A New Chapter: Seeking Career Advice After Graduation

Hello, wonderful readers!

Today marks a significant milestone in my academic journey—I’ve officially graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As a 22-year-old who has frequented this community over the years, I felt it was time to reach out for guidance as I embark on my professional path.

My immediate plan is to begin applying for full-time Accounting positions in mid to late June. I’m looking forward to taking a short vacation with my mom to visit family I haven’t seen in quite some time, but upon returning, I’m eager to dive into the job market. I’m considering applying to my local parish in Louisiana since my sister has connections within the public school system, which could enhance my chances. I’m also contemplating seeking advancement opportunities at Walmart, where I currently work, hoping to transition from a sales role to an office position.

Here’s where I need your expertise: how does this career strategy sound to you? As someone who’s only had one internship interview back in October 2024, I’m curious about the best approach to initiating my job search. Given that I’m open to a range of positions—internships, part-time, or full-time—should I apply to every Accounting opportunity that aligns with my qualifications?

I must admit, my overall GPA of 3.1 isn’t impressive, and I graduated without any honors or substantial internships. My professional experience consists solely of nearly five years at Walmart since my senior year in high school. How much of an impact do you think this will have on my job search? Also, when it comes to salary expectations, what should I realistically aim for, and how should I navigate discussions around compensation?

Moreover, without any extracurricular activities or internships on my resume, how can I stand out to potential employers during interviews? I already have the essentials covered, such as my educational background and work experience, but I’d love to hear about additional elements I should emphasize.

I’ve gathered from this subreddit and discussions with my professors that having an accounting degree can open doors, regardless of the initial job quality. With my completion of 150 credit hours necessary for the CPA exam/license—thanks to a minor in Spanish and other transferable credits—I’m hopeful that will enhance my employment options. Is this perspective accurate?

Thank you for taking the time to read my lengthy post! I truly appreciate any insights you can share. If you have any follow-up questions or need further details, don’t hesitate to ask!

Best wishes,
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