Every accounting student has a unique story and reason they were drawn to the profession. 

Katherine Suh, an accounting student at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, says she didn’t know much about accounting when she chose the major, but it turned out to be a great fit.   

“This is a really cool profession to be in,” she said. “You can go into any sector you like, and there are so many options. I think the key to success is keeping yourself open.” 

Suh recently sat down with Hunter Richardson, an accounting and computer science student at Georgia Institute of Technology, for a Q&A to discuss what a typical day looks like for an accounting major.

Although no two days are the same, here is what you might expect as an accounting student. 

Wake up: Starting the day with purpose

With a packed schedule of classes, meetings, and networking events, time management is essential for an accounting major. Richardson uses productivity software to stay organized, inputting all his syllabi and assignments into a central system at the beginning of each semester. This simple but effective strategy allows him to stay focused throughout the semester, adjusting as deadlines and exams approach.

Time management skills will also be essential when you begin studying for the CPA Exam. Richardson recommends creating a detailed study plan and potentially waiting until after graduation to begin exam prep. 

“Build up that foundation while you're in college as best you can, and then, after graduation, you can focus on studying,” he said.

Morning: Classes and coursework 

As an accounting student, class time is a mix of core accounting courses and specialized electives.

Richardson’s and Suh’s schedules this semester include traditional accounting classes like “Intermediate Accounting,” a tax advisory workshop, and the elective “Communicating Accounting Analytics,” which focuses on modeling financial data and emerging technologies like AI and machine learning. 

“This course has helped demystify generative AI for me,” Suh said. “I think AI tools are going to become our friends in the accounting world, allowing us to do a bit less of the menial tasks and become more like financial advisers.” 

A blend of technical skills and technological innovation is what sets accounting apart as a versatile and evolving profession.

Afternoon: Personal time and stress management

It’s not all numbers and spreadsheets, though. Suh knows the importance of balance.

After a long day of classes and study, she makes time for personal activities like working out, catching up with friends, and pursuing hobbies outside of accounting.

“It's about giving yourself space to be a person in addition to everything else,” she said. “You need to start prioritizing and making sure what you're doing is something you really care about. And don’t take on too much at the beginning, because things always stack up in the end.” 

Making time for extracurriculars will also set you apart during the job search and allow you to discover your authentic passions.

“Being authentic is essential for success as an accounting student,” Suh said. “There's sort of this pressure to fit into a mold of what an accountant should look like, but I'm here to tell you that's not true. I, for one, don’t fit into a specific mold.”

Evening: Building the professional profile

Being an accounting major means something different for everyone, but Suh says one key difference from other majors is that you're not waiting until after graduation for your career to begin. You're actively engaging with it daily, learning and building your network and professional identity early on.

“Networking really is everything, but it doesn't always look like how you expect it will,” she said. “It’s just about talking to as many people as possible. And talking to all kinds of people. I've had more enlightening conversations with a first-year associate than a partner at a huge firm.”

Suh also encourages students to leverage campus career resources and begin exploring internship opportunities as soon as possible. Recruiting starts early in accounting. For example, some students are already locking down internships for the summer of 2026.

“It's not like you have to have it all figured out, but it is important to build those relationships,” she said. “Start getting a better understanding of what positions you might want, read those job descriptions, talk to your recruiters, and keep an eye on the recruiting cycles.”

Before bed: Winding down and looking ahead

As the day comes to a close, Suh and Richardson take a moment to reflect on the bigger picture. They’re excited about the future — the endless opportunities in the accounting profession, from Big 4 firms to data analytics and environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

“Accounting really is a choose-your-own-adventure profession,” Suh said. “You can go so many directions, and there's no right or wrong path. I think the Big 4 has great opportunities, but so do other firms, so definitely look into as many opportunities as you can, learn what matters to you and what you want your career to look like.”

Hear more about Suh’s and Richardson’s experiences by watching their full conversation. And unlock more exclusive content, AICPA benefits, and scholarship opportunities by joining the AICPA as a free Student Affiliate Member.