Brad Wilder ⋅ Lexington, KY Intech Contracting ⋅ 8 years experience

One of the nice things about accounting is that essentially every company with more than a handful of employees will have a need for accountants. That gives you the flexibility to find the size and culture of company that is the best fit for you in whatever industry or sector you are interested in. Best of luck.

Damin Kirk ⋅ North Charleston, SC Boeing ⋅ 21 years experience

Hi Shaun,

Not even close to being too old! Don't let the Military lure you into thinking about age too much. It's more about qualifications and experience. No one will ask you how old you are, they'll want to know can you help them reach their company goals.

Damin

David McLaughlin ⋅ Washington, DC National Geographic Channel ⋅ 30 years experience

Too old? No way, with a degree and 13 years in the Marines. You have a solid base and all the skills it sounds like to be a complete success. I am not in the accounting field but I have no doubt you will be a success. I wish I were 36 again. :) Cheers.

Perry GARSOMBKE ⋅ Broomfie, CO University of Nebraska, Omaha ⋅ 40 years experience

Shaun, just wanted to add that you've gotten great advice from others! Your resume will look excellent to employers.

Lubov Bogopolskaya ⋅ Staten Island, NY A/Z BOOKKEEPING ⋅ 11 years experience

Hi Shaun,

You are never too old for this job. As you are looking for a smaller firm, I will start hiring within 4 months. In the meantime, feel free to connect if you are looking for any mentorship or pre-job training. I have a BBA in Accounting/Psychology and an MS in Tax. I would love to help you out with any career advise.
My business name is A TO Z BOOKKEEPING, registered in NYS, but I am able to work with you remotely if need be.
Contact me at your earliest either through this website http://atozbookkeepinginc.wix.com/accttax#!about/cjg9 or at atozbookkeepinginc@gmail.com

Chris Caldwell ⋅ Louisville, KY Broadway Baptist Church, Louisville ⋅ 25 years experience

Shaun,

While you're working on completing your degree, you might consider bookkeeping jobs, perhaps in the non-profit sector. Most small non-profits can afford to hire a CPA, but you'd be making some money while building a resume in the accounting area. I know this is not my area, but from the perspective of somebody in the non-profit world, there is a niche out there in non-profit accounting, which is its own animal.

Chris

Damin Kirk ⋅ North Charleston, SC Boeing ⋅ 21 years experience

I was 35 when I transitioned out of the Air Force. I had no problem getting interviews with GREAT companies. The job I currently have is the one got right after I separated, and I haven't stop smiling since.

Be ready to market yourself confidently (without arrogance) and don't buy into only 'applying to smaller firms.' Defense contractors, Automotive Companies, and many other large corporations love Veterans and don't care what your age is. All the experience you describe fits well into any organization. Don't give up!

Damin

Shaun Rostek ⋅ Reading, PA U.S. Marine Corps, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 13 years served

I wanna thank you all for answering my question. It makes me feel a lot better knowing I have opportunities ahead of me. Once again, thank you!

Shaun Rostek ⋅ Reading, PA U.S. Marine Corps, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 13 years served

Thanks for the replies. I keep hearing around my school's Business Department that I will have to apply to the smaller firms because the main larger firms are looking for youth. It is discouraging to hear this time and again.