Embracing the Future: Seeking Guidance After Graduation

Hello, friends!

Today marks a significant milestone in my life—I have officially graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting! After lurking in this community for several years, I’m excited to finally contribute and seek your insights as I embark on my career journey.

As I navigate the transition from college to the workforce, I have a solid plan in mind. I aim to begin my full-time job applications in mid to late June. I have a family vacation coming up in early June, where I’ll get to reconnect with relatives I haven’t seen in ages. Once I return from that trip, I plan to kick off my job hunt, starting with opportunities at my local parish here in Louisiana. I also have connections through my sister, who works in the public school system and may be able to provide beneficial networking ties. Additionally, I’m considering applying for advancement within Walmart, where I currently work, to shift from sales to a corporate role.

With that framework laid out, I’d love your thoughts on my approach. Given that my experience in job interviews is limited (I’ve only had one for an internship back in October 2024), I’m eager for any advice on how to enhance my job search. I wonder if it would be wise to apply to any Accounting positions for which I meet the criteria, whether they be internships, part-time, or full-time roles.

I’m also contemplating how my academic performance might affect my prospects. My overall GPA stands at 3.1, and I didn’t earn any honors or accolades during graduation. I’ve primarily worked at Walmart for nearly five years since high school without any internship experience. Will this be a hurdle in my job search? Moreover, what salary expectations should I have, and is there a specific asking range I should aim for?

Given my lack of extracurricular activities and internships, I’m keen to know what I should highlight on my resume and during interviews to effectively market myself. While I have the basics covered, like my educational background and work experience, I want to ensure I stand out.

I’ve heard from both this community and my professors that obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Accounting is a solid starting point. Even if I begin with less-than-ideal positions, these roles can serve as stepping stones to more rewarding opportunities. Additionally, since I’ve completed the 150 hours required for my CPA exam and hold a minor in Spanish (I’m bilingual), I anticipate that these qualifications