|
 |
Balancing an Internship and the CPA Exam Q: I have an opportunity to intern. However, if I intern, my scheduled preparation for the November 2000 CPA Exam sitting will be hindered (not to mention the possible drain on my savings for school). I would like some viewpoints on which option would provide me the best opportunities in the future. A: You know it is important that you have work experience, and you realize an internship is the right way to get this experience. However, you are in a time crunch, expecting to take the CPA Exam in November 2000, and don't feel you have the time or money to squeeze in an internship. Despite the financial and time crunch, it may be worth the extra effort. You have eleven months until the November 2000 CPA Exam. If you begin to study for the exam now (develop a solid study schedule, enroll in a preparation course), this internship may not be such a heavy load after all. The internship, assuming it is accounting related, may sharpen accounting skills by putting your accounting knowledge in context. But you know your study habits better than anyone. If you feel taking this internship means pushing back the CPA Exam, and this is not the path you wish to take, you should examine your networks (will they help you get a job?) before turning down the internship. After all, networking is one of the biggest reasons people intern. The other big reason to intern is work experience. A resume needs work history -- paid or unpaid -- and since you appear to have at least three years of experience, you have a good base. The fact that you worked your way through school is commendable and impressive. Chances are you already know what you want to do. But don't limit your options. Instead of trying to choose between the internship and the November 2000 CPA Exam, consider ways of doing both! |
|
|||||
|
|||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
|||||||
