Accountant Christian Long Graduation Project

Nature of Work  Prepare and examine financial records.  Ensure that financial records are accurate and that taxes are paid on time.  Assess financial operations and work to help ensure that organizations run efficiently.  Compute taxes owed, prepare tax returns, and ensure that taxes are paid properly and on time.  Suggest ways to reduce costs, enhance revenues, and improve profits.

Education and Training  At least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.  Some employers prefer to hire applicants who have a master's degree, either in accounting or in business administration with a concentration in accounting.  A few universities and colleges offer specialized programs, such as a bachelor’s degree in internal auditing.  In some cases, graduates of community colleges, as well as bookkeepers and accounting clerks who meet the education and experience requirements set by their employers, get junior accounting positions and advance to accountant positions by showing their accounting skills on the job.  Work experience is important for getting a job, and most states require experience before an accountant can apply for a CPA license.

Other Qualifications Necessary  Must be good with numbers.  Not make mistakes often.  Good at math.  Have patience.  Good at business related subjects.

Job Outlook  Employment of accountants is expected to grow 16 percent from 2010 to  Employment is increasing about as fast as the average for all occupations.  There has been an increased focus on accounting in response to corporate scandals and recent financial crises.  Stricter laws and regulations, particularly in the financial sector, will likely increase the demand for accounting services as organizations seek to comply with new standards.  Accountants who have earned professional recognition, especially as a Certified Public Accountants (CPA), should have the best prospects.

Potential Earnings  The median annual wage of accountants was $61,690 in May  The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,940 and the top 10 percent earned more than $106,880.

Related Occupations  Budget Analysts  Financial Analysts  Management Analysts  Financial examiners  Human resources specialists

Civil/Electrical and Electronics Engineering  My dad is one.

Nature of Work  Plans where to place poles for Penelec.  Makes maps of where poles should go for lineman.  Decide how much electricity should go to certain places.  Leaves the workplace to check on certain problems with poles.  Talks to people about them getting electric to their house and plans where the poles should go.

Education and Training  Electrical and electronics engineers must have a bachelor’s degree.  Employers also value practical experience, so graduates of cooperative engineering programs, in which students earn academic credit for structured work experience, are valuable as well.  Having a Professional Engineer license may improve an engineer’s chances for employment.  Programs typically last 4 years and include classroom, laboratory, and field studies.  Some colleges and universities offer cooperative programs in which students gain practical experience while completing their education.

Other Qualifications Necessary  Must be good at figuring out problems.  Good at planning.  Willing to work with people on where to places poles.  Know where you can and can’t place poles.  Knowing how to show where to place poles.

Job Outlook  Employment of civil/electrical engineers is expected to grow 19 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.  As infrastructure continues to age, they will need to replace poles and electrical lines.  Technology could change causing you to need to learn how to use it.  A growing population means that more people building new houses and other structures will mean more poles need to be placed.  Due to companies merging, you may need to relocate.

Potential Earnings  The median annual wage of civil/electrical engineers was $77,560 in May  The lowest 10 percent earned less than $50,560, and the top 10 percent earned more than $119,320.

Related Occupations  Architects  Landscape architects  Urban and regional planners  Linemen  Meter readers

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