Why Should You Become an Accounting Major?

Accounting majors have a wealth of opportunity at our feet.

Accounting is the Language of Business

There is a saying that accounting is the language of business. This is because accounting is a universal language that all areas of a business need to function. There is another statement that tends to be true: accountants can go do anything, but not everyone can be an accountant.

Did you know that around one-third to half of all CEOs have a background in accounting.

Common Myths

One of the common myths is that you need to be good at math. This is a lie calculators can do most of the work for you and all you need to know is basic math and maybe some basic algebra.

Another myth is no work life balance. Many are hesitant to declare accounting as their major due to the long hours and perceived lack of work life balance. While I understand the concerns these have been proven by industry professionals to not be true. Through Ball State's accounting club, I have gotten the opportunity to listen to countless industry professionals give talks on work-life balance and long hours. Most of them will say, "Yes, the busy season is more hours, but you get more benefits and relaxed hours in other parts of the year." For example, you may work 50 to 60 hour work weeks for a month or two during the spring but most companies have "summer hours." The rewards far outweigh the month or two that may feel like hell.

The final myth I am going to talk about is that accountants are introverted or lack social skills. While this may seem true, a good number of us are actually extroverts who like to talk to people. The extroverts are usually in Audit, and the introverts tend to be in tax. In all seriousness, we have social skills; some just have high social batteries, and others don't. You have to be able to talk to people, though, because while people think we sit at a desk and do not interact with others, we have a highly social job. We have to be able to talk to others and collaborate to get tasks and jobs completed.

Our Industry Needs Us

The accounting industry is a unique place right now because there is a shortage. We, as people entering the workforce, have all the power because they need us to fill the jobs of those retiring. Furthermore, they need us to get our CPA license to help fill the jobs higher up in the companies. This is why getting your CPA license sets you up compared to peers who do not have one. For example, you have to have your CPA license to move up to a manager position or higher in most public accounting firms.

While I can practically see your eyes rolling to the back of your heads, most public firms will pay for your CPA material and give you a bonus when you obtain your CPA license. They make it worth your while to study for the exam and pass it.

Becoming an Accounting Major at Ball State

While I have the unique opportunity to say I am a student of three different departments, I have to say the accounting department is the best of all three. Marketing is the second best in my opinion, however, I am biased because the professor who teaches most of my minor is one of my favorites. The accounting department listens to their students and takes feedback and implements it. The professors change the way the courses are being taught on recommendations of the students.

The professors truly do care about you and want what is best for you. I have had 5 out of the 13 professors in class and have interacted with 12 out of 13 in my time here so far. These professors will bend over backwards to help you if you just ask, and they love to connect with you with alumni. Due to professors helping connect me with alumni, I have two alumni mentors in different stages in their careers I get to learn from. I have had so many opportunities come my way just because I interacted with professors and alumni because they all truly care and love to help you. They are your biggest cheerleaders and love to watch their students succeed. I can say with confidence that I have my two internships with amazing public accounting firms because of the staff and alumni connections here.

In addition to amazing professors and alumni, we have three amazing accounting-related organizations on campus.

• Accounting Club

• Beta Alpha Psi

• National Association of Black Accountants

I attend the accounting club regularly and enjoy hearing from alumni and firms about various topics. Beta Alpha Psi is an amazing organization focused on your growth as a person and a professional. We are a very chill and low-key group. The National Association of Black Accountants is an organization that addresses the professional needs of its members and builds leaders who shape the future.

Overall, you should become an accounting major due to the amazing faculty, opportunities, and organizations here at Ball State.