As a history major in college, I never imagined that I could thrive in an accounting or tax career as a history major. But 31 years later with PwC, I know firsthand that this profession is the perfect place for big thinkers and creative problem-solvers—people who know how to analyze, connect dots and tell a story. That’s why liberal arts students are such a great fit for careers in accounting and tax. The skills you develop—critical thinking, adaptability and seeing the big picture—are exactly what the profession needs to solve today’s biggest problems. At PwC, we’re committed to supporting and engaging with students from all backgrounds, including those pursuing liberal arts degrees. One way we’re doing this is through an upcoming virtual panel where former liberal arts students at PwC will share their journeys into the profession. If you’re a college freshman through junior, and a liberal arts major, sign up to attend here: https://pwc.to/43yraFR. Read more about my career journey as a history major turned #CPA in the article below. I hope it shows that no matter your background, there’s a place for you in the evolving world of accounting and tax.
Fellow history major here, now working in an accounting-adjacent field. It's amazing how well the skills transfer. At the end of the day, my history degree taught me how to do research and distill large volumes of information into concise, readable summaries (term papers, at the time). That's basically what I do in my current job, just with fewer term papers!
Julie Chasse
1mo
This was my path! As a History major, I loved the challenge and opportunities the CPA profession offered. At Northeastern, our MSA/MBA is a program designed specifically for non-accounting majors and we're proud of our 60 year history of preparing liberal arts students for this amazing career.
Krishna W.
1mo
I graduated in liberal arts with philosophy and literature major, tought critical and creative thinking classes in college, and then turned into accounting profession as a second career. In liberal arts you learn the most valuable skills that you can apply to most of the professions, and surely in accounting. Great article, Kathryn. Thank you for sharing.
Jamie Boynton
1mo
Absolutely true. Combine with a specialty MS/MBA like NU GSPA and combine these great skill sets!
Cara Murphy
1w
Kathryn, thank you for sharing! I know I often have imposter syndrome being in Finance Transformation as a Psych and English major, but your story helps to encourage us to embrace our skills and talents. Sometimes what sets you apart, helps to bring an insightful perspective to our work.
So happy to see this
Congratulations Kathryn & PwC! The best is yet to come! Cheers! All the best! Wayne 👍
Thanks Kathryn! As a political science major, I followed a similar path into accounting, then Into consulting with the firm. The skills and discipline i learned in audit have been the basis of everything I’ve done since. Would recommend anyone to look at this as a potential path.
Couldn't agree more! You articulated this so well.
Creating CAREER COMEBACKS for Type-A leaders 🔥 | Big 4 Tax Consultant turned Burnout Coach | Helping women in accounting, law + finance have career success w/o personal sacrifice | Top 50 Global Woman in Accounting 🏆
1moI really appreciate this post, because so many firms want to hire based on the education received. While I was an accounting major, when I was working with another Big 4 from their UK office, I was surprised on how many non-accounting majors their were. I found the thought leadership to be more diverse, more creative and very complementary, so thank you for sharing your career journey. Do you think you'll ever leverage your history background in a more traditional way?