Is this a good idea?

MichaelAwkward

MichaelAwkward

MichaelAwkward

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Currently just started my final year at university, but I don't really know where I'm going with it. I've never really been that into the course.

So I'm considering leaving now with a Dip HE and then going to do an AAT course instead so that I can eventually become self-employed.

Or is that a terrible idea, and should I finish the year (I think I can manage a 2:1, I've managed it for the past two years without really trying)? If I do, will I still need to do AAT or is there a quicker entry route for those with degrees?
 
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The job market is terrible and extremely competitive right now. If you drop out, you will close many doors. Employers will be wondering two things:

1. Why should I take a chance on someone who doesn't have a degree when these other candidates do?
2. Why did he drop out? Can he not see anything through? Do I want to take a risk on this person?

The question you should be asking is, is there anything that is actually going to prevent you from completing the degree?

You will be in a much better position if you complete your degree and then pursue an AAT. It will benefit you more in the long run, even if you don't intend on pursuing the course any longer.

Your other option of course, is to approach your university and see if there is any way to perhaps take a break and come back to it if you're feeling burnt out. Go and enter the job market for a year and have it open your eyes to what it's really like right now.
 
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I have two flatmates. One dropped out in his final year and now works at a cinema. The other one, who was in his course, finished his final year and now owns 3 properties and is a higher rate tax payer.

Go figure.
 
Get the degree - as someone without a degree it seems to be a pre-requisite for everything from serving in McDonalds to picking cases in a warehouse it seems if you want to do anything above that!

You've wasted your entire time there - make it worth something.
 
Seems like a bad idea, but as someone who stuck out 3 years doing a course they really didnt like and havent used, I would say follow your interest and passion.
 
finish it - with a 2:1! It is less than a year to go... and yes with a degree you won't need AAT, you can go just do ACA etc...

small bit of effort now to finish the course and make sure you get a 2:1 can have a huge impact on the trajectory of your career and earnings beyond this point
 
MichaelAwkward said:
Or is that a terrible idea, and should I finish the year (I think I can manage a 2:1, I've managed it for the past two years without really trying)? If I do, will I still need to do AAT or is there a quicker entry route for those with degrees?
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A quicker entry route to what? Being an accountant? Or just being self employed?

If it's to be an accountant then depending on what your degree is most of the major accountancy bodies will take it into consideration. For example with CIMA you may get exemptions from the certificate in business accounting, otherwise you can start by doing that (no degree needed). ACCA would let you claim exemptions from some of the professional level courses with a relevant degree etc and you bypass their foundation courses but again you don't necessarily need a degree to get started.

It does depend what you want to do, AAT is a fine qualification in its own right but it's also often just a stepping stone to one of the other accountancy qualifications and it's a step you can miss out if you have an idea what you want to do. If you're dabbling with what you want to do and someone is paying for your AAT then there's no particular reason not to do it but equally most of the major accountancy bodies will be able to give equivalent qualifications for those who are part-qualified.
 
frankly the only reasonable excuse for dropping out IMO is if you've got a skill set you can put to use immediately to make money

one of my mates was(well still is) an awesome programmer and dropped out after setting up his own software business and taking on a few employees while still in second year

years later though he did decide to complete his degree and is still an awesome programmer albeit one contracted for archetect type roles on very high daily rates


frankly I can't think of many other good reasons - in terms of other degrees that give you applicable real world skills/knowledge most of those tend to be regulated professions: medicine, engineering, law etc.. - it is mostly computer science where dropping out could be a reasonable option as the software industry isn't regulated and professional bodies have minimal impact + there are a few people out there who simply have the raw talent/skills

unless you have an awesome skill set and your own business or some amazing job offer I'd fail to see dropping out as a good option... since you want to be an accountant and certain areas of that profession are regulated, dropping out is silly
 
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