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Importance of a CPA in Admissions Process

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
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Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
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by mike22629 » Thu May 28, 2009 4:31 am
I have a good GMAT score (710 50Q, 36V), but am lacking in work experience (graduated recently and only have 6 months experience)

I want to go into the financial side of the hospitality, more specifically the casino, industry. The profiles of many CFOs currently employed at major casinos include a CPA. Would it be a good idea for me to get a CPA before applying to MBA program? And, will it improve my chances?

Thanks!
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by Paxton Helms - Kaplan » Tue Jun 02, 2009 12:54 pm
I don't think it would really help your chances (especially considering that you already have an undergraduate degree and a CPA requires an enormous amount of study). I think a more useful path for you would be to get started working in the entertainment industry, ideally on the finance / accounting side.

Remember that there are lots of ways to get into entertainment / hospitality:

- Hotel chains

- Casinos

- Restaurant chains

- Etc. etc.

You don't have to commit yourself to working in Las Vegas to get started in this business.

So...if you are serious about this career path, focusing on work experience rather than a CPA is my suggestion. As you get into those companies, you will also get a much better sense of what credentials the future (rather than the present) leaders of those enterprises will need.

Good Luck--

Paxton
Keep me in the loop about your thinking and let me know if you have any more questions.

Paxton



Paxton Helms is an MBA admissions consultant for Kaplan Admissions Consulting. He earned his MBA from UCLA and specializes in helping clients that are applying to top twenty and "reach" programs. He can be reached directly at [email protected].

To begin working with Paxton immediately, follow this link and request him specifically: https://www.kaptest.com/GMAT/Admissions- ... lting.html
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by mike22629 » Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:09 am
Thank you for your response!

I will keep it in mind when I decide what to do.
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by Paxton Helms - Kaplan » Sat Jun 06, 2009 9:09 am
Okay. Just remember that a CPA is pretty specialized. And, as my brother points out (this is a guy who has created a career for himself that I still can't quite believe), if somebody has a job that means that YOU can have that job.

Cheers--

Paxton
Keep me in the loop about your thinking and let me know if you have any more questions.

Paxton



Paxton Helms is an MBA admissions consultant for Kaplan Admissions Consulting. He earned his MBA from UCLA and specializes in helping clients that are applying to top twenty and "reach" programs. He can be reached directly at [email protected].

To begin working with Paxton immediately, follow this link and request him specifically: https://www.kaptest.com/GMAT/Admissions- ... lting.html
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