@KellerGraduate Smart Guy With Useless Masters from Keller Wants to Know How to Break Into Public - read comments too

from http://goingconcern.com/2011/08/smart-guy-with-useless-masters-wants-to-know-how-to-break-into-public/

This is a good one. A really good one. If you have a good question for us (none of this crap we've answered before nonsense), please get in touch.

The lesson we learn here is that: A) not all Masters degrees are created equal and B) appreciate those networking and recruiting events you get at school because not everyone is so fortunate.

Hi GC,

Just need some advice and suggestions on how I should approach my accounting future. I finished my MBA – Accounting from Keller (Graduate division of Devry) about 2 years ago. I have a really good GPA (3.72), and I have some years of experience of accounting in private industries under my belt (3 years of being staff accountant). I also got a job recently as an Senior Accountant in a non profit organization. However, my true goal has been to get into public accounting, and I have tried and tried to breakthrough with no avail. Even before my recent job, I have applied to many entry level positions at any and every accounting firms (small, big 4, and in between) and no response. NONE… Networking and job assistance at Keller/DeVry is a joke… I sometimes regret going there…

As for the CPA exam, I am working on them right now. None passed so far, but I am really aiming for finishing it by the end of this year.

Something that piqued my interest recently is that CSUN is offering a Master's in Accounting program this fall. I have already applied, and I have a good chance of getting in. However, I don't know if its a worthwhile endeavor.

My question is, should I go back and get another master's for the whole chance of getting networking and interning opportunities? It feels like it might be a waste of $20000 just for that… but then again, I spent about $50000 at Keller/DeVry for hopes of getting into public accounting with no result… and just because I'll be attending an MSA program doesn't mean that it's a lock in getting into public accounting either…

Another thing that interested me is a MST program, possibly from Cal State Fullerton, or again, CSUN. However, time is an issue for me. I'm in my early 30's already, and waiting another year seems like a death knell to my already slim window of opportunity in getting into public accounting.
Does anyone have advice on how I can get my foot in the door into public accounting?

Any feedback will be appreciated!

Thanks!

Sincerely,

Hopelessly Frustrated

answer and comments here: http://goingconcern.com/2011/08/smart-guy-with-useless-masters-wants-to-know-how-to-break-into-public/