I am a graduate of accounting, I have always desired to build a formidable career in accounting and finance, it’s a profession I so much like. But the challenge of securing job since last year that I finished my NYSC is already making me think otherwise. I also know many of my friends who didn’t go to university but joined business immediately after our secondary school, and are all doing well today. If I see them, I will be like did I just waste my time going to university? Others will tell me that I will not make it going to career work, that I should find business to do or better still serve them for years and get settled. On the side of stock market, I have 15 units of MTN share, and few others in uba, jaiz bank, buafoods, fidson, but it looks so insignificant. What do you advice
You didn’t waste your time—but you’re also seeing a real signal: the market rewards skills and cashflow, not just degrees. The right move isn’t to abandon your accounting path; it’s to pair it with income and practical exposure immediately. Let’s make this concrete. 🧠 Reframe the Situation (No SugarRead more
You didn’t waste your time—but you’re also seeing a real signal: the market rewards skills and cashflow, not just degrees. The right move isn’t to abandon your accounting path; it’s to pair it with income and practical exposure immediately.
See lessLet’s make this concrete.
🧠 Reframe the Situation (No Sugarcoating)
Your friends in business started cashflow early → that compounds
You chose formal training (accounting) → that compounds later
Right now, you’re in the “valley” between education and payoff
👉 The mistake would be choosing one side only:
“Only career” → slow income, frustration
“Only business” → you abandon your advantage
The winning approach is hybrid.
🔧 What You Should Do (Practical Strategy)
1. Keep Your Accounting Career Path — but make it “marketable”
Don’t just say “I studied accounting.” That’s not enough.
You need usable skills:
Excel (advanced: pivot tables, financial models)
Basic financial analysis (ratios, valuation)
Accounting software (QuickBooks, Sage)
👉 These turn you from “graduate” → useful asset
2. Start Earning Now (Even Small)
You don’t need a big job first.
Do this immediately:
Help small businesses keep records
Offer bookkeeping to:
welders
shops
POS operators
Charge:
₦10k – ₦30k monthly per client
👉 3 clients = ₦30k – ₦90k/month
This is how you bridge the gap.
3. Build Experience (This is what employers want)
Even unpaid or low-paid roles matter early.
Target:
Audit firms
Small accounting firms
NGOs
👉 Stay 6–12 months → gain experience → move up
4. Your Stock Portfolio — Let’s Be Honest
What you have in:
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc
United Bank for Africa Plc
Jaiz Bank Plc
BUA Foods Plc
Fidson Healthcare Plc
👉 It looks small—but it’s actually correct behavior.
Why?
You’ve started early
You’re learning the market
You’re building habit
The problem is not size—it’s consistency.
5. Upgrade Your Investment Strategy
Instead of scattering:
👉 Do this:
Focus on 3–4 strong stocks
Add money monthly (even ₦5k–₦20k)
Example structure:
Banking (UBA or Zenith)
Telecom (MTNN)
Industrial/consumer (BUA Foods)
👉 Over time, this becomes serious.
⚖️ Career vs Business — The Real Answer
❌ Wrong thinking:
“Which one should I follow?”
✅ Correct thinking:
“How do I combine both to win faster?”
🧠 The Winning Model (Use This)
Phase 1 (Now – 1 year):
Learn skills
Do small accounting gigs
Invest small
Phase 2:
Get stable job or higher-paying role
Increase investments
Possibly start structured business
Phase 3:
Multiple income streams
Investment portfolio grows
⚠️ Hard Truth You Need to Accept
Your friends look ahead now—but many of them:
Don’t understand finance
Don’t build structured wealth
👉 Your accounting knowledge gives you long-term advantage
But only if you use it actively, not just hold the certificate.
💡 Final Advice (Direct)
Do NOT:
Abandon accounting
Compare timelines emotionally
Do:
Start earning immediately (even small)
Build skills aggressively
Invest consistently (ignore how small it looks)
🔚 Bottom Line
You are not behind—you’re just not monetizing your knowledge yet.
Fix that, and everything changes.
Your input is quite a valid point, I really appreciate, at least I know that I didn't just waste my time going to university. For the investment, is it better to sell other ones and add the money to uba, buafoods and MTN only
Your input is quite a valid point, I really appreciate, at least I know that I didn’t just waste my time going to university. For the investment, is it better to sell other ones and add the money to uba, buafoods and MTN only
See lessThank you for sharing your situation so clearly. I can see that you’re torn between pursuing your passion in accounting and the immediate lure of business success, and you’re also feeling social pressure from peers who chose different paths. Let’s break this down carefully and realistically. --- 1.Read more
Thank you for sharing your situation so clearly. I can see that you’re torn between pursuing your passion in accounting and the immediate lure of business success, and you’re also feeling social pressure from peers who chose different paths. Let’s break this down carefully and realistically.
—
1. Understanding Your Options
You have three potential paths:
A. Career in Accounting & Finance
Pros:
You already have formal education and skills.
Accounting is globally respected and stable; once established, it can lead to lucrative roles in auditing, consulting, finance, or corporate management.
You can diversify into finance, stock trading, or entrepreneurship later with strong credentials.
Cons:
Employment in Nigeria can be slow due to competition and economic conditions.
Frustration and patience are required before significant rewards.
B. Starting Your Own Business
Pros:
Immediate action; your effort directly translates to results.
Some of your peers’ success can inspire you if you find the right niche.
Cons:
High failure rate if unprepared; starting capital, market understanding, and business skills are critical.
Emotional and financial stress if the business doesn’t scale.
C. Hybrid Approach (Recommended)
Work in accounting or finance part-time, freelance, or consult, while building a small business on the side.
Invest in your skills and credentials (CPA, ICAN, ACCA) to make yourself highly employable.
Grow your stock portfolio strategically as a passive income avenue.
—
2. Key Principles to Consider
1. Value of Your Degree
Your university education is not a waste. Knowledge in accounting allows you to:
Analyze business opportunities better than most who start businesses without formal training.
Understand investments, taxes, and finance management professionally.
Transition later into high-paying corporate roles or finance entrepreneurship.
2. Timing Matters
Many successful businesspeople started after gaining some experience, including in their field.
Your peers who succeeded without university may have taken higher risks, but you have a lower-risk advantage with skills and qualifications.
3. Social Pressure vs Personal Strategy
Success is not uniform; comparing your journey to your friends’ can mislead.
Focus on your trajectory—a stable career now can support business ventures later.
4. Investments Are Long-Term
Your current stock portfolio may seem small, but consistent growth, reinvestment, and research can build wealth over time.
Treat investing as a skill to complement your accounting career.
—
3. Realistic Action Plan for You
Step 1: Strengthen Your Accounting Career
Apply to accounting firms, banks, corporate finance departments, or government agencies.
Update your resume and LinkedIn; consider volunteering or internships if full-time roles are scarce.
Work toward certifications (ICAN, ACCA, or CIMA) to stand out.
Step 2: Explore Business Side Hustles
Start small, low-risk businesses that complement your skills:
Accounting consulting for SMEs
Financial literacy workshops or bookkeeping services
E-commerce or trading of goods you understand
Step 3: Strategic Investments
Grow your stock portfolio gradually; research dividends, long-term growth companies, and diversified sectors.
Use your accounting expertise to analyze financials before investing.
Step 4: Networking
Connect with professionals in accounting, finance, and business.
Mentors can guide job applications, career growth, and business opportunities.
—
Bottom Line
You don’t have to choose one path exclusively. Your best strategy is a career foundation in accounting combined with smart side ventures and disciplined investing. This keeps risk manageable, leverages your education, and opens doors for bigger opportunities in the future.
Think of it this way: those friends who went straight into business took a gamble. You’re taking a calculated approach, giving yourself both stability and growth potential. Years from now, your accounting experience, business skills, and investments can compound into far greater success.
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