BIO

My name is Maiqi Zhang, and I am from Gainesville. My research interests include topics in business and social studies. In the past two semesters, I've conducted research with Dr. Ally Zimmerman on the subject of Accounting. Our group focused on analyzing and finding factors that affect the success of FSU accounting alumni. In the future, we are considering potentially expanding our research to cover the outcomes of all FSU College of Business graduates. I am also a Sophomore. In my free time, I like to watch boxing. I've already written and published one article on the world's third most visited boxing website(boxingnews24.com). In my spare time, I am slowly working towards publishing more articles.

Factors That Lead FSU Accounting Alumni to Success

Abstract

The field of accounting is one of the most predominant areas in business. Since 1975, over ten thousand students have graduated from FSU with undergraduate or graduate degrees in accounting. Decades have passed, and accounting methods and fields have changed, but the factors that determine the outcomes of those FSU alumni have yet to be analyzed. In a study orchestrated by Dr. Aleksandra Zimmerman, researchers collected the background and career information on alumni who graduated in accounting through websites such as LinkedIn and from FSU’s university records. Utilizing the method of surveying, researchers also reached out to alumni with research questions regarding their gender, race, employment history, salaries, and other related and defining experiences. Following the survey results and various data collection, researchers utilized univariate tests and multivariate regression analysis to determine which factors are significant determinants of the career success of FSU accounting alumni. In terms of the study, success was loosely defined as having a higher salary, a higher position in a company or public accounting firm, and the opportunities to work internationally. Researchers found factors such as participation in college activities and being male to lead to a higher salary. Being female, utilizing alternative work arrangements and age led to lower salaries. Whether alumni spent their years in public accounting or not, salaries were not affected. However, those who spent more years in public were more likely to become a partner, and those who spent more years outside public accounting were more likely to become CFOs.

Keywords: Business, Accounting, Success