Resources for your Professional Development
Our recommendations for your professional development by year:
During High School or Freshman Year of College:
-
Declare Accounting as your major.
-
Complete any required prerequisites for ACCT 211.
During Sophomore Year of College:
-
Begin taking introductory accounting courses (ACCT 211 and 212), if you have not already done so.
-
Get connected with the Accounting Society and start attending events.
Summer between Sophomore and Junior Year of College:
-
An internship is not necessary, but if you have the opportunity to work at a company to be exposed to how a company works, this may be helpful.
-
Prepare an initial draft of your résumé.
During Junior Year of College:
-
Continue taking the required courses, according to the advice of your advisor.
-
(August - September) Have the Career Center advisors review your résumé to ensure that it is in excellent condition.
-
(September - October) Attend School of Business Career Fair (and any other available/applicable Career Fairs).
-
(September - October) Begin applying for accounting-specific internships with public accounting firms and/or private companies.
Summer between Junior and Senior Year of College:
-
Complete accounting-specific internship.
-
Make decisions regarding post graduation plans. For example, if you plan to sit for the CPA exam, you will need 150 credit hours to be certified in most states. Do you plan to attend graduate school?
Employment & Internship Opportunities
Below are links to public accounting firms and private companies that typically offer full-time or internship opportunities for accountants.
Public Accounting Firms
Private Companies & Governments
Professional Resources
A great resource for learning more about how to obtain the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) credential. Specially, we would suggest going to Licensure > State Requirements to find out what your state requires for licensure.
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
The AICPA is the United States national organization for professionals that hold the CPA credential.
Institute of Management Accountants
The IMA is the United States national organization for professionals that work in management accounting.
Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants
The VSCPA is the Virginia state organization for professionals that hold the CPA credential. The website offers information about the profession, and may also offer students opportunities for professional or networking events held locally.
This site offers news that relates to professionals, such as updates about accounting firms, large business, and accounting standards.
Need help with your résumé or interview skills? The Liberty University Career Center offers free résumé review and interview workshops to Liberty University students. Click this link to find out about the resources available.