General Information and Strategies for Accounting:

• Earn good grades. Grades are an indicator of technical competence in accounting and of a person’s work ethic.
• Potential employers place an emphasis on interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrate these skills by having well-rounded experiences outside of the classroom.
• Actively participate in student organizations to develop leadership skills.  Learn to work well within in a team.
• Develop excellent computer skills.  Learn relevant software packages.
• Gain work experience and learn about the field of accounting through internships.  Consider completing internships in the spring semester, not just summer term.
• Join Beta Alpha Psi, the honorary fraternity for accounting and finance information professionals, to gain knowledge about the accounting profession.
• Accounting students should develop their analytical, critical-thinking and problem solving skills.  Develop high ethical standards.
• Accuracy and attention to detail are important traits for accountants.
• Become bi-lingual to give yourself the versatility to work for an international corporation.
• Take classes outside of accounting in a related field, i.e. finance or budget analysis, to broaden your scope of knowledge.
• Stand out by targeting an area of focus during your training and make yourself an expert in that area.
• Certifications available through the Institute of Internal Auditors or the Institute of Management Accountants may increase job marketability in some areas of accounting.
• Accounting is a versatile degree. Students who graduate with a major in accounting may find jobs in many areas of business including: banking, financial planning, sales, production management, client management, product development, procurement, and general management.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer

Explore Possible Careers Pathways in Accounting: