I decided to post it here because off topic seems a little bit non serious compared to the sane people in here. So I'd appreciate a mod leaving it here so I can get some intelligent responses please.

I am currently 16 (Please no stereotypes, I am not a wannabe thug, a ricer and I think I am reasonable knowledgeable about cars), and I am interested in a career in something financial like accounting. I am in Grade 11 (Junior for you americans) and I am thinking that as an extra incentive to be accepted to a university I can take some extra courses at a local college. My goal is being financially sound enough to be able to OWN an s2k by making all the money for it by myself (even though family owns a big ford dealership, they wont buy me a car and I'm not going to let them) for the gratification of knowing I did it myself. Thats how it relates to the s2k .

ANYWAY, my question to you is, what would be some sensible careers in the financial field, and would taking something like Economics 101, Accounting 101 and some other business management courses at night or on weekends be beneficial and worthwile to being accepted over the next person with the same grades as me? Also, by taking your experiences, what would be a good career to reach for that would leave me in the position of the average american dream, living in a nice big house in the suburbs with a fast car like an s2k?

I'd really appreciate some helpful input. Thanks in advance.

 

Looks like you've got a good head on your shoulders ... but remember to not stress out about this stuff at the same time.

"Finance" is really broad and there are hundreds of different things you could do. I think taking college courses wouldn't hurt at all, and it COULD help you get into a university of your choice. The important thing is to choose something you enjoy learning about and do well at it. Once you get into college, your highschool performance means almost nothing ... you have to start from scratch once again and prove that you can succeed in college.

Since you seem to be interested in money related matters, taking something like Econ 101 (i.e. basic micro/macro policy) and things relating accounting like all those "wonderful" mathematics classes, etc. would be a good idea. Don't get too ahead of yourself though ... college is also a time for exploration, and you gotta have fun too! My suggestion is, don't let a material goal (like an S2K) be your goal ... just do what you love doing and it will become profitable for you as long as you play it all the way through.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RatedR
[B]I decided to post it here because off topic seems a little bit non serious compared to the sane people in here.

 

Finance is a very broad term. It includes banking, equity management, fiduciary services, treasury services, foreign exchange, accounting, auditing, and other activities. The classes you suggest (Economics, Accounting but also banking) will give you a better idea of both the opportunities available and what you yourself might like to do.


Also, by taking your experiences, what would be a good career to reach for that would leave me in the position of the average american dream, living in a nice big house in the suburbs with a fast car like an s2k?

[/QUOTE]

I myself was very lucky to stumble into the field of computer programming. It has kept me well fed and intellectually engaged (most of the time at least) for more years than I care to admit but there are many other possibilities out there. It's a matter of figuring out what you enjoy doing. That comes, ultimately, from the time and experience of trying out different things and constantly refining your search.

 

I'm not THAT smart, just really good at english and accounting (100%, my teacher is an ex- forensic auditor who says I should go into acc) but I kinda suck at math like all that shape stuff.

You guys have me wrong though. I am white, I am on a rep hockey team and have played since I was 6, as well as baseball through the summer played AAA every year except last year and this year (tired of commitment). This summer I am working at my uncles sawmill hauling wood for 100$ a day no tax (under the table )

I also take my social life over schoolwork, which I shouldn't do, but whatever. Weekends are for partying, and during the week its school and some sports. I really want to go into university with a set goal, and bust my ass to achieve that goal. I suppose it doesn't really matter how long I attend "x" University because my tuition is paid for whatever school I get into. Anyway, I'll stop digressing, I'm seriously considering Accounting 101 and going from there because acc was sooo easy, but I also want to take economics as well. You're very right, finance is a very large field, I just want to find something I am GOOD at, am recognized as being good at and am appreciated. Along with some good cash flow. My last job was at a meat department in a grocery store, so I will do basically anything and be fine with it no matter how tedious.

I emailed a couple local colleges about their part time studies programs, and it looks like the prereqs are Math 11 which i have a B in currently, and English 11 which i have an A in. I'm pretty happy, one of the schools is mailing me a bunch of brochures and I am going to take a trip to a couple others to talk to their Programs Managers. Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it. I should get around to going to a Honda dealership and test driving a s2k with my dad, I hope they don't check my credit

 

Hey RatedR, I myself am 20 and don't even own my own car yet I know, I know, I spent it all on the computer and PS2 instead of getting a beater

As for advice... well, I'm a second year college student and I still have really no clue what I want to do. My suggestion, as a college student, is do not limit yourself . There are tons of well paying jobs out there, accounting being one of them. I agree that social time and schoolwork should be more balanced, but do what you really want to do, what you really like doing, not what pays the most. I have had two jobs my entire life... then again I am still in the "part time" phase of my life, so I guess that doesn't really count as "high paying".

Anyways, I too wish to own an S2000 one day, and I know I will because no matter how long it takes, I will save up the $53,000 required to buy one. And I will enjoy making the money to do so.

On the downside, it'll mean living with my parents until I'm 35

 

Well, this is very interesting...i dont hear of many people wanting to be and accountant. I am an accountant myself, and I kinda like it. I am mainly into management accounting and it pays pretty good and I have never had a problem getting a job.

I agree that you need to make sure you get into the right field, there are many different types of accountants. You will need to make sure you do the correct subject to get you into one of the preofessional accounting bodies in the US ( I am in Australia), this is very important.

Also up and comming fields of importance in the accounting area revolve alot around technology eg e-business/commerce or impact of commerce in the 'electronic market'. Financial planning, performance management and taxation are strong issues in the Australian arena at the moment.

I hope you succeed in whatever you choose to do.

 

Port Moody might be your biggest limiting factor. To get good opportunities in the field you're interested in, you'd have to go someplace much more populated and a lot more urban (or you could end up being the business manager for your dad's car dealership in which case he's not going like one of his employees driving a non-Ford). Young people in the more remote areas of the Island tend to go away for their secondary education and when they've finished I don't think many of them go back home. You might luck out and find the ideal job in your home town. BC's economy is kinda in the toilet right now and will remain so till your government can "fix" things. Their current measures to bring the province back from the "brink" is gonna hurt for some time to come. The less populated and more remote areas will be on the tail end of that recovery. You have some admirable goals but you may have to go far from home to achieve them. I hope I'm wrong.

ps. I visit a good friend 2-3 times a year on the Island. I love your little corner of the world. It's unfortunate that the employment situation out there is such a bitch (unless your job has to do with tourism or sport fishing, everything else is touch and go).

 

The best advice is not to worry about what field you will be in post-college. What you should be focused on is getting into the best college possible. Take as many AP classes as you can, and work on getting a 1400+ on your SAT. If you can get into an Ivy League, or comparable, you can probably do whatever you want post-college with a liberal arts degree. Many friends I know are investment bankers on wall street and majored in biology, history, literature, etc.

The important thing is to get into the best college possible. While it may go against your nature (work hard it will pay off) the fact remains the business world is still for the most part an old boys club that prefers a combination of pedigree and hard work. There are plenty of ambitios, smart individuals looking for top jobs you need to do what you can to diffentiate yourself.

It is also my opinion that Acc is very boring, especially tax/audit, consulting or I-banking are generally more interesting as the task you are required to do have more variety.

 

wussup buddy,

I'm also 21 and own 00 black on red and I'm from T.O

Just give yourself a reasonable time frame to set an achievable goal and things should pan out.

As for the financial sector, I have my cfp (certified financial planner) I do not currently work "full time" as a financial planner but I feel that it is the best job out there. If you like numbers, helping people achieve there goals, making it easy to achieve yours and understanding markets this is the best place to be. Not to mention its pretty damn rewarding.

Anyway, coming form someone who is relatively young also its definitely feasible...

peace