Everyone, especially accounting professors make fun of marketing majors, so I keep it a secret. Am I at a disadvantage in getting an internship or a job because my second degree is in marketing? Does this degree cause people to not take me seriously in applying for accounting position in public accounting firms? How would I explain my choice in this degree and people respect my choice instead of saying that it is a joke?
I need help, I’m graduating this May with my accounting degree and next Spring with my Marketing.
No. Accounting firms will most likely be slightly more impressed with the fact that you graduated with a double major in something else related to finance. So its not a hinderence but the advantage it will give you is slight.
So your accounting professors are half right. Accountants and CPA’s know that Marketing is a BS major but again, it still shows that you are willing to work hard cause you graduated with 2 majors.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
No. Accounting firms will most likely be slightly more impressed with the fact that you graduated with a double major in something else related to finance. So its not a hinderence but the advantage it will give you is slight.
So your accounting professors are half right. Accountants and CPA’s know that Marketing is a BS major but again, it still shows that you are willing to work hard cause you graduated with 2 majors.
References :
CPA – Got my license from a Big 4 firm in NYC
Report this comment
I work for a large accounting firm, and you’re right- marketing types are generally sort of derided in this business. I’ve never met anyone in this business who has a degree in marketing or anything similar- I think the main reason is because the two fields don’t really overlap and two completely different personality types are drawn to each. I’ve met some unlikely double majors, (music, english, art history), but never marketing.
The main problem is that you can use accountancy in almost any field, so we can understand using it to help you further a career in another area, but it doesn’t work in the opposite direction. So it’s hard to take that seriously. The question would be, "why did you get that marketing degree if you want to work in accounting?" Large firms would be suspicious of your future motives.
If you do want to go into accounting, then why get a marketing degree? It won’t help you, and prospective employers would see it as a reason to question your continued loyalty. On the other hand, if you want to go into marketing, then don’t bother with public accounting at all.
Hope that helps.
References :
I’m an accountant.
Report this comment
The marketing degree will certainly not hurt you. It will probably benefit you more than you think, especially in the big 4. What a lot of people don’t realize is that the big 4 does a ton of marketing and branding. They SELL services to their clients, and expect their employees to sell services as well. You can’t make partner at the Big 4 if you can’t market yourself and the firm. So if you want to join the Big 4, don’t be ashamed of your marketing degree!
If you only had the marketing degree, I’d say your chances were slim. But with both the accounting knowledge and the marketing ability, you’ll do great in public accounting. Good luck!
References :
http://www.flashpointcpareview.com
Report this comment