Celebrating Graduation: Seeking Career Advice in Accounting

Hello, dear readers,

Today marks a significant milestone in my life as I proudly graduate with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting. As a recent 22-year-old graduate, I’ve spent the last few years absorbing insights from this community, and now I’m reaching out in hopes of gathering valuable advice as I embark on my professional journey.

My plan is to dive into the job market in mid to late June. I have a family vacation lined up, where I’ll reconnect with relatives I haven’t seen in years. Once I return, I intend to start applying for Accounting roles, beginning with opportunities at my local parish since my sister works within the public school system and may provide a helpful connection. I’m also considering advancing within my current company, Walmart, by transitioning into an office position rather than remaining on the sales floor.

I would love your thoughts on this strategy. Is it wise to apply for every Accounting job I qualify for, whether full-time, part-time, or internship positions? I graduated with a GPA of 3.1, which isn’t the highest, and I haven’t had any formal internships yet. My only work experience comes from nearly five years at Walmart since my senior year of high school. Do you think this background could make my job search more challenging?

Additionally, I’m curious about what starting salary I might expect and what would be appropriate to request. Without any extracurricular activities or internship experience, what specific elements should I include in my resume and prepare for interviews to present myself as a strong candidate? I have the basics covered—my education and work history—but I want to make a memorable impression.

From discussions in this community and feedback from my professors, I’ve learned that having a bachelor’s degree in accounting can be a foot in the door, even for entry-level positions. I’m hopeful that my educational achievements, including having met the 150 credit hours required for the CPA exam (thanks to my minor in Spanish and additional credits), will aid me in this journey. Is this perspective accurate?

Apologies for the lengthy post and numerous questions, but your insights mean a lot to me. I genuinely welcome any advice you might have, and if you need further information, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Thank you for your support!