Celebrating Graduation: Seeking Guidance for My Accounting Career Journey

Hello everyone,

Today marks a significant milestone in my life—I have officially graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As a 22-year-old who has spent the last few years lurking in this community, I felt it was the perfect time to share my journey and ask for your insights as I transition into the professional world.

In mid-to-late June, I plan to dive into my job search. Before that, my mother and I have a family vacation to reconnect with relatives I haven’t seen in years. Once I return, I’ll begin my applications, starting with my local parish here in Louisiana. Given that my sister works in the public school system, I hope she can provide me with a valuable connection. Additionally, I’m considering exploring advancement opportunities within Walmart, my current employer, transitioning from the sales floor to an office position.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this approach. Is it advisable to apply for any Accounting positions that align with my qualifications, be they part-time, full-time, or internships? I graduated with an overall GPA of 3.1, and I’m concerned that my lack of a stellar academic record, combined with limited experience—one internship interview and almost five years at Walmart—might hinder my job search.

What are your recommendations regarding starting salaries in this field? How should I navigate the conversation around what to ask for? Without the benefit of extracurricular activities or internships, I would appreciate advice on what to highlight in my resume and during interviews to effectively market myself. I have the fundamentals covered, like education and work history, but I want to ensure I present myself as a strong candidate.

I’ve heard from professors and experienced folk in this subreddit that obtaining my bachelor’s degree in accounting can open doors—even to entry-level positions that may not seem glamorous initially. With my minor in Spanish, I have the 150 credit hours needed for the CPA exam/license, which I believe could give me a competitive edge. Is this perspective accurate?

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Your advice would mean a lot to me as I embark on this new chapter. Please feel free to ask if you need more context or specifics about my background.

Looking forward to your insights!