Embracing New Beginnings: Advice Needed for a Recent Accounting Graduate

Today marks an exciting milestone in my life as I celebrate the completion of my bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As a 22-year-old who has been active in this community as a lurker for a while, I decided it’s finally time to step into the limelight and seek your wisdom as I embark on my professional journey.

My plan is to begin my full-time job search around mid to late June. This timing coincides with a planned family vacation, where I’ll reconnect with relatives I haven’t seen in ages. Once I return, I intend to pursue a couple of initial opportunities close to home. Given that I’m located in Louisiana, I’m considering applying to positions within my parish, benefiting from my sister’s connections in the local public school system. I’m also contemplating exploring advancement opportunities at Walmart, where I’ve worked for nearly five years, transitioning from the sales floor to a corporate role.

Now, I’m reaching out for your thoughts on this strategy. What advice do you have for someone just beginning their job hunt, especially someone like me who has faced some challenges? With only one interview experience—an internship opportunity from last October—I’m keen to know if it’s wise to apply broadly to all relevant positions, whether they be internships, part-time, or full-time roles, as long as I meet the qualifications.

My overall GPA stands at a modest 3.1, and I graduated without honors or formal internship experiences. My only significant work background has been with Walmart. Do you think this will hinder my job search? Additionally, I’m curious about what starting salary I should anticipate and what I should confidently ask for during negotiations. Given my lack of extracurricular activities or practical experiences, what unique skills should I highlight on my resume and in interviews to effectively market myself? I have included the standard details about my education and employment, but I’d appreciate any advice to enhance my presentation.

Many have advised me, including my professors and those here, that attaining my bachelor’s degree in Accounting is a passport into the field. They suggest that any entry-level position—even if it’s not ideal—could serve as a stepping stone towards more lucrative roles. With my 150 completed hours for the CPA exam and the added advantage of being bilingual due to my Spanish minor, do you believe I have a competitive edge?

I apologize for the length of this post and the multitude of questions, but this is a pivotal period