Navigating the Next Steps After Graduation: An Aspiring Accountant’s Journey

Hello, dear readers,

Today marks a significant milestone in my life as I proudly graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As a 22-year-old who has spent the past few years observing discussions in this community, I felt it was time to reach out and seek your insights as I embark on my professional journey.

With summer fast approaching, I plan to begin my job search in earnest around mid to late June. I have a family vacation scheduled during the first half of the month to reconnect with relatives I haven’t seen in ages, but upon my return, I aim to dive headfirst into finding an Accounting position. My first targets will be my local parish in Louisiana, leveraging connections through my sister, who is affiliated with the public school system, and possibly exploring opportunities at Walmart, my current place of employment, where I aspire to transition into a corporate role.

As I prepare to launch my job search, I’d love to hear your thoughts on my strategy. Is it advisable to cast a wide net and apply for any Accounting positions available, whether they be internships, part-time, or full-time? I graduated with a 3.1 GPA, which I admit isn’t particularly impressive. I lack formal internship experience and have spent nearly five years at Walmart since my senior year of high school. Do you think these factors will complicate my job search?

Moreover, I would appreciate your insights on salary expectations. What should I aim for in my initial job? Also, in light of my limited extra-curricular activities and internship experience, what should I highlight on my resume and during interviews to better position myself as a strong candidate?

I’ve often heard from both this subreddit and my professors that a bachelor’s degree in accounting can open doors, even for entry-level roles that may not offer the most attractive salary. The prospect of qualifying for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam with my 150 hours already accumulated—thanks in part to my minor in Spanish, which makes me bilingual—gives me hope of advancing my career in the long run. Is this perspective accurate?

I appreciate your patience with my lengthy message and the multitude of questions. Your wisdom and experiences are invaluable to me, and I welcome any guidance you can share. If you need more details from me, feel free to ask!

Thank you for taking the time to read my post, and I look forward to your responses.