Graduated today with my bachelor’s! Any advice for the future?

Graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree: Seeking Guidance for My Future Career

Hello, readers!

Today marks a significant milestone in my life—I’ve officially graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting! At 22, I’ve spent the last few years absorbing insights from this community, and now that I’ve completed my studies, I’m eager to take the next steps in my career.

As I venture into the job market for the first time, I’m reaching out for your collective wisdom and advice. My plan is to kick off my job search by mid to late June, following a family vacation that will allow me to reconnect with relatives I haven’t seen in years. Upon my return, I intend to apply for Accounting positions, starting with my local parish here in Louisiana. I believe this could be a valuable opportunity since my sister works in the public school system and her connections might open some doors. Additionally, I’m considering applying for corporate positions at Walmart, where I currently work, in hopes of transitioning from the sales floor to an office role.

I would love to hear your thoughts on my approach. Should I be casting my net wide when it comes to job applications, including internships, part-time, and full-time roles? With an overall GPA of 3.1 and no internships under my belt, I worry about how this might affect my employability. My only work experience is my nearly five years at Walmart, so I’m curious about how that will be perceived.

Regarding job prospects, what starting salary should I realistically aim for, and what strategies should I employ to negotiate effectively? Additionally, since my resume lacks extracurricular activities or internships, what other aspects should I highlight to make a strong impression during interviews?

I’ve gathered from both this subreddit and my professors that in the field of Accounting, a bachelor’s degree is often sufficient to get a foot in the door, even if the starting role is not ideal. Moreover, since I have completed the necessary 150 credit hours for the CPA exam thanks to a minor in Spanish and other transferred credits, I hope this will work in my favor.

I apologize for the lengthy message, but your input is crucial to me as I embark on this journey. I appreciate any guidance you can provide, and I’m open to any follow-up questions if you need more information.

Thank you in advance for your help!