Celebrating Graduation: Seeking Guidance on My Next Steps in Accounting

Hello everyone,

Today marks a significant milestone in my life—I have officially graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting! It’s a proud moment for me, and after years of following this community, I thought it was time to step out from the shadows and ask for your insights as I embark on my professional journey.

As a 22-year-old, I’m gearing up to enter the job market and plan to start applying for full-time positions in mid to late June. Before take the plunge, I will be taking a vacation with my mother to reconnect with family members I haven’t seen in a long time, which I believe will be a refreshing break before diving into job applications.

My initial strategy is to explore opportunities with local organizations, starting with my parish here in Louisiana. I’m optimistic that my sister’s connections within the public school system might provide some leverage. Additionally, I’m considering looking for advancement at Walmart, where I’ve been employed for nearly five years. Transitioning from the sales floor to an office environment could be a logical step for me.

I’d sincerely appreciate your thoughts on this plan. I have a few pressing questions as I begin my job search:

1. Application Strategy: Should I apply to all Accounting positions that I qualify for, including internships, part-time, and full-time roles?

2. Academic Background: My GPA is a modest 3.1, and I didn’t have the chance to participate in internships or gain extensive work experience outside of my time at Walmart. Do you think this might hinder my job search?

3. Salary Expectations: What starting salary should I realistically anticipate? What range should I consider when discussing compensation?

4. Resume Enhancement: Given that I lack extracurricular activities and internship experiences, what specific elements should I incorporate into my resume to present myself as a strong candidate? I have foundational components like my education and work history, but I’m unsure of what else to highlight.

I’ve heard from various sources—both here and from my professors—that the Accounting field offers entry-level opportunities for those holding a bachelor’s degree. Securing any job in the industry could pave the way for better and higher-paying positions down the line. Furthermore, I’ve completed the 150 credit hours required for the CPA exam, including a minor in Spanish, which could set me apart since I’m bilingual.

I apologize for the lengthy message and the multitude of questions, but this is a pivotal moment for