I have a non traditional work experience - academic time line that I'd like some advise on.
In Dec 2001 - I was 2 classes short of of earning a BS in Accounting & BS in Finance with a 3.3 GPA. The previous summer I had interned with a Big 4 accounting firm who was in need for first years for the 2002 audit season Jan 2002 - ~ Apr 2002. I agreed to work that busy season with the understanding that I would then go back an complete my degrees either by working PT or taking time off.
Between Jan 2002 & April 2002 I started playing poker and started to do quite well. I decided that I wanted to pursue this as a career and let the firm know that I would be willing to work through the next busy season (which I enjoyed) before resigning. Which I did (total big 4 work experience 1 yr). I did not complete my degrees as my focus was on completing work and poker.
Between 2003 - 2007 I played poker professionally. I have experience presenting this on a resume in interviews that highlights the analytical thinking, risk management, statistical analysis, long term decision making and self discipline involved and it usually received quite well once I have that chance.
In 2007 I decided I wanted to go back into the business world and was able to get a temporary (through agency) job as an accountant for a sub of a fortune 500 company. I really impressed the controller when I found an error in the purchasing system (double expense) which ultimately resulted recovery of $1.6millon to net income.
After 4 months I was hired full time as Sr. Financial Analyst where I enjoyed a wide range of successes.
6 months later (after being offered a position with another company) I was promoted to Credit Manager (4 direct reports) while retaining the title and duties of Sr Financial Analyst (current title is both).
1 month ago I had my responsibilities increased over the entire NW region.
Additionally the VP of operations and President have indicated to me that I would an ideal candidate to either succeed to the current controller and if I choose to the operations route become VP. A lot of my work as SFA is working with and helping managers better understand their operations and enable them to make better decisions so both are an exciting opportunity for me.
Obviously I realized I needed to finish school which I am doing this term and next. In doing I realized that I very much want to and would benefit from going to grad school ideally as a MBA/MS Finance duel enrollment . I have reached the point in my career where my next promotions are going to require a different level of expertise and education in order to successful. My ideal career path would be one in which I meld financial and operational savvy either as a company leader or someone who through my knowledge enables the company leaders to have each function work cooperatively to attain company goals. Ideal titles would be COO or CFO
I Will be taking the GMAT this June with a goal score of 720. Would like to attend the distance MBA programs (allows me to get more depth than an executive MBA but without requirement to leave current job) of Indiana ( MBA/MS Finance), Michigan Dearborn (MBA/MS Finance), Penn St, or University of Florida.
My questions (after all of that) is - Does my not completing my degrees until now nullify my work experience?
Does having a professional certification such as CPA help with admissions into PT or Distance programs?
What kind of reception will the poker playing get? Can I use this?
Basically is it going to be possible to start a program fall of 2011?
Thank for you wading through this.
In Dec 2001 - I was 2 classes short of of earning a BS in Accounting & BS in Finance with a 3.3 GPA. The previous summer I had interned with a Big 4 accounting firm who was in need for first years for the 2002 audit season Jan 2002 - ~ Apr 2002. I agreed to work that busy season with the understanding that I would then go back an complete my degrees either by working PT or taking time off.
Between Jan 2002 & April 2002 I started playing poker and started to do quite well. I decided that I wanted to pursue this as a career and let the firm know that I would be willing to work through the next busy season (which I enjoyed) before resigning. Which I did (total big 4 work experience 1 yr). I did not complete my degrees as my focus was on completing work and poker.
Between 2003 - 2007 I played poker professionally. I have experience presenting this on a resume in interviews that highlights the analytical thinking, risk management, statistical analysis, long term decision making and self discipline involved and it usually received quite well once I have that chance.
In 2007 I decided I wanted to go back into the business world and was able to get a temporary (through agency) job as an accountant for a sub of a fortune 500 company. I really impressed the controller when I found an error in the purchasing system (double expense) which ultimately resulted recovery of $1.6millon to net income.
After 4 months I was hired full time as Sr. Financial Analyst where I enjoyed a wide range of successes.
6 months later (after being offered a position with another company) I was promoted to Credit Manager (4 direct reports) while retaining the title and duties of Sr Financial Analyst (current title is both).
1 month ago I had my responsibilities increased over the entire NW region.
Additionally the VP of operations and President have indicated to me that I would an ideal candidate to either succeed to the current controller and if I choose to the operations route become VP. A lot of my work as SFA is working with and helping managers better understand their operations and enable them to make better decisions so both are an exciting opportunity for me.
Obviously I realized I needed to finish school which I am doing this term and next. In doing I realized that I very much want to and would benefit from going to grad school ideally as a MBA/MS Finance duel enrollment . I have reached the point in my career where my next promotions are going to require a different level of expertise and education in order to successful. My ideal career path would be one in which I meld financial and operational savvy either as a company leader or someone who through my knowledge enables the company leaders to have each function work cooperatively to attain company goals. Ideal titles would be COO or CFO
I Will be taking the GMAT this June with a goal score of 720. Would like to attend the distance MBA programs (allows me to get more depth than an executive MBA but without requirement to leave current job) of Indiana ( MBA/MS Finance), Michigan Dearborn (MBA/MS Finance), Penn St, or University of Florida.
My questions (after all of that) is - Does my not completing my degrees until now nullify my work experience?
Does having a professional certification such as CPA help with admissions into PT or Distance programs?
What kind of reception will the poker playing get? Can I use this?
Basically is it going to be possible to start a program fall of 2011?
Thank for you wading through this.
