Looking for something to keep me busy.

So I'm back in Boston and the job search has not been terribly productive thus far. I'm still doing contract work with a financial firm here and sending applications.

I know it's early in my search (I've only been actively looking in Boston for about 4 weeks and have only been local for 2), but I've decided if I don't have something full time by the New Year I'm contemplating another degree.

The one I'm leaning most towards is the University of Arkansas MSOM. It's inexpensive, can be done quickly and is interesting, if not completely relevant to my career aspirations.

I've contemplated the MS Finance from Boston College since I'm local again, but frankly, it's to expensive. The only way I could do that is if I got hired at BC's endowment.

I've also considered continuing to pursue the CFA, but you can't become CFA chartered without 4 years of financial experience. So if I sit for the exams over the next two years but am not working in the field during that time I'm not going to qualify for the CFA Charter as I've currently only got two years of what can be considered "finance experience".

If I could find something in the realm of finance or accounting with a similar price point to the Arkansas program that would be ideal. I'm not terribly concerned with prestige this go around, it just needs to be a reputable school.

Alright DegreeInfo experts, give me some programs.

 

I'm with Steve. Get chipping away at a research-based doctorate and you'll have a nice amount of work that you can push forward whenever you have time.

 

finish the ALM in Government?

 

I'm not spending $15k+ to finish the ALM. If I was still working at the University it'd be a no brainer.

 

Train for a marathon?

 

I think our golden tiger should take up archery. Or maybe fencing.

 

That's my plan.

Death Valley on Feb 1st

 

What about a grad certificate in accounting or finance instead of a degree? Faster, cheaper, and a great addition?

 

That's too cool (or maybe I should say, "That's too hot.") What's the average temp in February? I'm guessing 70's. At the Boston Marathon (April) they like it if the temps are in the 50's.

 

The average highs are in the low 70s and lows in the low 40s for that time of year. The temps aren't much higher than Vegas averages for that time of year. It is only about two hours from my house and 3000 feet lower.

Edit - I've really gotten back into running and road racing since I moved here in the spring.

 

I already ran one, the Nashville Rock n' Roll Marathon, it was during grad school and it was miserable. I won't do anything more than a half-marathon ever again, and those only rarely. I have an abundance of respect for anyone that can do the training and run multiple marathons.

 

That's a good idea. Any particular certs/schools you can think of?

 

Randell1234 beat me to the accounting cert suggestion. The two that I know of are LSU's Certificate in Accounting and University of North Alabama's Professional Accounting Prep Program. Both programs are relatively inexpensive. The LSU program is only about $2,525 (5 classes at 505 per class). You will need to take two intermediate accounting courses, if you haven't already (I am assuming that you took management accounting during your MBA), but those courses are only an additional $505 each.

All told, you could pick up the certificate for a little more than $3,500. Even better, that cert, plus your existing business credits will allow you to sit for the CPA exam and get your CPA certificate (but not license) in certain states. If you wanted your license you would need 1 to 2 years of experience, depending on the state. However, just having the CPA credential (even if it is only the certificate/inactive) would be a big resume boost for many.

Even better, the LSU courses (and I think the UNA courses, as well) are self paced. They give you up to 9 months to complete the course, but you can finish as quickly as you want.

I will most likely pursue this option next spring. I am taking Management Accounting now at HES and will use that to qualify for intermediate accounting I at LSU in January. Accounting knowledge is one of those skills that crosses into every industry, yet is really understood by relatively few. It would complement my ALM in IT nicely.

I have also thought about getting another masters, but the harsh reality is that an additional masters really doesn't benefit me much in my career. I was also looking at the doctoral programs, but I am just not willing to make that kind of commitment just yet. The flexibility, cost, and utility of the accounting cert is really making it a no brainer.

 

Fortunato did a graduate certificate from East Carolina in Finance - http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/35341-finished-ecu-graduate-certificate-finance.html

I was also thinking of Graduate Certificate in Finance Online | SNHU
and this - UWF - Online Campus - Certificates