Celebrating Graduation: Seeking Guidance for My Future in Accounting

Today marks a significant milestone for me—I’ve officially graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As a 22-year-old who has spent the last few years quietly observing this community, I felt it was the right time to reach out for advice as I prepare to embark on my professional journey.

Current Plans and Aspirations

I am planning to dive into the job market around mid to late June. This timing is carefully selected as I’m about to embark on a much-anticipated vacation with my family, during which I will reconnect with some relatives I haven’t seen in years. Once I return, my focus will shift to applying for Accounting positions. I have my sights set on potential opportunities at my parish, thanks to a useful connection through my sister who works in the local public school system. I’m also considering progressing from my current role at Walmart. Moving into an office position within the company could be an excellent stepping stone for my career.

Seeking Your Insights

I’m eager to hear your thoughts on my approach. Is this a sound strategy for launching my job search? While I’ve only had one formal interview—an internship opportunity back in October 2022—I’m determined to make the most of my application process. To that end, I am curious: Should I be open to applying for all types of Accounting roles, including internships and part-time positions, as long as I meet the qualifications?

I’m also aware that my GPA of 3.1 isn’t particularly noteworthy, and I lack internship experience. My work history predominantly revolves around my almost five years at Walmart, which raises my concerns about the competitiveness of my profile. Will these factors impede my ability to secure a job in this field? Additionally, what should I anticipate in terms of salary expectations, and what would be a reasonable figure to ask for?

Strengthening My Application

Without the luxury of extracurricular activities or internships on my resume, I’m keen to understand what I might include to enhance my appeal to potential employers. I already have the essentials covered—education history and work experience—but what else can I highlight to make a strong impression in interviews?

I have heard from professors and threads within this community that possessing an accounting degree allows for entry-level opportunities, even if they may not be ideal at first. With plans to obtain the 150 educational hours required for my CPA license and my bilingual skills, I hope to leverage these advantages throughout my job search. Is this