Perspectives
History majors (and other liberal arts students) make great accountants
You’ve combed through old documents. You’ve learned how to put together a persuasive, evidence-based argument in writing. You’ve delved deep into topics that required you to “connect the dots” between different subjects — maybe religion in Cold War America or the influence of technology on 19th century British political movements.
As a history, English or liberal arts major you may have spent most of your time studying events, writings or works of art from the past. But the skills you acquired, such as digging into original documents for research and communicating your findings persuasively, are still valuable in careers that work in with present or future context.
>> Match history courses with accounting courses and skills.
A good career, faster
You loved studying history. But you also want a job with a future. How are you going to turn your research, writing and critical thinking skills into a good career? Not just a good-paying job — a career that’s intellectually challenging, where you can make an impact on the future. Maybe even make some history of your own.
You’ve probably thought about law school — lots of history and English majors do. But that takes three years — longer than it took Lewis and Clark to lead their expedition across North America. You can find a good career faster than that.
MAC student Anne Mendelsohn describes her transition from anthropology to accounting.
Learn from 13th century Italian bankers
So consider accounting. Thirteenth-century Italian bankers invented modern bookkeeping, a critical innovation that allowed banks and businesses to flourish and grow over the last several hundred years.
Your undergraduate degree, combined with a Master of Accounting (MAC) degree, could give you a flourishing career, too. Complete it in just 12 months, then get to work. UNC Kenan-Flagler MAC grads have a 99 percent employment rate and starting salaries of over $54,000 per year.
There’s more.
All that hard work you put into your undergrad history/liberal arts courses will help you immensely as you pursue your MAC degree and, more importantly, when you’re working as an accountant. Yes, what you learn in school matters! To illustrate this, check out this handy grid that matches history courses with accounting courses and skills.
I’m interested!
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