smcgiff wrote: » YES - I remember thinking when I was six years of age... Actually, no. I don't think anyone looks up at their mum and dad or winks at the girl/boy at the back of the bike shed and says - "When I grow up I want to become an accountant". Doesn't have the same coolness factor to it as truck driver or Frogman which I think I wanted to be when a kid. But, no, I know what you mean. Nope, it's only when I was pretty much at the stage you are at that I thought business studies or such like would be interesting.
m19 wrote: » There seems to be a vast amount of options within accounting, Do you know what the progression for college graduates is? What type of work do they begin in?
smcgiff wrote: » The most traditional route for an accounting graduate is to try to get into a top 4 accountancy practice (Deloitte, KPMG, PWC or E&Y) if you get a 1.1 or 2.1. However, there are a number of other accountancy firms that will take on accountancy (or other) graduates. Some like graduates to have done marketing for instance. Within a practice you can do down a tax or accountancy route and from there you will gain experience and other options will open up. Within a big firm you're likely to be contracted for approx 3 to 4 years. You'll have to weigh up the perceived benefits of working for a large practice (big four prestige) to working for a smaller company and getting a more rounded job experience. After qualifying (or possibly before hand if you join a smaller firm) you will need to consider staying on in practice or heading off into industry.
m19 wrote: » Truck driver and frogman are sensible career choices at 6!
m19 wrote: » How long did it take you to adapt to the course?, when everything stops being alien
m19 wrote: » Did you find that stage interesting/tough work? Is there any of your jobs that you'd class as the most challenging?
m19 wrote: » also we were led to believe it would be so much worse than it was some very over dramatic teachers!
smcgiff wrote: » It was certainly challenging at the time. Especially if you're ambitious. The practice I joined really let you progress as quickly as you wanted. By the time I left there were some trainees doing pretty much what they were doing when they first joined. Each job will have it's own challenges. From the time early in my time in industry when a person (a girl* actually) would take my ideas and present them as their own. Once right in front of me! I can laugh now, but at the time I felt like pulling my hair out. Then there was the time when I was working for a company strapped for cash and had to get it in ASAP. * I can mention this as I've praised female accountants earlier!!! You also have to have the confidence of speaking in front of others, but you'd need this in the guards too I imagine giving evidence.
smcgiff wrote: » Ah, but in their defence they were trying to motivate ye. Rather over prepared than under prepared... Actually, forgot to mention I've also lectured accounting part time in the evenings! So, any closer to deciding on accountancy or something else until the Public Sector embargo is over?
m19 wrote: » OMG i would have definitely giving her a telling off! That must have been uncomfortable working with her after that. Do you think theres any gender preference in those stages or it's equal opportunities?
m19 wrote: » You've given me the best advice so thank you, It seems very interesting, the probability is i'll finish the degree then join the guards unless i really like it.
m19 wrote: » You really have had a varied career! Do you enjoy lecturing?
smcgiff wrote: » It was definitely an eye opener and good experience. Never told her off though. Pretty much equal opportunities I'd say. Hopefully if you progress further by then things will have changed. With that said I'd say it's at least as bad within the guards. :eek:
smcgiff wrote: » Hi Blackbetty68 - welcome to our insanely late holiday season accounting discussion. Are you filling out your CAO form any time soon?
Blackbetty68 wrote: » yes i am as a matter of fact.. still dont know what to put down first tho
m19 wrote: » Absolutely, especially within my own group of family/friends,
m19 wrote: » It's almost 4, sorry for keeping you up so late.
smcgiff wrote: » Ahh - so you've a good bit of knowledge about the guards so, that's great. If you could just tell them not to put up speed traps on dual carriage ways that would be great. That's pretty much my only interaction with them I'm afraid!
smcgiff wrote: » You're at an important stage, so I'm duty bound. It's in the accounting oath they make you take!
m19 wrote: » good observation lol
m19 wrote: » Do you think i should try accounting?
m19 wrote: » Are you enjoying xmas?
smcgiff wrote: » Mmm - maybe I should join the guards - and you can go into accountancy. I'm reluctant to give such definitive advice. It's such a big decision... I've given you some reasons why accountancy is attractive. I'll also add that I've not regretted my choice, but ultimately you'll need to make that call. And now I sound like a consultant!
smcgiff wrote: » It's a great time of year. Always just a tinsy bit surprised each year when Santa doesn't leave me a present tough. Must have been naughty yet again this year! :rolleyes: And you - still enjoying the break?
m19 wrote: » You've never wished you did something else? that's positive.
m19 wrote: » Yes it's fun although 18 year olds should NOT spend to much time with their parents................
smcgiff wrote: » Well, now - I wouldn't quite go that far. Something like a striker for Liverpool FC or as a male model hanging around Super Models has crossed my mind!
m19 wrote: » I think every man in the country would love that! Overall your content with your job? What type of job do you work at now?
m19 wrote: » I think every man in the country would love that!
