Graduation Day: Seeking Guidance for My Accounting Career Journey

Hello, esteemed readers,

Today marks a significant milestone in my life—I’ve officially graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As a 22-year-old who has spent the last few years observing and learning from this vibrant community, I finally feel ready to share my experiences and seek your wisdom as I embark on my professional journey in the Accounting field.

Looking ahead, my strategy is to begin applying for full-time roles by mid to late June. This timeline coincides with a short family vacation my mother and I have planned, where I hope to reconnect with relatives I haven’t seen in years. Upon my return, I plan to focus my job hunt on opportunities within my parish (I’m currently in Louisiana), leveraging my sister’s connections in the public school system. Additionally, I’m considering transitioning within my present employer, Walmart, aiming for a move into an office position instead of continuing in sales.

I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on this approach—does it seem viable? As I prepare for my job search, I have a few pressing questions:

1. Is it advisable to submit applications for every accounting position I encounter, be it internships, part-time, or full-time opportunities, as long as I meet the basic qualifications?
2. Given my cumulative GPA of 3.1—without honors or notable achievements during my studies—along with just one interview experience for an internship last October and limited work history primarily at Walmart, how might this affect my search?
3. What expectations should I have regarding starting salaries, and what is a reasonable figure to request in negotiations?
4. Since I lack significant extracurricular activities or internships, what essential components should I highlight in my resume and interviews to effectively market myself? I already plan to include fundamental information such as my educational background and work experience.

I’ve heard both from this community and my professors that an accounting degree can indeed open doors, regardless of the initial job quality; the right experience can lead to better and higher-paying opportunities. I also bring a valuable asset to the table—having completed the requisite 150 credit hours for the CPA exam due to my minor in Spanish and previous credits earned. This bilingual ability could potentially enhance my profile in the job market.

I apologize for the lengthy message filled with questions, but this journey matters immensely to me. I welcome any insights or advice you may have. Should you need further clarification or additional information, please feel free to ask.

Thank you so much for your support