Embracing the Future: Seeking Guidance After Graduating with a Bachelor’s in Accounting

Hello, dear readers,

Today marks a significant milestone in my life as I proudly celebrate my graduation with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. At 22, this achievement is the culmination of years of hard work and determination, and I find myself ready to take the next step into the professional world. After following this community for quite some time, I felt it was the perfect moment to reach out and gather your insights and advice as I embark on my job search journey.

My Plans Ahead

My strategy is to begin applying for full-time Accounting positions around mid to late June. This timing works well for me as I’m planning a family vacation where I can reconnect with relatives I’ve not seen in years. Upon my return, I aim to explore opportunities starting within my local parish in Louisiana, where I hope my sister’s connections in the public school system could prove beneficial. Additionally, I’m considering advancing my career at Walmart, where I’ve worked for nearly five years, potentially transitioning to an office role rather than remaining on the sales floor.

Seeking Your Wisdom

I would love to hear your thoughts on this approach. Is it advisable to cast a wide net and apply to any Accounting positions I qualify for, whether they be internships, part-time roles, or full-time opportunities? With my overall GPA of 3.1, I didn’t graduate with honors and lack significant internship experience, aside from a single interview for an internship last fall. Do you think this will impede my job search?

I’m also curious about what starting salary I should expect and whether it would be appropriate to negotiate that figure when the time comes. Given my limited extracurricular activities and internships, what specific elements should I highlight on my resume and during interviews to effectively present myself?

From what I’ve heard within this subreddit and from my professors, it seems that obtaining a bachelor’s degree in accounting is a crucial first step, and that initial jobs, even if they may not be ideal, can open doors to better opportunities down the line. Additionally, I’ve completed the required 150 credit hours for the CPA exam thanks to a minor in Spanish, which classifies me as bilingual. Would this background be advantageous in the job market?

Final Thoughts

I apologize for the lengthy post filled with questions, but this is a significant juncture for me, and your feedback would be invaluable. Please share any experiences or advice that could help guide me during this transitional period