Recent Accounting Graduate Seeking Guidance on Job Search

Hello, everyone!

Today marks an exciting milestone for me as I’ve proudly graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting! After several years of following this community, I decided to step out of the shadows and share my journey to seek your valuable insights as I embark on my professional career.

At 22 years old, I’m ready to dive into the job market. I’m planning to begin my search for full-time Accounting positions around mid to late June, following a family vacation in early June. While visiting relatives I haven’t seen in years, I hope to return refreshed and ready to kickstart the application process.

One of my initial strategies is to explore opportunities within my local parish in Louisiana. I’m optimistic that my sister, who works in the public school system here, could provide some useful connections. Additionally, I’m considering pursuing a position at Walmart, where I’ve worked for nearly five years, aiming for a transition from the sales floor to an office role.

As I prepare for this next chapter, I would appreciate your feedback on my approach. With only one previous interview under my belt—an internship opportunity in October 2024—I’m curious about how best to navigate my job search. Here are a few specific questions I have:

1. Is it advisable to apply for all available accounting roles, including internships, part-time, and full-time positions, as long as I meet the qualifications?

2. Given my overall GPA of 3.1 and the lack of formal internships or honors during my study, how might this affect my job search? Should I be concerned about my prospects?

3. What kind of starting salary should I expect, and how should I approach salary negotiations?

4. Without extensive extracurricular activities or internship experience, what key elements should I highlight in my resume and during interviews to effectively market myself? I already have my educational background and work experience included, but I’d love to know what else may set me apart.

From discussions with my professors and insights from this subreddit, I understand that having a bachelor’s degree in accounting is a great starting point for entering the field. Many have suggested that landing any accounting position—regardless of how entry-level—can serve as a stepping stone towards better opportunities in the future. Additionally, I’ve completed the necessary 150 hours for my CPA exam due to my minor in Spanish and various credits from advanced placement tests. Does this really enhance my employability