Title: Navigating the Path to Public Accounting: Is Graduate School Prestige Important?
As I approach the culmination of my undergraduate journey with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University (WGU), I find myself at a crossroads regarding my next steps. With the CPA exam looming and the need to complete 150 credit hours, I’ve been contemplating whether to pursue my master’s degree at WGU or transfer to a more traditional university.
The advice I’ve encountered often suggests that the prestige of your school becomes less significant once you’ve obtained your CPA. However, I can’t help but feel a sense of uncertainty about this notion. My concerns are primarily rooted in the perception surrounding online education, particularly competency-based programs like WGU, which implement a pass/fail grading system and automatically assign a 3.0 GPA.
I’m aware of the potential stigma associated with such programs and worry that it could impact my prospects in the competitive field of public Accounting, particularly when it comes to landing entry-level positions or jobs with reputable firms.
To gain some clarity, I’m reaching out to those who have navigated the hiring landscape in accounting, whether as candidates or decision-makers. Here are a few questions I’d appreciate insights on:
- Do hiring managers truly overlook the name of the institution once you’ve secured your CPA credential?
- Have any WGU alumni successfully transitioned into Big 4 or mid-tier firms, and what was their experience like?
- Is pursuing a master’s degree from a more traditional program worth the additional financial and time investment?
While conventional wisdom suggests that having a CPA trumps the name on your resume, I’m concerned that my decision to stay with WGU for graduate studies might inadvertently narrow my professional opportunities. I’m eager to hear from anyone who has faced similar decisions or can share their experiences.
Thank you in advance for any helpful thoughts and insights!
No responses yet