Embarking on My Accounting Career: Seeking Guidance

Hello, everyone!

Today marks a significant milestone in my life as I proudly graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. As a 22-year-old, I’ve spent the last few years engaging with this community, absorbing valuable insights and wisdom, and now it feels like the perfect moment to reach out for some guidance as I transition into the professional world.

With plans to begin my job search in earnest by mid to late June, I find myself at a crossroads. My mother and I have a family vacation planned in early June, so I’ll be taking that time to reconnect with loved ones I haven’t seen in years. Upon my return, I aim to explore Accounting positions, starting with opportunities at my local parish here in Louisiana. My sister, who works in the public school system, could be a helpful contact in that pursuit. Additionally, I’m considering applying for an office position at Walmart, my current employer, hoping to leverage my five years of experience in retail into a more corporate role.

As I prepare for this next chapter, I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on my plan. Here are a few specific questions that have been on my mind:

1. Given that my academic GPA stands at a modest 3.1, and I haven’t had internships or extracurricular activities, how will that affect my job search?
2. Should I apply for all accounting-related positions that match my qualifications, including internships and part-time roles?
3. What kind of starting salary should I anticipate, and what’s a reasonable figure to ask for during negotiations?
4. Without significant work experience or internships, how can I effectively enhance my resume and interview presence to better market myself?

I’ve heard from various sources, including professors and this subreddit, that securing any accounting job after earning my degree is a crucial first step, even if it might not be the most glamorous role. The fact that I’ve already completed 150 credit hours for my CPA exam also gives me hope, especially since I obtained a minor in Spanish and accumulated additional credits through CLEP exams and ACT scores.

I appreciate any advice you can offer as I embark on this journey. If you need any more details to provide tailored guidance, feel free to ask. Your insights are invaluable to me during this pivotal time.

Thank you for your support!