Celebrating My Graduation: Seeking Guidance for My Next Steps in Accounting

Hello, everyone!

Today marks an exciting milestone in my life—I’ve officially graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting! Having spent the last few years following this community, I’ve decided it’s time to make my first post and seek your valuable insights as I embark on my journey into the professional world of Accounting.

As I plan my next steps, I’m looking to start applying for full-time Accounting positions around mid to late June. My timeline is slightly influenced by a family vacation. My mother and I will be visiting relatives I haven’t seen in years during early to mid-June. After we return, my immediate focus will be on securing an accounting role. I’m considering starting my job search with opportunities at my local parish in Louisiana, where my sister works in the public school system, a potential connection that may benefit me. I’m also contemplating the possibility of advancing within Walmart, my current employer for the past five years, seeking an office role to leverage my background in retail.

I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on this plan. Here are some specific questions I have as I prepare for my job search:

1. Scope of Applications: Should I apply for every accounting position I meet the criteria for, including internships, part-time roles, and full-time jobs, or should I be more selective?

2. GPA Concerns: With an overall GPA of 3.1, I’m wondering how much this might affect my chances. I didn’t receive any honors during graduation, and aside from one interview for an internship, my experience has largely been at Walmart. Will this make my job hunt more challenging?

3. Salary Expectations: What should I anticipate in terms of a starting salary for entry-level accounting positions? What would be appropriate to ask for during interviews?

4. Resume Enhancements: Given my lack of internships and extracurricular activities, what additional information should I highlight on my resume and during interviews to effectively market myself? I have basic details like my education and work experience, but are there specific skills or achievements I should emphasize?

I’ve heard from various sources, including this subreddit and my professors, that having a bachelor’s degree can open doors in the accounting field, even if the first position isn’t ideal. Additionally, since I’ve completed the necessary 150 hours for the CPA exam, thanks to my minor in Spanish and various credits from CLEP exams and the ACT, I hope this