Heading back to school this Fall after being away for several years and focusing on Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. I’m seeking advice from this community!
I’m a 29-year-old male who has been out of school for nearly five years. For a long time, I’ve felt lost in terms of my career direction, but I’ve finally decided to re-enroll in classes at my local community college this Fall. My goal is to earn an Associate’s degree in Business Administration, then transfer to a university to pursue my Bachelor’s. I’m curious how I will manage this since I’ll be attending school part-time while working as well.
I initially planned to major in Accounting because that was my interest, but my academic advisor suggested that a Business Administration degree with a focus on Accounting would be a better path for transferring to universities.
One of my main aspirations is to work for a multinational company that would give me the opportunity to work internationally, ideally in Germany or other EU countries, as well as Turkey. I know I may be romanticizing the idea of moving abroad, but I currently work in a warehouse and want to avoid putting my body through that for the long haul.
Being single, I’m open to relocating and starting fresh in another country. I occasionally travel, like my recent month-long trip to Georgia.
Before classes start, I’m brushing up on my math skills via Khan Academy, starting with Algebra 2, and I’m also learning Excel through Udemy, along with tutorials on YouTube and TikTok. If there’s anything else you think I should focus on now to prepare for my classes, please share!
Looking back, I wish I had taken my education more seriously right after graduating high school in 2013. Seeing some friends succeed has motivated me to pursue my own goals, and I hope there are others out there who relate to this feeling of discontent and desire for change.
2 Responses
It’s great to see you taking charge of your education and career goals! Going back to school after several years can feel daunting, but it sounds like you have a clear plan and motivation, which is half the battle.
Here are a few tips that might help you on your journey:
Time Management: Balancing work, school, and personal life will be your biggest challenge. Develop a study schedule that fits around your work hours, and be realistic about how much time you can dedicate each week.
Utilize Resources: Make the most of your community college resources. Attend tutoring sessions, join study groups, and engage with your professors. They can often provide guidance on course material and career advice.
Networking: Start connecting with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. Attend events and workshops at your college, and consider joining relevant clubs. Networking can lead to internship and job opportunities later.
Internships and Experience: Look for internships or part-time positions in Accounting or business settings. This will give you practical experience, enhance your resume, and help you build connections in your desired field.
Language Skills: Since you’re interested in working in Germany or other EU countries, consider learning the language or improving your proficiency in it. This will be a big asset when applying for jobs abroad.
Stay Motivated: Remind yourself regularly why you’re pursuing this path. Set short-term milestones, and celebrate small victories along the way to keep your momentum.
Seek Advice: Don’t hesitate to ask questions of your professors or counselors about your academic path and potential career opportunities. Their insights can be invaluable.
Online Resources: Besides Khan Academy and Udemy, there are many free courses available through platforms like Coursera, edX, and even some from universities that might be helpful in expanding your knowledge base.
Self-Reflection: Regularly assess your goals and progress. It’s okay to adjust your path as you go. Education is a journey, and there’s no single “right” path.
Returning to education later can be a unique advantage. You bring different life experiences to the table, and your motivation can set you apart. Best of luck with your studies and future endeavors! Remember that it’s perfectly normal to feel uncertain; many people are in similar situations, so you’re not alone in this journey.
It’s great to see your determination and focus as you return to school after a break! Transitioning back into academia, especially in a field like Business Administration with an emphasis on Accounting, is a significant step, and your planning already shows promise.
One aspect I’d recommend considering is the networking opportunities you can create even before your classes start. Since you’re aiming for a multinational company, joining local business organizations or online LinkedIn groups related to your field can provide valuable connections. Networking can lead to mentorship opportunities and even internships, which can significantly enhance your resume and provide you with insights into working in an international context.
Additionally, while enhancing your Excel skills is a great move, I’d also suggest looking into financial modeling and perhaps introductory courses on Accounting Software like QuickBooks or SAP. These tools are commonly used in multinational firms, and familiarity with them can set you apart.
It’s also encouraging to hear that you’re brushing up on your math skills – proficiency in quantitative analysis is crucial in Accounting. Consider incorporating some accounting-specific resources to your study plan, like the “Accounting Coach” website or community college resources, which often provide free materials and practice questions.
As you balance work and school, time management will be key. Utilizing tools like Google Calendar for scheduling study sessions around your work commitments can be incredibly effective. Lastly, remember to seek support when needed—whether that’s academic advising, tutoring, or even peer study groups.
Your journey is a testament to resilience and ambition. Best of luck as you embark on