Career Exploration Assignment: UMGC Resources And Profession

Career Exploration Assignment: UMGC Resources and Professional Associations

This assignment requires a comprehensive review of UMGC Career Services, including UMGC Career Quest, and an evaluation of the Accounting & Finance Forum and accounting-related associations. The goal is to assess how these resources can support your academic and career objectives, particularly in the field of accounting information systems and related certifications. The paper should be formatted in APA 7 style, double-spaced with standard margins, and not exceed two pages.

Paper For Above instruction

In this paper, I will explore my academic and career goals and analyze how UMGC’s career services and professional associations can aid in achieving those objectives. Additionally, I will evaluate the resources provided by the UMGC Accounting & Finance Forum, offering recommendations for enhancing its usefulness to students pursuing careers in accounting and finance.

Academic and Career Goals

My primary academic goal is to complete my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and prepare for professional certification, such as the CPA. I am interested in deepening my understanding of accounting information systems through course work like ACCT 326, which offers essential knowledge that underpins many areas within accounting. This course will provide foundational skills crucial for managing financial data, internal controls, and audit procedures, all of which are vital for my intended career in internal auditing or financial analysis.

Beyond my academic pursuits, my career goals include becoming a certified public accountant or a certified internal auditor, with aspirations to eventually hold managerial roles in accounting or internal controls. I aim to work in a dynamic environment where I can apply my knowledge of accounting information systems to enhance internal processes, ensure compliance, and mitigate fraud risks. The skills gained from this course, along with certifications like the CMA or CISA, will be instrumental in elevating my professional standing and achieving these objectives. Furthermore, I plan to pursue graduate studies, such as a Master’s degree in Accounting, to deepen my expertise and expand my career opportunities.

Review of UMGC Career Services

UMGC offers comprehensive career services designed to support students' professional development. These include resume writing assistance, interview preparation, career counseling, and job search tools available through UMGC Career Quest. I have found that UMGC Career Services provide valuable resources tailored for online learners, including access to job portals, networking opportunities, and webinars on career development topics. These resources are aligned with my career goal of entering a competitive accounting or auditing role, as they help build essential job search skills and connect me with prospective employers.

Specifically, Career Quest has been useful in allowing me to perform targeted job searches related to accounting information systems and related certifications. Additionally, the career counseling services have helped me clarify my professional goals and develop strategies for certification preparation and skill enhancement. The availability of career workshops and employer engagement events provides insights into industry trends and employer expectations, which are critical for preparing a successful transition from academic to professional life. Overall, UMGC’s career services offer a robust platform to support my career advancement.

Review of the Accounting & Finance Forum

The UMGC Accounting & Finance Forum is a valuable online community for students interested in accounting and finance fields. It offers a range of resources, including discussion boards, resources for upcoming events, and access to industry news. In my opinion, the forum is a useful platform for networking with peers and industry professionals, sharing knowledge, and staying informed about current trends and opportunities in accounting and finance.

To improve the site, I suggest incorporating more interactive features such as live webinars with industry experts, virtual networking events, and a mentorship program to connect students with seasoned professionals. Enhancing the search functionality and making the event calendar more centralized and user-friendly would also increase engagement. A more active moderation team could foster richer discussions and ensure the content remains relevant and valuable. These enhancements could make the forum an even more effective resource for supporting students' career development.

Review of an Accounting-Related Association: AICPA

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is a premier professional organization for accountants in the United States. Membership provides access to a wealth of resources, including technical guidance, continuing professional education (CPE), ethical standards, and networking opportunities. For someone pursuing a career in accounting or internal accounting controls, AICPA membership offers significant benefits, such as access to industry research, webinars, and conferences dedicated to emerging trends in accounting technology, fraud prevention, and regulatory compliance.

Joining AICPA would greatly support my career by keeping me updated with the latest industry standards and best practices. It also offers specialized resources for certifications like the CPA, as well as career development tools like job boards and mentorship programs. Membership provides credibility and demonstrates a commitment to professionalism, which can be advantageous when seeking employment or advancement. Overall, AICPA’s resources would help me stay current in my field, improve my technical skills, and expand my professional network, all of which are crucial for a successful accounting career.

References

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. (2023). Benefits of membership. https://www.aicpa.org/membership/join/aicpa-benefits.html
  • UMGC Career Services. (2023). Career Quest. https://umgc.edu/career-services
  • UMGC. (2023). Accounting & Finance forum. https://umgc.edu/student-support/forums/accounting-finance.html
  • Institute of Internal Auditors. (2022). Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification. https://www.theiia.org/certification/certified-internal-auditor-cia/
  • ISACA. (2023). Certifications. https://www.isaca.org/certification
  • American Accounting Association. (2022). Careers in accounting. https://aaahq.org/career-resources
  • Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. (2022). Standards and resources. https://pcaobus.org/
  • ACFE. (2023). Fraud prevention resources. https://www.acfe.com/resources.aspx
  • National Association of Black Accountants. (2022). Professional development opportunities. https://www.naba.org
  • American Society of CPAs. (2023). Member benefits and resources. https://www.ascpa.org

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