Navigating the Next Steps After Graduation: Seeking Advice on Job Hunting in Accounting

Hello everyone,

Today marks a significant milestone for me—I officially graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting! After years of following this community, I felt it was finally time to engage and seek your valuable insights as I embark on my career journey in the Accounting field.

As I navigate this transition, my plan is to begin applying for full-time Accounting positions starting mid to late June. I have a family trip planned to reconnect with relatives, which will slightly delay the start of my job search. My initial target will be to explore opportunities with my parish here in Louisiana, as my sister’s connection within the public school system could be advantageous. Additionally, I’m considering applying internally at Walmart, my current employer, in hopes of stepping into an office-based role rather than continuing on the sales floor.

I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on this approach. Is it advisable to apply broadly to all types of accounting positions—internships, part-time roles, or full-time jobs—provided I meet the qualifications? My overall GPA stands at 3.1, which is not particularly impressive, and I haven’t completed any internships during my studies. My only work experience comes from nearly five years at Walmart. Will this impact my job search significantly?

Moreover, what salary range should I realistically expect when applying for entry-level positions? Given my lack of extracurricular activities and internships, what specifics should I highlight on my resume and in interviews to improve my marketability? I’ve ensured to include essential details like my educational background and work experience, but I want to stand out in a competitive job market.

From discussions I’ve had with professors and insights I’ve gleaned from this subreddit, I understand that possessing a bachelor’s degree in accounting can open doors, even if the initial positions aren’t ideal. The fact that I have already accumulated the necessary 150 hours for the CPA exam, thanks to my minor in Spanish and credits from CLEP exams and ACT scores, should provide added value—right?

I apologize for the lengthy message filled with questions; this journey is of utmost importance to me, and I welcome any and all advice you might offer. Please feel free to ask for any additional information if needed.

Thank you in advance for your help!