Navigating the Job Market After Graduation: A Journey Begins

Hello everyone,

Today marks an exciting milestone—I’ve officially graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As a 22-year-old eager to embark on my professional journey, I’ve spent the last few years absorbing insights from this community, and now seems like the perfect moment to share my experience and seek guidance as I step into the job market.

My plan is to dive into job applications around mid-to-late June. I have a family vacation scheduled for early to mid-June, giving me a chance to reconnect with relatives I haven’t seen in years. Upon returning, I intend to start my job search, initially focusing on opportunities within my local parish in Louisiana. My sister works in the public school system here, which could provide a valuable connection. Additionally, I’m considering applying for positions at Walmart, where I’ve worked for nearly five years, with hopes of transitioning from sales floor duties to an office role.

I would appreciate your thoughts on this approach. As I prepare for my job hunt—keeping in mind that my professional experience is limited to one interview for an internship back in October 2022—what advice do you have? Should I apply broadly to all Accounting positions, whether internships, part-time, or full-time, as long as I meet the qualifications?

Another concern is my overall GPA of 3.1, which isn’t particularly stellar, and I graduated without any special honors or significant internship experience. How might this affect my job search? What should I reasonably expect in terms of starting salary, and what should I aim to ask for during negotiations?

Since I lack extracurricular activities or internships, I seek your suggestions on how to enhance my resume and interview approach to make a memorable impression. I’ve covered the basics—education and work experience—but I’m unsure how to highlight my qualifications effectively.

I’ve heard from both this subreddit and my professors that landing an entry-level Accounting job is quite feasible with just a Bachelor’s degree. They suggest that even if the initial position isn’t ideal, it could serve as a stepping stone to higher-paying opportunities. Moreover, my minor in Spanish and accumulated credits from various exams should give me a competitive edge for CPA licensure. Is this perspective accurate?

I apologize for the lengthy message and all the questions, but this is a critical time for me, and I value any advice you can share. If you need further details, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Thank you in advance for your