Senior Year of Undergrad...is a MPAc worth it for me?

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen,

I recently discovered the great community here at WSO. Here's some background about myself:

• I am a five year Marine Corps veteran, currently a senior studying Economics at UC Davis, with a not so stellar GPA - 3.28 from university, and 3.67 from community college, roughly 3.4 cumulative total.
• Currently an intern in the Morgan Stanley Financial Training Program.
• I was informed that I will would be able to graduate ahead of originally scheduled. Originally, the advisers said it will take until Dec. 2017, now since their system updated I will be able to finish Spring 2017
• With that said, I will make the decision of whether to push my graduation to Dec. 2017 so I can complete another internship (if chosen for a worthwhile one.)

So here is my dilemma. I will be 29 years old by the time I graduate, with only a BA in Economics, and five years of military experience. Due to the fact that most 29 year old's will have years of job experience, I am at a disadvantage. I was thinking about earning a Masters in Professional Accountancy, and then get my CPA.

In the short-term, MPAc will only take 9 months, and add an extra credential to my resume, as well as some more experience. The MPAc will set me up for success on the CPA.

Again, all these options are assuming I do not land an internship for Summer 2017 and/or I do not land a job between now and potential graduation in Spring 2017.

Note: Money is not an issue. I have my military benefits and a financial benefactor.

I appreciate your time and advice!

 

so what's your goal here in the long term? The CPA and MAcc helps you stay in school longer but what field are you trying to get into?

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers
 
Best Response

I'd love to end up in a Big Four, defense contracting firm, or a top investment bank. I have broad interests to be honest. I legitimately do enjoy accounting (I see many people loathe accounting). I enjoy investment banking, finance (in general) and wealth management. Though I have not had that much exposure to investment banking. I've enjoyed just about every Econ course I've taken so far, except Micro Economic Theory.

In terms of "work" (I never use that word, I prefer the term "duty"), I prosper in high pressure/stress environments. As well, I am extremely productive in pure grinding (which is what my accounting courses felt like). I do plan to re-enter the military as a reserve officer as well.

I'm not sure if this information is much to go on. I feel my biggest concern is just being 29 years old, with only a BA and military experience. I'm not sure of my end goal to be honest. Obviously, a CPA and MAcc will allow me to pursue a CFO position in my career.

I joined the Corps to be part of the best. In whatever I do, I want to be part of the best.

 

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