Undergrad in Finance then MBA or MS in Acctg + Finance & CPA
Hello, I am currently a junior at a semi-target state school (think Big Ten, not UM or Northwestern). I am a Finance student at a crossroads..
Option 1: staying a 5th year and receiving my MS in Accounting AND BS in Finance. This would allow me to receive my CPA. This would most likely mean I wouldn't pursue an MBA later on. Only problem is I don't enjoy accounting whatsoever and am not sure I could make it through all of those accounting courses without becoming woefully depressed.
Option 2: Receive only my BS in Finance (with a much higher GPA) and better mental health (woohoo!) as I am very interested in macro-economics, strategy, and just big picture thinking in general. If I pursued this route I would definitely get an MBA after 4 or 5 years of working in FP&A, project management, or even a treasury role of sorts at a F500.
My end game is to work for a F500 company in a role where I can influence the strategy and direction of the business. I love project management roles, and really feel comfortable leading peers.
Sorry if this post is all over the place, I am just anxious as I don't know what the best move might be for me. Personally, I would prefer option 2, but if the first option is the clearly the better choice I could stick it out.
Thank you for reading!
Those are two very different paths, meaning one is not clearly better than the other. It sounds like you know what you want so I would encourage you to do that :)
Thanks! Follow up question real quick, idk if you can speak to this but I have received interest from PwC for their Management Consulting practice. In terms of works experience for a top b school should I take it or pursue something like GE FMP? Thanks!
Both are great for B school. Take the PwC MC offer if you have it otherwise try for GE FMP. You said you were interested in strategy so any consulting gig will give you just that whereas the GE FMP (or any other rotational programs for that matter) will provide very limited, if any, strat experience.
Either can work so go with what you want to do (which will likely result in greater success).
In a blind either or scenario to get into F500 finance I'd actually suggest the accounting and MAcc route because it's a little more defined, but you clearly have a preference so go with it.
Disclaimer - I went the accounting, MAcc, CPA route so I could be biased, but based on employment at 2 F500s and my network i do believe that's the easier route (but both are definitely possible)
I would definitely take the opportunity with PwC. You have to make this decision for yourself. Personally, I don't see the point of 2 undergrad degrees, but CPA will get you much further than an undergrad finance degree. If it were me, I would finish the undergrad in finance and then consider pursuing my MBA in accounting. I know you dislike accounting, but in the long run this combination would be perfect for what you want to pursue.
My take would be to take option 2, since you clearly hate consulting. If you can get the PwC offer definitely take it. If not, work hard to get into a reputable FLDP program such as GE or J&J.
Thanks! What other FLDP do you recommend? I hear GE and JJ over and over as I am sure that they are the best. But are there any others that stand out as reputable?
Pick a city or two that you want to be in long-term and research all of the F500 companies headquarters there. Find which ones have fldps and pick your targets based on fit. (Industry, size of program, career opportunities, etc.)
Provident reprehenderit est aut labore quo maxime. Itaque in fuga ut est quae modi.
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