Navigating Life After Graduation: Seeking Guidance on My Accounting Career

Hello everyone,

Today marks a significant milestone in my life—I have officially graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As a 22-year-old freshly adorned with this accomplishment, I’ve spent the past few years quietly observing discussions in this community, and now I’m eager to step into the world of Accounting. With that said, I’m reaching out for your wisdom as I embark on my job search journey.

My intentions are to start applying for full-time accounting positions around mid to late June. This timing allows me to enjoy a vacation with my mother to visit long-lost family members during the early part of the month. Upon returning, I plan to kick off my job applications, initially targeting opportunities in my parish here in Louisiana, especially since my sister works within the public school system and can potentially offer connections. I’m also contemplating pursuing a position at Walmart, where I’m currently employed, aiming to transition from my role on the sales floor to an office position within the corporate sphere.

I would love your feedback on my strategy. Is it advisable to apply for all types of accounting roles—including internships, part-time positions, and full-time jobs—given that I meet the requirements? My overall GPA of 3.1 isn’t necessarily impressive, and my experience mainly consists of working at Walmart for nearly five years, with my only internship being one interview back in October 2024. How much of a barrier do you think this presents in my job search endeavors?

Regarding salary expectations, I’d appreciate any insights into what would be a reasonable starting salary to seek, especially considering my circumstances. Moreover, since my resume lacks extracurricular activities and internship experiences, I’m wondering what specific skills or experiences I should emphasize during interviews and on my resume to effectively market myself. Beyond the usual education and work history, what can I include to stand out?

I’ve heard from professors and community members that securing a bachelor’s degree in accounting allows for entry-level opportunities, even if they may not be ideal. The added fact that I’ve completed the necessary credits for the CPA exam, along with my bilingualism (thanks to a minor in Spanish), should provide me with an advantageous edge. Is this perspective accurate in your experience?

I apologize for the lengthy post and the multitude of questions, but this transition is critically important to me. I am open to all suggestions and would be grateful for any advice you can provide. Please feel free to