CPA before starting full-time IB?

Currently in junior year and have a SA lined up this summer and plan on going into IB after graduation. I’m also able to do a Masters of Accounting during my 4 years of undergrad and graduate with a bachelors and Masters.

As far as career goals, I’m not sure where I want to be longer term, but I’m thinking it’s going to be staying in banking, private equity, or in the c-suite. I don’t really have any desire to transition to an accounting role.

With the Masters, I’ll have enough hours to sit for the CPA. Is there any reason to try and get my CPA before starting full time (like maybe it being some kind of differentiator in buyside recruiting), or is there no good reason to get it in this instance?

 
Most Helpful

Zero relevance in any job outside of accounting, don't do it unless you are going right to that career. The exam is also so hard and takes like a year to complete.

If your school has a masters of finance that'd be a slightly better use of time, buyside won't care but you just might take more interesting or relevant classes. Otherwise just chill out during your masters in accounting, or alternatively slow your class schedule way down and take 4 years for just the bachelor degree. Maybe take a semester off and travel if you choose the latter.

 

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