majors
During my second semester here at FSU, I covertly lightened my course load and enrolled in ACG 2021 (the introductory financial accounting class) to see if I even liked and was able to DO accounting (since I really didn't know much about it). After a couple of weeks in the class I knew that accounting was what I wanted to do! I have always been good at math, and I love logic and numbers, so I came up with the idea of switching to accounting as my major. There are lots of numbers involved in accounting, plus I wanted to get into the business world. I found that I had dreams of climbing up the corporate ladder and being hugely successful -- something I wouldn't have had opportunity to accomplish as a music therapist. From that point, I took the necessary steps to apply for the masters program in accounting. I had completed two semesters in the graduate music therapy program before I decided to switch majors. As a music major, I would often look around and see non-music majors doing a lot of studying and I would feel bad for them! While we music majors did not have much studying to do, per se, we DID have to practice ... a LOT. Now that I'm on the other side, I find myself in the position of those people who I used to pity who had to do so much homework! Accounting involves a lot of dedication to studying outside of class, somewhat like practicing a musical instrument. Some of my students have commented that accounting is like a foreign language. In order to be successful, one must devote a great deal of time to studying the material, because it is not easy. It will all pay off in the end though, trust me! In five years I see myself in one of two positions: as a manager at the KPMG accounting firm, or owning my own practice with some friends I've made here in the College of Business at FSU. In ten years I hope to be on track to becoming a partner at KPMG or still owning my own practice. I also see myself in some undertakings on the side, like real estate and perhaps returning to school for tax law somewhere in the distant future. Only time will tell! An accounting degree prepares you for many opportunities in the business world! The goal I am currently pursuing is the completion of the CPA exam. I have already sat for three sections. My classes in the accounting department have helped make this a less daunting task. The FSU College of Business has much to offer: faculty who care about their students' well being, wonderful educational tools and resources, and a career fair that guides you towards a great career. As the student, you have to do your homework and find out about everything that is being offered, and then, take advantage of opportunities as much as you possibly can. My advice to a new accounting major would be to try not to put all the homework off until the end! While teaching the Introduction to Financial Accounting class as an accounting Teaching Assistant, I have seen many students wait to do the practice problems until the weekend before the exam. Then, inevitably, when it came time to take the exam, they did not do as well as they had hoped. Accounting is not the easiest subject and most of our classes revolve around problem solving. In order to do well, most students should practice the material way in advance of the test. In that way they will be familiar and comfortable when the teacher throws questions in with a twist on the general idea. Practice makes perfect. Not just in music but in accounting too! Tallahassee is a college town and there's lots of college fun to be had here. Students coming to Tallahassee to attend school should be mindful of this and not lose sight of what they are really here for -- an education. For those who can manage the social and educational aspects, Tallahassee is a great place to call home for a few years. I stayed here instead of going back home when I switched majors from music to accounting because I've always wanted to live in Florida. My initial goal I was pursuing at Florida State was to get a job somewhere in south Florida. FSU has helped me accomplish this by providing me with a great education, access to the accounting firms at Seminole Futures (the career fair), along with presentations by the members of various firms and mix and mingle at the weekly meetings of Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting honor society. My favorite aspect of studying at the College of Business at Florida State is definitely the student body. I have made so many friends while here, it is amazing. Accounting is without a doubt a very difficult major, so it helps to make friends with the people who are going through a similar experience. Everyone is more than willing to help their fellow classmates through the learning process. Being new to the state, I know staying here would have been much more difficult had it not been for all the great friendships I've made within the accounting department. As for the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program--we're all a big family! As I stated above, I have formed wonderful friendships with the students while I have been studying at FSU that I am sure will last for a lifetime. Most of us will soon be venturing off into the world of the Big Four accounting firms and we will have to stay in touch in order to share stories, vent and find comfort. Best of all, most of the people who I plan to stay in touch with will be moving down to south Florida right along with me! I will always have fond memories of the wonderful times I spent with the great people I met here who have also helped me in my studies. I have an 'accounting family,' a group of four of us who basically had the same classes. We would meet at my house to do homework and study together all weekend before a test. We would take breaks from our long study sessions and go to places like Fun Station or out to dinner to relax. Without them I'm positive I would not have prospered as well as I have. We will all be moving to the same place when we are done with our Masters degree, and I am sure they will always remain a part of my life. I know for sure that there are also many faculty members in the Accounting Department who will always be there for me down the road if I should ever need anything in terms of advice, resources, etc. Tiffany Loveless Masters Student |
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I have a degree in music and music has been my life since the fifth grade. I came to Florida State University after graduating from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor degree in music. While attending FSU and studying music therapy, I discovered that I wasn't enjoying myself. Don't get me wrong, the music therapy program is AMAZING and I learned a lot. I actually made the decision to come here to study music therapy because Florida State has one of the best programs in the country. But I started realizing early on that music therapy wasn't something I wanted to do for a living.