Graduated with a Bachelor’s in Accounting: Seeking Your Expert Advice for the Future

Hello, fellow readers,

I’m excited to share that I’ve just graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As a 22-year-old who has been engaging with this community for quite some time, I finally felt it was time to reach out for some valuable insights as I embark on my journey into the Accounting profession.

My plan is to dive headfirst into the job market starting mid to late June. The reason for this timing is that I’ll be taking a family trip to reconnect with relatives I haven’t seen in ages. Once I return, I’m looking to begin my applications, starting with opportunities at my local parish here in Louisiana. My sister works in the public school system, which might provide a useful connection for me. I’m also considering moving up the corporate ladder at Walmart, my current employer, to transition from my role on the sales floor to an office position.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on my approach. As I prepare for job applications—having only navigated a single interview back in October 2024—I’m curious about several things:

1. Application Strategy: Should I be applying for every accounting position I’m qualified for, be it internships or full-time roles?

2. GPA Concerns: With a cumulative GPA of 3.1 and no internships to my name, will this present a significant hurdle during my job search?

3. Salary Expectations: What starting salary should I anticipate, and what is a reasonable figure to request in negotiations?

4. Resume and Interview Tips: Given my limited extracurricular engagement and work experience focused on my retail job at Walmart over the past five years, what can I highlight in my resume and during interviews to stand out?

Several professors and posts I’ve come across suggest that having an accounting degree is crucial and can serve as a springboard into the field, even if my first job isn’t ideal. Additionally, since I’ve already fulfilled the necessary 150 hours for my CPA exam due to a minor in Spanish and some CLEP credits, do you think this will bolster my prospects?

I apologize for the lengthy message, but I truly value your feedback. Please feel free to ask for any more details if needed.

Thank you in advance for your advice—it means a lot to me as I take these important steps in my career journey!