Celebrating Graduation: Seeking Guidance for a Successful Start in Accounting

Hello, wonderful readers!

Today marks a significant milestone in my life—I’ve officially graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As a 22-year-old who has spent the last few years quietly absorbing wisdom from this community, I thought it was about time to step out of the shadows and seek some valuable insight as I embark on my professional journey.

I plan to begin my job search in mid to late June after taking a short vacation with my mother to reconnect with family I haven’t seen in years. On returning, I’ll dive into applying for full-time Accounting positions. I’m considering starting with my local parish here in Louisiana, leveraging my sister’s connections within the public school system, or potentially moving upwards at Walmart, where I’ve been employed for nearly five years. Transitioning from a sales position to an office role sounds appealing, and it seems a logical step.

That’s my game plan—what do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts as I prepare to navigate the job market. Given my limited experience, having only interviewed for one internship thus far (back in October 2024), I’m particularly curious about the following:

1. Application Strategy: Should I cast a wide net and apply for any Accounting positions that match my qualifications, including internships, part-time roles, and full-time jobs?

2. GPA Concerns: With an overall GPA of 3.1, can I still expect to be competitive, especially since I graduated without honors or significant internship experiences?

3. Salary Expectations: What’s a reasonable starting salary for someone in my position, and how should I approach discussions about compensation?

4. Resume Enhancement: In the absence of extracurricular activities or internships, what specific skills or experiences should I highlight in my resume and job interviews to effectively showcase my value to potential employers? While I have the essentials covered, I want to distinguish myself even further.

I’ve heard from various sources, including my professors, that as long as I possess my bachelor’s degree in accounting, I have the potential to break into the field. The fact that I’ve achieved the required 150 hours for my CPA exam and am bilingual (thanks to my minor in Spanish) should also be advantageous.

I apologize for the lengthy post and the barrage of questions, but this is an important transition for me. I genuinely appreciate any advice or tips you may have to share. If you