Celebrating a Milestone: Graduated with My Bachelor’s Degree and Seeking Advice for the Future

Hello, dear readers,

Today marks a significant milestone in my life. I am thrilled to share that I have officially graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As a 22-year-old who has spent years immersing myself in the world of Accounting, I am taking a step forward and seeking your guidance as I embark on my journey into the professional realm.

With my graduation behind me, I’m eager to dive into the job market, aiming to begin my full-time applications by mid to late June. However, first, I have plans for a family vacation where I’ll revisit relatives I haven’t seen in years. Once I return from this trip, my goal is to land an Accounting position, potentially starting with my local parish in Louisiana, thanks to a helpful connection from my sister who works in the public school system. Alternatively, I may also explore opportunities within my current employer, Walmart, with a desire to transition into a corporate role from my current position on the sales floor.

As I prepare for this next chapter, I would greatly appreciate your insights. Is my plan on the right track? Should I aim to apply for any accounting roles—whether internships, part-time, or full-time—as long as I meet the qualifications? Given my cumulative GPA of 3.1 (not exactly stellar, I must admit) and the fact that I don’t have much internship experience, I have concerns about the potential difficulty of my job search. I’ve only had one interview for an internship back in October 2024, and I’d love to know how significantly this might impact my opportunities.

Furthermore, I’m interested in understanding what salary expectations I should consider and how to effectively advocate for myself in salary discussions. With a background primarily in retail work at Walmart over the past five years, what unique qualities and experiences should I highlight in my resume and interviews to stand out to potential employers?

I’ve heard from professors and seasoned professionals in the accounting community that securing a position in the field, even if it’s not the ultimate dream job, can be a viable pathway to success. The knowledge that I have already completed the 150 hours required for the CPA exam—thanks to a minor in Spanish and various credits from CLEP exams—provides some reassurance. Is this indeed the right mindset to adopt?

Apologies for the lengthy post! This transition is incredibly important to me, and I am open to any and