Chris Bowler - Systems Manager

As you approach the end your college days and begin to embark your accounting career, your learning environment and opportunities are about to change. So here is what you can expect. There are generally two areas in the accounting profession’s post-graduate learning environment: professional certification and continuing professional education (CPE). The certification testing is very similar to your college learning environment; very prescriptive, structured, and stressful (for me personally, anyway) with a bright line with a passing grade. Once you get past your certification exams you enter into the CPE phase of your professional development. This area is a much more self-directed learning environment. There are certainly general skills to be covered; however, you also have the opportunity to dive deep into a particular area of interest to really develop your personal skills and tools. If you have some natural curiosity, it can actually be pretty fun! You might even find yourself quoted in some professional journals or industry trade magazines as subject matter expert.

College was all about getting the basics covered as a student. Now is your chance to distinguish yourself as a professional, so good luck!