Third time’s a charm..

So I’m taking Financial Controllership 2(pretty much corporate finance) for the third time.  Yes, the third time.  I passed the first 2 times, but I need a grade of 70 for it to count towards my accounting designation.  My prof gave us the option of reviewing our final exam to help us figure out where we went wrong. I had a feeling a messed up on the theory (I hate reading) but I just wanted to see to make sure.  I was wrong.

Turns out I was having a hard time with unit 3.  When I told the course during the summer it was accelerated.  Meaning it was a 15 week course crammed into 7.5 weeks, maybe not a good idea for my brain.  By the time we did unit 3, I had to learn all this material and be ready to be tested on it in less than 2 weeks; another bad idea.  After review my exam with my prof we had a little talk.  She asked me how far I was in my designation and what the next step was.  I told her how I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue with the designation. I explained I didn’t find it fun and I wasn’t sure if it was actually accounting or the organization I worked for.  I continued on and told her I was looking into project management .She (like others) told me that accounting isn’t the greatest but it pays the bills. She said I should finish my designation especially since I’ve passed the half way mark.  No one ever really questions someone with an accounting designation because everyone knows about all the hard work and dedication that goes behind it.  She went on to say I should finish it now, while I’m still young and if anything use it to open doors for me later, like getting my project management designation.

After listening to her, I kinda agreed.  Project management requires work experience.  If I continue with my accounting designation and see if I can work on some projects and work with budgeting a forecasting, I can build on the work experience I would need.  My prof also told me that the fact that I’ve been with the same company for 5 years is a good thing. It shows that I’ve proven myself to be a hard worker, especially in a time when it’s hard to get a job.  She continued and told me she’s knows I’m capable of great things and I should just have some patience.

I left the meeting feeling better and having a better idea of what to do next. I think I will finish my designation but I won’t rule out project management, especially since I’m supposed to be meeting up with Alex later today.  Can’t wait to see how that goes

I’m On My Way

Yesterday I decided to hit the ground running and do some research about project management. I wanted to find out more about the field and what I would be getting into.  Since Google and I are best friends that was my first stop.  While doing my research I remembered I know 2 people who went into to project management, I decided to send them some quick messages.  One of them (Alex) got back to me right away.  She asked why the switch from accounting.  I explained that accounting never really was part of the plan, it kind of just happened.  I also told her I was bored and uninterested.  But I did mention that it could be the company that I’m working for.  Alex went on to tell me that she actually started in accounting, realized she hated it and did the switch as well.  Instantly I felt a little better and didn’t feel as crazy.  By the end of our conversation she said we can arrange to meet up and she’ll bring her co-worker along.  Her co-worker is a financial analyst.  That way I can pick the brain of both a project manager and a financial analyst to help me decide which career is for me. Our meeting will take place in the next couple of months which works well for me. My September is a bit of a mess. One of my best friends is getting married (I’m a bridesmaid) and I’m also headed back to school part time, taking a corporate finance course.  By mid-September life should be calm again and I should have a better understanding of project management.

I don’t want to give up on accounting completely just yet.  I know that sometimes the environment you’re in can make you dislike something that you really don’t.  Yes I know I said accounting bores me, but the nerd in me likes the number crunching and balance the books after you’ve been out $5,403.

While researching I also found out there’s a beginner’s project management course I can take online.  I think this could be a good start and I can learn more about it.  Mr. Man also has a project management book that I can borrow.  Looks like I’m off to a good start and have a lot of work ahead of me but I’m sure it will be worth.  It’s all part of the journey.