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Home > Archive > Certifications and IT jobs/Salaries > March 2002 > Chartered Accountant
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Chartered Accountant
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| What do you guys think about a Chartered Account position? I'm really thinking on doiing that instead of Computer Science. There is also much more money to make in accounting. I also want to take this because I live in Winnipeg, and there are no high tech IT jobs here, so I'm basically screwed if I choose IT, unless I move which is almost impossible. Anyways, what do you guys think about this, and comments would be appreciated, Thanks for your time,
Azam | |
| Nicole 2001-06-08, 10:02 am |
| Azam,
What you deside to do as a career is really something you need to decide for yourself. You seem pretty excited about technology, but that doesn't mean you have to make it your career. There are plenty of people who enjoy writing software in their spare time or being "The Geek" to their circle of friends.
I'm not going to tell you that money's not important -- but being happy with what you do is MORE important. Even so, very few accountants get rich or make huge amounts of money. So if that's the attraction... I think you're barking up the wrong tree.
I think there are more opportunities in Winnipeg than you may think, although those opportunities may be in consulting instead of on staff. Anymore *everyone* needs a computer geek. Contacts in college can do wonders for your career, and big companies love to recruit new college grads -- not necessarily in the same city. That's one way to get out of Dodge, er, Winnipeg, without worrying about starving.
Good luck! | |
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| Thanks for the reply.
What about this, Get a CS degree, and then an MBA, I hear MBA's are wanted all over the place, is that true?\
Thanks
Azam | |
| Omletteboy 2001-06-08, 3:34 pm |
| MBA is handy if you want to do management, but don't expect big bux once you get it. Here in Calgary, I met a person with MBA selling insurance... go figure. So it's not all glory, you still gotta work your way up.
Good money, be a plastic or neuro surgeon  | |
| Nicole 2001-06-08, 3:38 pm |
| BS/MBA? Love it! That's what I want to do. Eventually. I may be 40 before I get my BS, though
Once upon a time, having an MBA was the ticket to a fabulous job with a fat paycheck. So everyone went out and got their MBA's, and now it's a great thing to have, especially for those top level positions, but not a sinecure. You gotta have something else on the table besides just the MBA.
IMHO, the key is to balance that MBA with solid supervisory and technical experience -- even if it is in the form of summer internships and so forth. There seems to be a benefit to getting the undergrad degree, working a few years, and then getting the MBA. I've seen some Business schools (UCLA for example), which required at least 5 years business experience as an entrance requirement.
You can always change your mind later about post-grad work. One bonus about an MBA or an Economics degree or similar is that it is cross-industry. If you hate your job, you can make a lateral move and your MBA goes with you as a feather in your cap. The same can't really be said about many degrees to that extent, although having one in any subject if preferable to having none at all. | |
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| Thanks,
What if I get my BSH in CS, and then get an MBA through distance learning? Like online?
Is that any good?
Azam | |
| Omletteboy 2001-06-10, 9:23 pm |
| I don't recommend distant learning or online education for MBA. It's best to go to a recognize university for your MBA. That's my opinion unless of course a recognize canadian university offer e-learning for MBA.
I plan to go back to university of calgary to get my MBA. | |
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| Your right, a degree like MBA is not worth taking online, its just not as recognizable as going to a good uni.
Azam | |
| Pavlov 2001-06-11, 10:25 am |
| The best job is doing what you love!
All the advice expressed is right on. I have just one comment for you, however.
I have a brother-in-law who got his degree in accounting from a very prestigious/expensive college. Got a job in his chosen field and quit within a month. Reasons: First, and foremost, the pressure was unbearable for him. Second, and more amusing, dress code. He found out he didn't enjoy putting on a suit and tie to go to the office for 8+ hours a day.
I know that seems a bit ludicrous, but consider this when making a decision to move from the comfortable, casual IT world to the high pressure, uptight corporate world.  | |
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| AudiRdstrTT 2002-03-20, 6:52 am |
| I myself I'm thinking about going the MBA route. I was also looking to into on-line courses. University of Phoenix offers a MBA program that I've been looking into. Dont know about the whole e-learning thing. I dont want to pay and then come to find out it sucks. | |
| MistyRing 2002-03-21, 8:39 am |
| Be sure to double check your facts re accountant salaries. A friend of mine is one and I earn more than double what she earns. | |
| c_littles33 2002-03-21, 10:46 am |
| IF being an MBA is the way you want to go... Then go for it. I always remind myself... the money is good but can I do what I am doing on a daily basis... WITH enthusiasm?
I personally started off on that path. Even passed the first part of my CPA's. The hours killed me. The work killed me. I make more now working less hours. I am even on call every other week. Go Figure....
My advice...
Go with what you love... money will follow! |
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