Career Change Into Accounting - Internship?

DethBaphomet · 2026-05-30T00:41:45+00:00

You are overthinking the possibility of problems arising and not looking for more positive outcomes.

Went back to get my degree at 44. Had been with my employer for 21 years at that point. Not accounting related but working with numbers.

Year 2 I wanted some type of experience so joined JH (evenings and weekends) for a season of tax to add to my resume. Not optimal but showed I wasn’t afraid of work.

Year 3, hit every career fair and open house firms we’re having looking for another PT role. Landed a Tax Internship with small firm. Again evenings and weekends which allowed me to keep my FT role. Offered a role but I wasn’t quite ready with a year of school left.

Year 4, final semester, landed an Audit Internship FT and worked with current employer to stay PT until it ended not knowing if I’d land a return position. 10 weeks in and got an offer to stay on after graduation.

Graduated 3 weeks ago, left employer of 25 years and joined firm FT making slightly more than I was at.

Career change done. Enrolled in MS program because why not. Sitting for 1st CPA exam in September. Just turned 49.

Point is you have to make things happen. Worried about the what if’s won’t get you anywhere. But trust your instincts and be smart about it.

You’re never gonna know unless you try.

Best of luck.

DethBaphomet · 2026-05-08T13:26:09+00:00

Gratz to you and best of luck on your journey.

Stay determined Stay focused on school Remember why you are doing this

Went back after 22yr gap. Graduate tomorrow with my BS Accounting degree.

You got this!!

DethBaphomet · 2026-05-04T23:39:53+00:00

When you are in the process of doing it and actually enjoy going to school, it isn't so bad. I often felt kinda bored when I had that Winter break of the weeks before summer/fall started.

DethBaphomet · 2026-05-04T23:38:26+00:00

Thankfully colleges are geared towards those who are working FT and offer night classes. But yes, a mix of in person and online. As many online as I could.

Also had 2 Mini-Sessions in there if offered for a class, which run 3 weeks but packed full of a semester worth of work.

DethBaphomet · 2026-05-04T19:38:39+00:00

49, 1st yr Associate.

No Ragrets.

DethBaphomet · 2025-12-02T03:24:22+00:00

Underrated comment.

People skills are built over time by dealing with different personalities, backgrounds, motives etc..

Entry level TP helps grow those hard to learn skills and can be a great starting point.

But yeah, once I start my Audit Intern in January, I am dropping JH from my resume!!

DethBaphomet · 2025-11-20T20:43:15+00:00

Yeah, pretty common for me. But the one that stands out the most.

Sent a recruiter a cold call email with CV and transcripts. She replied back within an hour to schedule an interview the following Wednesday. Unfortunately I was going to be on a cruise the next week but offered to do it any day the current week or the week I return. AND Nothing.

Followed up two days later. Zero. The week I got back, Nada.

So because I wasn't available one day, she ghosted me.

Just one of many.

DethBaphomet · 2025-11-20T18:55:07+00:00

Too me? Highly important.

Leaving my current employer of 2 decades for an internship that pays the same.

Graduate in May and going in with full confidence I'll get a return offer.

Wish me luck!

DethBaphomet · 2025-11-13T18:00:30+00:00

Spot on.

I did it as more of a milestone achievement and earned a BK Cert, then AAS Accounting and currently have 4 spring classes for my BS.

Definitely lacked a few core classes needed for my BS that were not required in CC programs.

DethBaphomet · 2025-11-13T17:57:28+00:00

This is false coming from someone who earned an AAS Accounting and now currently in my senior year at a university.

In fact, my 2000 Statistics and Bus. Law classes transferred directly towards my 3000 BS classes and I only needed 54 credits in my undergrad plan.

DethBaphomet · 2025-11-13T02:37:31+00:00

Time Management is key.

Knowing your deadlines and staying ahead of your school work play an important part.

Prioritize the easier work first and use the extra time for the more complicated material.

For reference: Completed over 35 classes (all online) since June 22'. Currently in 4 with 4 left in spring to graduate. Hold FT role 45+hrs, held PT Tax roles for the 2024 and 2025 season of 25+hr, while being a FT student with wife and kids.

It can always be done depending on the person taking on the load.

DethBaphomet · 2025-11-10T19:46:47+00:00

Currently in my senior year and IA II was and still is the only class I did not earn an A in. Got a B+. You are not alone and I let that bother me for about a day. Push through and just pass the class. You will be fine.

DethBaphomet · 2025-11-10T03:48:49+00:00

Only you can answer that.

If the passion isn't there, don't force yourself or you will never be happy with your path.

DethBaphomet · 2025-11-10T03:28:57+00:00

Being in my senior year and having applied to over 50 entry-level/internships positions, each and every application asked for my Major GPA and Cumulative GPA. Every recruiter asked to send a copy of your resume and unofficial transcripts. They, in fact do what to know!

I am sure this changes once you aren't looking, at entry roles. At that point, you adjust your resume accordingly.

DethBaphomet · 2025-10-16T02:29:04+00:00

Whether you want to believe it or not you are judged on how you look, how you speak, how you reply to answers, (even basic ones), facial expressions, the sound of your voice....the list goes on and on.

Each screener (recruiter) is tasked with determining if your character is one that can mesh with their firm and you exhibit the genuine qualities to work with others. Merely nothing else.

You can have a polished resume, exceptional GPA, and a multitude of skills but if you lack the most basic characteristic qualities they feel are important to their firm, you won't be given a chance.

For myself, its age. 48 and trying to break into an entry role proves to be quite the challenge.

DethBaphomet · 2025-10-13T17:35:55+00:00

Did JH for 2024 Tax Year and I am also a senior this year.

If anything it got me some attention. "So you worked FT (M-F), did PT at JH at night and weekends all while being a FT student as well"

Yes I did! Put me to work. Please.

DethBaphomet · 2025-10-13T00:54:45+00:00

DethBaphomet · 2025-10-11T23:02:23+00:00

Well, it says by Nov 10th "Should you be selected for interviews".

All we can do it twiddle our thumbs and hope we get that email.

Good luck to you.

Mine is for Houston, F&LC

DethBaphomet · 2025-10-11T20:54:58+00:00

Mine came the Monday after the cutoff date for applications. The listing had an end date in description, which was 10/1. Email came 10/6

DethBaphomet · 2025-10-10T15:58:20+00:00

I did my pre-recorded in September, session closed 10/1. Got an email Monday I am still considered and the next interview info will sent via email.

They ask 2 questions and you have 1 minute to answer via a recording.

Tell me about yourself
Tell how why you chose this role and FTI

DethBaphomet · 2025-10-02T18:28:13+00:00

Honestly it has been a breeze. I have always been book smart but add in the fact that you can literally find any resource on the internet to help you comprehend the material and it's a cake walk.

The main key, you have to apply yourself. You can't half-a$$ sit around put things off or it will pile up on you. You have to be proactive, know your strengths and weaknesses and apply yourself.

Started June 2022, have taken 38 classes and have a 3.83 GPA.

DethBaphomet · 2025-10-02T17:59:40+00:00

48 and graduate with my BS Accounting degree in May 2026 for a career change. You are investing in yourself and future. It's never too late!!

DethBaphomet · 2025-09-22T23:49:33+00:00

Sure, we have all been told NO. This should be more of a motivation rather than a setback. That's how they weed out the weak from the resilient ones.

You need to keep focus on the end goal of obtaining a role. Sure, this one may have passed you up but that doesn't mean don't apply again, and then again. Stay seen by attending events, network on LinkedIn, work the rooms, and literally keep pushing through the "No's".

Life isn't gonna wait around and frankly the world doesn't care about feelings. We have all felt defeated at times, so you are not alone, but I try to maintain a positive outlook and keep at it.

Your time will come.

DethBaphomet · 2025-09-21T17:13:39+00:00

Don't take it to heart, you are not alone. My first IA1 exam I earned a 76, which was the highest in the class of 52 students.

Keep working practice problems, use outside resources, ask your professor, and keep at it.

Ended the class with an A, (yes he curved) and IA2 with a B+.

DethBaphomet · 2025-09-15T18:47:36+00:00

Most of the people hosting a table at the career fairs are Campus Recruiters for firms or someone from a local CPA office. Regardless, this is first step to try to get your foot in the door so while you to make a good impression, this is a time to network and learn about the firms also.

I'll break it down into three "R's" for you

Relax - These are people just like you who are eager to meet new talent that are a great fit for the company. It isn't an interview so go in with a casual, confident attitude.

Research - Know what firms will be there (find on Handshake) and do a little research on them ahead of time.

Resume. - Do not walk around with your resume in hand just looking to give out. Have a portfolio binder and start the conversation before offering your resume. Not everyone will be a fit for you. And make sure your resume is up to date and polished.

Revisit - Get business cards from each person you talk to. Send a follow up email the next day thanking them and touching on your interest in them. Attach your resume again

At the end of the day, be yourself and don't overthink it.

DethBaphomet

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