"I think the most valuable thing I’ve done that is a bit unusual for accountants is to take several psychology courses (theoretical and applied).  We don’t actually sit in front of a computer with fingerless gloves and green eyeshades.  This is a very people-oriented profession, and many students haven’t gotten that picture.

Yes, the students need all the business stuff, all the numbers, all the technology, all of that hard (as opposed to soft) stuff.  But they will also be dealing with people that have just lost a spouse, people who just had a financial windfall (or disaster), people who were burnt out in the last fire, people who need for you to look at the rest of their life in all sorts if situations (“I know we are in CA, but should we sell the Oregon farm?”).  The psychology classes will teach being able to be quiet and listen, to take a holistic look at the client’s family, work and life for decision-making, etc.

Our clients, by and large, do not need someone preaching at them, but someone guiding them into thinking their own way through whatever the decision at hand is.  That’s where the profession is and is going even more.  That includes corporate work as well as work with individuals and families. "