Embracing the Future: Seeking Guidance After Graduation

Hello, everyone!

Today marks a significant milestone in my life—I’ve officially graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As a 22-year-old navigating this exciting yet daunting transition, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time following this community for insights and support. Now, I’m reaching out to gather your wisdom as I embark on my job search in the Accounting field.

Current Plans and Aspirations

I intend to begin my full-time job applications in mid to late June. My mother and I are planning a family trip during the first half of the month, which means I’ll dive into the job market upon my return. My initial focus will be opportunities within my local parish here in Louisiana, leveraging some connections I have through my sister, who works with the public school system. Additionally, I’m considering applying for a position at Walmart, where I currently work, to advance to an office role rather than remaining on the sales floor.

Seeking Your Insight

I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on my approach! Here are a few specific questions I hope you can help me with:

1. Job Search Strategy: Is it advisable to apply for any and all Accounting roles—internships, part-time, or full-time—as long as I meet the qualifications?
2. Impact of GPA: I graduated with a GPA of 3.1 and, unfortunately, didn’t receive any honors or awards. I also lack internships, with my only work experience being almost five years at Walmart. Will this hinder my job search?
3. Salary Expectations: What is a reasonable starting salary to anticipate, and what range should I consider when negotiating?
4. Strengthening My Profile: Without extracurricular activities or internships, what can I highlight on my resume and during interviews to effectively showcase my capabilities? I have included the standard information such as education and work experience, but I’m eager to stand out.

I’ve heard from professors and fellow students that a bachelor’s degree in accounting can open doors regardless of the job’s initial attractiveness. With my 150 credit hours eligible for the CPA exam, and my bilingual ability in Spanish, I’m hopeful that these elements will enhance my candidacy. Is this perspective accurate?

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! I’m genuinely eager to hear your thoughts and advice as I navigate this important phase of my career. If you have any questions or need more context