ACA accounting qualification or University?

Question

I have a highly frustrating dilemma regarding what I should do after A-Levels.

1) My father wants me to get an ACA accounting qualifcation after the sixth form instead of going to university. He justifies this by the zero student debt, earning suplus, and quick access to the top of a firm.

2) However, I'm not sure that I'll enjoy accounting but I do enjoy Economics, which I am considering taking at University.

What I would like to know is:
1) whether no degree and an accounting qualification can lead to quick advancement to the top of a company

2) basically what should I do. I would enjoy economics at degree more that aca from a-levels. But a degree may slow my career progress

Answer 1

I had exactly the same dilema as you. The thing is at the end of the day if you do the ACA qualification, you don't get a degree. Therefore if you aren't 100% sure you want to do accounting, you won't have a degree to help you to the top of a company elsewhere.

The ACA won't lead you quickly to the top, and degrees look better. If no degree could lead you to the top of a company, everyone would do it. So no a degree should speed up your career rather than hinder it.

Answer 2

no form of studying is a quick way to the top. ACA students have towork hard for the same time as a uni degree and then they are qualified, it does not mean they are at hte top of the company. They then have to do all the hard graft to work up within the company, compete against all the others doing their studying. I work in an accountancy firm and since working here, none of hte ACA students have gone any further after qualifying they either stay the same level or leave for a new job.



Dont let your dad decide for you, go ahead and do what you want to do, if you wont enjoy accounting dont do it.

Answer 3

In my opinion degree for the sake of it is not the one you should go about - this is number one. Whatever higher course you are opting, just take a pause, reflect and be determined to complete it- this is number two. Education is a continuous process. It develops a person not only intellectually, but also morally and physically and you have to be current with the times and technology-this is number three. Attitudinal development is top priority in any discipline, process of learning or field of activity- this is number four. Practical application of the knowledge, skill or learning on the field and/or on the real work situation is most desirable- this is number five. Now, without knowing your aptitude, likes or dislikes or the taste and habits,it is a bit difficult to opine. But myself being an MBA with commercial and industrial under takings as a major,I like to advise you to think about it. I am giving this advice with all sincerity, because it paid me fully. However, now I am a retired senior bank executive. Even today my MBA degree is helping me as a free lance writer on world economy, banking, finance and more.And also I am constantly advising young professionals on 'Yahoo Answers'. with success, and of course free of cost. But this I say with due humility. I wish you the best of luck. Yet, the choice is yours.