Maggie DeShazor ⋅ Washington, DC Deloitte ⋅ 8 years experience

Hi Bohou!

Thank you for your service, and kudos to you for your commitment to pursuing higher education! There are really two things that I always say I wish I had known/realized when I was in undergrad and/or graduate school. First, it is absolutely ok to not know everything. All of the course work was obviously necessary and helpful, especially in accounting and business, but when I was coming out of school, I didn't fully feel confident in my ability to start a position or perform well. Luckily, I got quick mentorship when I started at Deloitte and figured out that it is actually a good thing to keep learning and not think you know it all.

Secondly, and really most importantly, I wish I had known to start networking earlier!!! In school, I thought I should start talking to companies when I was going to leave and take a job, but in reality I should have started much sooner because the relationships I made in my job search and after I was offered a position at Deloitte were invaluable and would have only been stronger had I started building my network earlier in my education.

I hope this helps, and good luck in your classes (not that you need luck)!

Thanks!
Maggie

Ann Law ⋅ Arlington, VA Deloitte ⋅ 13 years experience

Hi Bohou - Thank you for your service. As someone with an accounting background, I would have told myself to study and take the CPA exam not long after obtaining the undergrad degree. I definitely could have retained more accounting material/knowledge then, as opposed to waiting (too many) years after. I also say that "any time is a good time" to pursue higher education or certifications, but I wish I hadn't waited so long!

Regards,
Ann

John Volpe ⋅ Seaford, NY Robbins-Gioia ⋅ 18 years experience

Bohou:

As a veteran who obtained an undergraduate and graduate degree in Accounting and Finance, respectively , I’d recommend taking additional courses in Computer Science and Data Analysis- to the extent you can squeeze these classes into your schedule . Also, as you get to your senior year, I’d strongly recommend finding opportunities to participate/ volunteer in any school or work related project. Working with professionals in multiple disciplines would provide a broader understanding of how different specialists work together to achieve business success. Demonstrating the ability to work and communicate with other professionals will also provide you with an advantage when interviewing for employment.

Good luck

John

Bohou Li ⋅ Bellevue, WA U.S. Navy Reserve, Petty Officer Second Class ⋅ 5 years served

Thanks for your swift responses, Maggie and Ann! I really appreciate your insightful answers.