Celebrating Graduation: Seeking Guidance for My Accounting Career Journey

Hello, readers!

I’m excited to share that I’ve just graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting at the age of 22! While I’ve been a keen observer of this community for a few years, I thought it was finally time to make my presence known and seek some insights as I step into the professional world.

As I plan to kick off my full-time job search around mid to late June, I want to make the most of this transition. I’m taking a short vacation to reconnect with family I haven’t seen in ages, and once I return, I’ll dive into the application process. My initial strategy is to explore opportunities at my local parish in Louisiana, leveraging my sister’s connections in the public school system, or even consider moving up within Walmart, where I’ve honed my skills for nearly five years.

I’m reaching out for your thoughts on this game plan. Is it advisable to apply for every relevant position—whether internships, part-time, or full-time—that aligns with my qualifications? I graduated with a GPA of 3.1, which isn’t the highest, and I haven’t accumulated internship experience. My only work history is at Walmart, which leaves me wondering: how much might this impact my job search?

Additionally, I would appreciate insight into realistic starting salaries for entry-level Accounting roles and ways to effectively present myself during interviews. Beyond the standard education and work experience, what other elements should I highlight on my resume to make a compelling case for myself?

I’ve been encouraged by professors and comments I’ve seen that having a degree in accounting can pave the way for entry-level positions, even if they’re not glamorous. They’ve mentioned that with my minor in Spanish (making me bilingual) and already having the necessary 150 hours for the CPA exam/license, I might have an edge. Is this the general consensus?

I apologize for the lengthy post and the multitude of questions, but this is a pivotal moment in my life, and I truly value any advice you can offer. If you have further questions or need more context, feel free to ask.

Thank you for your support!