Comparison of Students' Perceptions of the Accounting Profession Before and After the Introduction to Accounting Course by Using a Mixed Method

Abstract

The research aims to measure students' perceptions of the accounting profession and their desire to pursue a career in this field. The research was conducted using quantitative and qualitative techniques. In the first stage, students' perceptions of the accounting profession were measured before and after taking the Introduction to Accounting course. In the second stage, focus group interviews were held. The quantitative research findings show that the student's attitudes and perceptions towards the accounting profession become partly more negative after taking the course. The qualitative research shows that after the course, students’ desire to pursue a career in the field increases, and their attitudes toward the accounting profession become positive.