Celebrating My Bachelor’s Degree: Seeking Guidance on Next Steps

Hello everyone,

Today marks a significant milestone in my life as I proudly graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As a 22-year-old who has been a part of this vibrant community for the past few years, I decided it’s time to step forward and seek advice regarding my journey into the professional world of Accounting.

My Job Search Plan

I aim to begin my full-time job applications in mid to late June. Before that, my mother and I have planned a family vacation in June to reconnect with relatives I haven’t seen in quite some time. Once we return, my focus will shift to applying for Accounting positions. I’m considering starting with opportunities at my local parish, where my sister works within the public school system. This connection might provide a helpful insight into the local job market. Additionally, I’m contemplating applying for a position at Walmart, my current employer, to transition from my role on the sales floor to a corporate office job.

Seeking Your Insight

What do you think of this approach? I would appreciate any advice as I navigate my first job search. So far, my experience has been limited to just one interview for an internship last October. Should I be open to applying for a variety of roles—internships, part-time, or full-time—if I meet the qualifications?

I earned my degree with a GPA of 3.1, which isn’t particularly impressive, and I haven’t secured any internships. My primary work experience has been my five years at Walmart since my senior year of high school. Will this affect my job search negatively?

Understanding Salary Expectations

I’m also curious about realistic starting salaries in the accounting field. What should I expect and what would be reasonable to ask for? Furthermore, given my lack of extracurricular involvement and internship experiences, what should I highlight in my resume and during interviews to effectively market myself? I already have the basics covered, including my education and work history.

The Path Forward

I’ve heard both from this subreddit and my professors that having a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting can open doors, even if the initial role isn’t ideal. Securing any position could pave the way for better opportunities in the future. Additionally, I’m on track to fulfill the 150 credit hours required for my CPA exam/license, especially since I have a minor in Spanish and have accumulated credits through CLEP exams and other courses. Is this line of thought accurate