Celebrating Graduation: Seeking Advice for My Future in Accounting

Hello, wonderful readers!

Today marks a significant milestone in my life—I have officially graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As a 22-year-old who has been observing this community for some time, I couldn’t resist the urge to share my excitement and reach out for guidance as I embark on my journey into the professional world of Accounting.

My Plan Moving Forward

As I gear up to dive into my job search, I’m strategically planning to begin applying for full-time positions in mid to late June. My reasoning? I’m hoping to take a short vacation with my mother to visit family I haven’t seen in years. Upon returning from this trip, I plan to kickstart my job hunt, with a focus on opportunities at my local parish. I have a connection through my sister, who works in the public school system, which may provide a helpful reference. Additionally, I am contemplating applying for an office role within Walmart, where I’ve been working for nearly five years. This could be a fantastic way to transition from the sales floor to a corporate Accounting position.

Seeking Your Insights

I would greatly appreciate any feedback on my plan. Specifically, I am curious about the following:

• Should I apply to all accounting-related positions that match my qualifications—internships, part-time, or full-time? With only one interview experience under my belt (for an internship last October), I’m eager to cast a wide net.
• How might my GPA of 3.1 impact my job prospects? While I didn’t graduate with honors and lack significant internship experience, I am determined to leverage my almost five years of experience at Walmart.
• What is a reasonable starting salary range for someone in my position, and what should I confidently request during negotiations?
• Given my limited extracurricular involvement and internships, what specific skills or experiences should I highlight on my résumé and in interviews to present myself effectively? I have my educational qualifications and work history covered, but I want to ensure I make a strong impression.

I’ve heard from both professors and other sources that a bachelor’s degree in accounting can open doors, even if the entry-level positions may not be ideal. My additional 150 hours of coursework for the CPA exam—as well as my bilingual status, thanks to a minor in Spanish—should also bolster my profile, right?

Open to Any and All Advice

I apologize for the lengthy post and appreciate your patience. Your insights and