Achieving a Bachelor’s Degree: Next Steps in My Accounting Career Journey

Hello, dear readers!

Today marks a significant milestone in my life—I’ve officially graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As I embark on this new chapter at the age of 22, I’m reaching out for any insights, tips, and advice that could aid me in my job search.

Having followed Accounting discussions online for several years during my college experience, I’ve gathered a wealth of information. However, it’s time to dive into the practical aspects of starting my career. My plan is to begin applying for full-time positions in mid to late June. Before I start my job hunt, I’m looking forward to a family vacation that will allow me to reconnect with relatives I haven’t seen in years.

Upon returning from my trip, I’m considering applying for positions in my local parish in Louisiana, where I might leverage my sister’s connections in the public school system. Another option I’m contemplating is transitioning from my current role at Walmart, where I’ve worked for nearly five years, into an office position within the company to continue advancing my career.

Here are a few questions I’d love to get your thoughts on:

1. Job Search Strategy: Is my plan to start applying after my vacation a solid approach? Should I be pursuing all available accounting roles, including internships, part-time, and full-time positions, as long as I meet the qualifications?

2. GPA Concerns: I graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.1. While it’s not outstanding, coupled with my lack of internships and extracurricular accolades, will this impact my job search significantly?

3. Expected Salary: I’m curious about the salary range I should anticipate for entry-level accounting roles. What would be reasonable to ask for?

4. Enhancing My Resume: Given that I don’t have extensive work experience outside of Walmart and haven’t participated in many extracurricular activities, what specific aspects should I emphasize on my resume and during interviews to present myself as a competitive candidate?

5. Career Progression in Accounting: I’ve heard from both this community and my professors that in accounting, securing any job after earning a degree is a good way to enter the field. Is it true that the experience gained in less-than-ideal positions can lead to better opportunities down the line? Plus, since I’ve completed the necessary 150 credit hours for the CPA exam while also gaining a bilingual advantage