Question on Career Track

Anonymous

August 24,2022 at 4:52PM UTC

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Question on Career Track

I have both a bachelor's and masters degree in Accounting. I have done tax and write up work for 10 years. About 6 years ago I transferred within my company to another department that strictly focuses on CAS and accounting; no tax. I am currently a manager in that department. I enjoy this much better than tax. I do not think it would be beneficial at this point to obtain my CPA license since I do not have any plans to go back to tax work. I was considering obtaining my CMA license, but due to personal family reasons, I have not been able to find time to study so I have temporarily put that on hold. I am also not in that mindset to be studying all the time right now. I am going to apply to be a an adjunct professor in the community college. This is something that I have wanted to do for a while and feel I would enjoy it. Since I will not be studying for any professional licenses at this time, would it be beneficial to complete one of those executive management certification programs such as the Harvard Business Management? I sometimes think I am not seen as qualified because I do not hold any licenses. But I also know that I need to be in the right mindset for that and at this time I am not. But I do want to continue my professional education. I wanted to get thoughts on this? Has anyone completed these management certification programs? Have they been beneficial?

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KarenAugust 24,2022 at 5:12PM UTC
Rather than a business management certificate, how about volunteering for a Career Day at a local high school, teaching a Junior Achievement class at a local school, or something like that? This way it puts you in front of kids in a school setting and you are teaching them. Think about what would position you closer to your stated goal - teach students via adjunct. Also, it shows you are altruistic and engaged in your community. I would think this would show better on a resume than another certificate. You have your Masters and that shows your capacity to learn and achieve.
Kristina MartinAugust 24,2022 at 6:10PM UTC
I’m interested in the comments. I have a very similar background. I am not sure if a CPA would be a benefit but it seems like every job wants that paper. My friend in the same field have talked about it. We even joked about becoming study buddies for the exam. I’ve personally thought about further study in project management.
AnonymousAugust 24,2022 at 8:17PM UTC
When you say "CAS" do you mean "Cost Accounting Standards"?
AnonymousAugust 25,2022 at 9:31AM UTC
Client Advisory Services
AnonymousAugust 24,2022 at 10:15PM UTC
You should unpack why you feel you are not ready to attend school. Is it bc you have a lot to juggle and time does not permit you to study? If so try to map out a plan for when you think you will be ready 5 yrs, 2yrs. Set a goal write a digestible plan and try to stick with it. If you’re not ready it is pointless to waste a lot of money going to school if you are not in the mindset. I waited 10yr after my BS to get my MS mostly bc I was not in the right mindset. But once I was ready I enjoyed every minute of it.
AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 12:00AM UTC
I have finished school.
I have a master's degree. The question was regarding studying for a CMA license or to obtain a professional certificate.
AnonymousSeptember 2,2022 at 8:05AM UTC
Yea that point I got and my answer is still the same irrespective of what you are aiming to achieve. If you are not in the right mindset and you want to be, you should unpack why. So you do not waste money starting and stopping to start again……that was the point.
Kimberley Ferretti HammettAugust 25,2022 at 3:41PM UTC
I hope I'm responding properly because I'm not sure if I understood this correctly but what I'm gathering is you enjoy being in a leadership position and want to continue to grow that way but don't want to/aren't able to commit to intense formal learning programs right now..
When it comes to learning my general rule is this: Seek the learning, not the certificate. Unless it's a license that is required to be allowed to do the job, don't go for something just because you think it will make you look more qualified. While it can help, the focus is shifting to looking for demonstrated ability through behavioral interviewing. When it comes to leadership soft-skills, formal learning is such a small piece of the puzzle. If you're not in the mindset for it, you are not likely to get anything out of it. To me, it looks worse if you have some sort of formal learning on your resume but can't define how you've implemented it. That makes me think you're a good test-taker but no guarantee you'll be a thought leader or people leader. I would suggest seeking the knowledge or experience elsewhere or find other ways for now in a way that best fits you. This could be reading a book and challenging yourself to journal how you apply what you learn or thoughts that branch from your reading, or it could be reaching out to your network and asking leaders you look up to questions. If you feel you ARE qualified but just aren't perceived that way, it could also be posting more actively on your LinkedIn for example to more intentionally showcase yourself as a thought leader. I hope these ideas spark something beneficial to you!
Some leadership books I love to spark thought and practice skills:
First, Break All the Rules
Crucial Conversations
The Coaching Habit
AnonymousAugust 26,2022 at 12:22PM UTC
Yes you hit the nail
on the head. Thank you for your feedback. I am definitely going to pursue some of the things you mentioned. Thanks so much!
AnonymousJune 4,2026 at 5:39PM UTC
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