*Republished from the March 2018 issue of The Kayseean
By Jameson Simms
King University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with an accounting track that attracts many business students. This semester, six accounting students in Business Communication (BUSA 2130) were divided into three teams to explore what they can do with an accounting degree.
The project called for students seeking various careers to identify one position pertaining to them (as a team), research the job description, qualifi cations, and requirements, and assess where their skill levels stood against the employer’s need.
Tyler Cope, Richard Rosario, Kaitlyn Monds, Emma Hughes, Matthew Lovett, and David Tolbert are majoring in accounting. Thus far, they have created a logo for their team, letterhead, and business cards. Now the research begins.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors have an expected job growth of 10 percent. This means that individuals following a conventional accounting path are likely to attain jobs in their field. However, there are many other career options outside the traditional accounting path. Careers for accounting students range from financial advisors to investment bankers.
“I chose accounting because of the variety of job opportunities, stability, hours, and the pay,” said Monds. She, along with Cope and Rosario, expressed a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license after graduating. In the meantime, each plans to remain involved in various internships.
Rosario has an internship at People Inc., a community action agency located in Bristol and Abingdon, Virginia.
Meanwhile, Cope is participating in a co-op program. “I’ve been in an internship for Southeastern Tax and Accounting this semester. It’s a two-credit hour course for King as well.”
While on track with their major, these students have advice for other students who may be considering accounting as a career. Monds said, “Make friends with other business majors so you can have a solid study group.”
“Stay organized in your courses and course schedule,” said Cope, who is enrolled in 23 credit hours. “Carefully plan out the courses you want to take so you’re not overloaded come senior year.”
“If you’re at least slightly passionate about it, just go for it. The things you learn in accounting courses will help you with managing your own money as well,” Rosario concluded.
