Celebrating a New Chapter: Seeking Guidance After Graduation

Hello, valued readers!

Today marks a significant milestone in my life—I’ve officially graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As I journey into this new phase, I’m reaching out to gather insights from you seasoned professionals and fellow graduates.

As a 22-year-old who has been observing discussions in this community for a couple of years, I’m thrilled to finally contribute. With plans to launch my job search for Accounting positions this June, I could use your wisdom and advice to navigate this transition effectively.

Before I dive into the specifics, I want to share my current situation. I’m going to take a brief vacation with my mother at the beginning of June to reconnect with family I haven’t seen in years. Upon our return, I’ll begin my job applications, starting with opportunities in my local parish in Louisiana, where I hope my sister’s connections in the public school system may offer valuable insights. There’s also the possibility of advancing my career within Walmart, where I’ve worked for nearly five years, by transitioning into a corporate office role.

I’m curious about the effectiveness of this strategy and welcome your thoughts on my plan. Is it advisable for me to apply to a wide range of Accounting positions—including internships, part-time, and full-time roles—as long as I meet the qualifications? Given that I graduated with a modest GPA of 3.1 and lack internship experience (aside from one interview in October 2024), I’m concerned about how these factors might affect my job search prospects.

Additionally, I’d love to know what starting salary is reasonable to expect and request in my job applications. With my limited background—no extracurricular activities or internships—what strategies can I implement to present myself effectively in my resume and interviews?

I’ve heard from both professors and members of this community that securing a position in accounting can lead to growth opportunities over time, even if the initial role isn’t the most glamorous. I also hold 150 credit hours for my CPA exam due to a minor in Spanish, which I believe could be advantageous. Is this sentiment accurate?

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! I appreciate any insights you can offer, and I welcome any questions if you need more context. Your support means a lot to me as I embark on this exciting path ahead.

Best regards,
[Your Name]