CPA. Those three letters symbolize prestige, potential and a pretty sizeable salary. But what these professionals actually do ranges widely from one Certified Public Accountant to the next. Let’s start with the basics.

If there’s one thing you will not be complaining about as a CPA, it’s your salary. Even new grads are offered a sizable sum. Here’s an overview.

There are so many possibilities in accounting, confusion is practically a given. Especially when it comes to picking that first job. But don’t succumb to the heart palpitations just yet—use this tool to find your fit.

If becoming a CPA is on your horizon, the quality of your education throughout college and grad school matters. When reviewing your application for licensure, State Boards of Accountancy typically evaluate the quality of your education based on whether your institution and maybe even your business school are accredited.

It’s time to figure out what to do there -–including what college courses you should take. The great thing is that there’s someone who knows all of this – your academic advisor.

So you’re interested in the CPA profession but you don’t have the degree or experience to get the job yet? Well there’s no replacement for getting the education you need, but acquiring a competitive advantage can be done in all sorts of ways. Consider a few of these ideas to give yourself a leg up on the competition upon graduation.

You’ve probably been thinking about that dream job for a while now. Since you already know that you want that great gig, it’s probably a good idea to start lining yourself up for it now, right?

Starting a study group is kind of like those elementary school science projects you remember: You can learn a lot and it can be fun, but, if you don't mix the right stuff together, it might explode.