The Application Process

Hey everyone, I'm a 4th Year Pre-Dental at UC Irvine and have recently discovered an interest for accounting. Hoping to eventually sitting for my CPA exam and an MBA in the future. My gpa is a 2.9, but is almost all due to my low science grades.

I've never really wanted to be involved in the medical field, but felt like it was what my parents wanted for me. So I kept with it over the years and did a dental internship for 4 months. I hated every second of it. I always knew dentistry wasn't for me, but was always too scared to leave that "path" and take a risk on a different career.

So, I've decided to throw caution to the wind and prolong my graduation by attempting to finish a minor in accounting here at UCI. Is getting my minor the right path to take education wise? Or should I do my pre-reqs (less classes than the minor) ,take GMAT and apply for an MS in accounting. I will be getting some financial aid this year, so I might as well use it by taking an extra year at UCI.

Its about 7 upper division management courses,and two lower division courses ( we go by quarter system here). I can do it if I set my mind to it.

What are my best bets to gain experience in the field. Internships or what kind of jobs should I look for if I have no experience yet?

Sorry seems like alot of questions, I definitely need to speak with my career center/school of business about this stuff as well ASAP. Thanks in advance!

Though related, a Master of Accounting and a MBA can lead you down two very different career paths. What do you ultimately want to do? You could work in an accounting related field for a while and then pursue your MBA since most MBA programs require some work experience. It's difficult to answer your questions without knowing your long-term plans.

Well, my first major goal is to become a CPA (unsure what specialty). I am interested in auditing and reviewing financial statements. Banking is not as much of an interest to me. Which is why CPA is my first priority over an MBA.

I believe with both a CPA and MBA it will give me an opportunity to be an assistant controller and eventually a controller in the future. I know its a high goal, but I believe CPA,MBA, and years of experience will give me the best opportunity to get to where I want to be.

I just want to know if a masters in accounting is worth it for me, since I will only have a minor in accounting and am not majoring in business,econ, or accounting. Or should I complete my minor, finish the rest of the education courses for sitting for the CPA , and use work experience to gain the 150 hours of required education.

I am not familiar with CPA requirements so perhaps someone else on this forum can answer your CPA-related questions. However, you should definitely get some work experience under your belt before applying to MBA programs.