What is next - opinions please

[topdog98]

Now that I have completed my bachelors, I am deciding on what is next.

I had just about made up my mind for the LSU Accounting Certificate until Rebel100 threw a wrench in those plans by bringing the Harvard Extension School Accounting Certificate to my attention.

I was hoping that the group here could help me with the pros and cons for this decision and any other factors that I may not be aware of.

LSU: Including one prereq., I would need six three-credit courses. The cost would be $3354 plus books ($$$) and proctor fees. These courses are at an independent pace which is my preference. This would give me all the credits needed to pursue the CPA exam. These courses are undergraduate courses that could never count toward a masters. https://is.lsu.edu/ACCTCertificateProg.asp

HES: There are four four-credit courses. I think all of these could be completed online, but they would not be independently paced. This would also probably mean that these four courses would take longer than the six at LSU. I would be 2 credits shy of the CPA requirements, but that could be easily supplemented. The base cost is $9600. These courses are graduate level and could count toward a masters through HES in management or finance, and I assume that they could transfer elsewhere toward a masters. Of course, the main pro to HES is the Harvard brand on my resume. Accounting Principles Certificate Program | Harvard Extension

I am undecided about a masters at this point. I am not sure about the utility of a masters in accounting if I get the CPA. Instead, I might diversify and get a masters or MBA in finance or management. Since it might make a difference in your advice, I am 17 years old. So things are pretty wide open for me. I do have a job opportunity that has been offered that would give me great experience.

Please reply with any advice you have. Thanks.

[rebel100]

Just have to say I'm shocked your only 17! You certainly don't come across as anything other than mature.

Whatever you do, don't rush nit a sprint do what's best fit you long term. I'm a supporter of HES but LSU is a great brand too.

[topdog98]

Just have to say I'm shocked your only 17! You certainly don't come across as anything other than mature.

Whatever you do, don't rush nit a sprint do what's best fit you long term. I'm a supporter of HES but LSU is a great brand too.

Thanks. Yeah, LSU is a great brand, especially since I live in the South. And more importantly, their football team is a lot better than Harvard's.

What you have said makes sense. I think LSU is a better choice for the short term - quicker, easier, cheaper, and more suited to my learning style. But on the other hand, HES could be a better long term plan.

[Goblue34]

Now that I have completed my bachelors, I am deciding on what is next.

I had just about made up my mind for the LSU Accounting Certificate until Rebel100 threw a wrench in those plans by bringing the Harvard Extension School Accounting Certificate to my attention.

I was hoping that the group here could help me with the pros and cons for this decision and any other factors that I may not be aware of.


LSU: Including one prereq., I would need six three-credit courses. The cost would be $3354 plus books ($$$) and proctor fees. These courses are at an independent pace which is my preference. This would give me all the credits needed to pursue the CPA exam. These courses are undergraduate courses that could never count toward a masters. https://is.lsu.edu/ACCTCertificateProg.asp

HES: There are four four-credit courses. I think all of these could be completed online, but they would not be independently paced. This would also probably mean that these four courses would take longer than the six at LSU. I would be 2 credits shy of the CPA requirements, but that could be easily supplemented. The base cost is $9600. These courses are graduate level and could count toward a masters through HES in management or finance, and I assume that they could transfer elsewhere toward a masters. Of course, the main pro to HES is the Harvard brand on my resume. Accounting Principles Certificate Program | Harvard Extension

I am undecided about a masters at this point. I am not sure about the utility of a masters in accounting if I get the CPA. Instead, I might diversify and get a masters or MBA in finance or management. Since it might make a difference in your advice, I am 17 years old. So things are pretty wide open for me. I do have a job opportunity that has been offered that would give me great experience.

Please reply with any advice you have. Thanks.

This a major accomplishment at 17, great job.

[clep3705]

At your age, actual work experience would be more valuable than more education. But because of your age, you might not be able to get a suitable position. In that case, more education is appropriate. An MBA is more versatile than a master's in accountancy.

If you have enough hours to sit for the CPA exam, that might be a better use of your time. Get the CPA, then apply for a job. Let your employer pay for your graduate education.

[topdog98]

To boil it down -

Is the Harvard brand (HES) worth it to pay almost three times the price over LSU?

Opinions? Thanks.

[cookderosa]

In my opinion, you'll get more brand ROI since you're young. If someone like me (age 44) got my degree at HES, it wouldn't be the basis of my career entry, it would be more of an exclamation point. I have a whole history of work experience that outweighs my education, it's not got the wow factor of someone new (read: young=potential).
Someone who is just starting out with an A+ brand like Harvard will certainly get more ROI because you'll start higher earlier and you can build on your degree.

When I was your age, I was headed to culinary school, and I attended the best "brand" school in my field. I was hired to START a culinary degree program from scratch when I was 22 as a result of that brand on my resume. Now, since I've worked mostly as an educator since it fits in well with momming, my "culinary cred" is very low and that degree doesn't carry the weight it did when I started out because I have too much time between earning it and today. If I'd continued to work in industry (like my hubby) it's just part of the resume landscape- while the work history is the shining star.

My point is that the HES is a big name, you'll probably land a great job, and you'll launch from a higher point in the industry. Rebel can share more about how his daughter got a phone call about 2 seconds after she sent her application for an internship. She's a hot commodity.

[topdog98]

Thanks for the replies. They are exactly what I need for some insight. I have been blessed with a great head start, and I want don't want to waste it moving forward. I am excited to get started with the next step.

[clep3705]

What something is worth depends both on what it costs and what you can afford. I have a graduate degree from a prestigious school. I was in a financial position to pay cash for it. I wouldn't have gone there if borrowing had been necessary. I'll probably obtain a doctorate from an Ivy League school because my employer will pay for it. If I had to pay for it, I would return to my state university alma mater and obtain the lowest cost doctorate possible.

I suspect that the worth of Harvard Extension may depend on how you list it on your resume. Harvard University, Harvard College, Harvard Extension, which will you list?

[lavagirl]

To boil it down -

Is the Harvard brand (HES) worth it to pay almost three times the price over LSU?

Opinions? Thanks.

I do not know much about HES, but want to share an interesting article
http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/lamont/2013...are-bogus/