First, some facts. Of the Accounting graduates from Portland State University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 14 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Great! Overall, with an average relevance score of 96%, Accounting graduates from Portland State University have a substantially higher likelihood (+29%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 7% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Accounting graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from Portland State University with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONTax InternMoss Adams Jan 2022 - Aug 2022 FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreePortland State University 2022 - 2023 ABOUTI am a tax staff at Moss Adams, and I am currently on my way to CPA. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the job history of graduates from Portland State University with a degree in Accounting, it’s clear that many of them have gone on to work in roles that are closely tied to the principles they learned during their studies. A lot of them have taken up positions like Financial Analyst, Staff Accountant, and Tax Consultant, which all heavily rely on accounting knowledge. For instance, roles like Income Tax Return Preparer and Accounts Payable Supervisor demand a solid grasp of not just basic accounting but also some specialized skills in finance and taxation. It’s great to see so many graduates landing jobs that directly align with their degree.
However, it’s also worth noting that a smaller portion of the graduates have strayed a bit from pure accounting roles. Some have taken on positions that, while still professional, seem more tangential, like Sales and Marketing Representative or even an internship that didn’t apply accounting skills directly. So, while the majority of jobs are relevant and use the skills from their Accounting degree, there are a few who might be experimenting with different career paths. Overall, it looks like pursuing a degree in Accounting at Portland State University generally sets these graduates up for success in related fields, even if some choose to venture off the beaten path.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Accounting graduates (this is across all Accounting graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Portland State University):
It looks like graduates from the Accounting program at Portland State University generally kick off their careers with solid entry-level positions related to accounting and finance. Many of the alumni take on roles like Accountant, Financial Analyst, or even tax-related jobs right after graduation, which is a great start. For example, many graduates have secured roles like Staff Accountant or financial analyst positions within their first couple of years. This indicates that they're landing jobs that not only relate directly to their degree but also set a good foundation for future advancement.
Fast forward five to ten years, and it seems like a good number of these graduates are climbing the career ladder pretty well. Some have transitioned into managerial or supervisory roles, indicating successful progression in their fields. There's a mix of individuals who have remained in accounting roles, like payroll specialists and staff accountants, which can be a stable and beneficial career path. However, there are also a few who have shifted into less traditional roles or even industries unrelated to accounting, which might suggest some exploring or re-evaluating their career paths. Overall, though, it looks like a significant portion of these grads are doing pretty well for themselves in accounting-related fields, so that's encouraging news for anyone considering this major!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Portland State University, or really anywhere, can be a bit of a mixed bag. It’s generally considered on the tougher side because you’ll dive into a lot of detailed stuff like financial reporting, tax law, and auditing. If you’re good with numbers and enjoy problem-solving, you might find it more manageable, but if math isn’t your strong suit, it could feel pretty challenging. Plus, there’s usually a good amount of studying and assignments, especially during midterms and finals. So, while it’s definitely doable, be ready to put in some solid effort and time into your studies!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Accounting.
So, looking at these Portland State University accounting grads, it seems like they’ve generally been able to find jobs that pay decent salaries, especially as they gain more experience. The ones who've been in the field longer have moved up to roles like Financial Analyst or even Manager, which typically come with better paychecks. It’s worth noting that some of the more recent grads are still at entry-level positions or internships, so their earnings might not be as impressive just yet. However, a solid career path is evident, especially with the older grads who have shown steady career growth over the years. Overall, they seem to be doing alright financially, and as they continue to climb the career ladder, their earnings will likely improve even more.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Accounting (this is across all Accounting graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Portland State University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Accounting (ordered by the average relevance score of their Accounting graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: