Is the accounting profession pushing for a more diverse workforce

Question

I'm just curious...I am far from the stereotypical "accountant" image, I played football in high school, wear a diamond earring (worked in a jeweler's for 2 yrs), very eclectic personality, and get along with most everybody, and I don't mind crowds and people, I like going out and having a good time. The stereotypical accountant is a lonely, no fun type, spends time by themselves and extremely conservative. Is there a new trend developing? Can I benefit from being unique, or will employers frown on this? I've always been one not to follow stereotypes, and I am excelling in the field. Its my junior year in college and it just makes me nervous to think what real-world is like and what major employers are like...What do you think?

Answer 1

My brother was a CPA, working his way from first year up to manager at a top accounting firm on an audit team.  (He just quit this year to travel the world, and plans to rejoin the workforce in 2009.)

My brother wears leather necklaces and has an earring, and occasionally a pony tail.  He was rather successful.  He hid or took off jewely when needed for important meetings, but otherwise came as he pleased, but with a dress shirt and pants.

The audit groups always worked in teams, with a manager, a senior, and staff members.  They were often onsite at clients' facilities, and had numerous dinners after working a long day.  All in all, accountants don't have to be totally boring, and there are lots of folks working at top firms who are under the age of 30.

Hope that helps.