Embarking on a New Journey: Seeking Advice After Graduation

Hello, readers!

I am thrilled to share that I’ve just graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Accounting! As I step into this exciting new chapter of my life at 22, I thought it was the perfect moment to reach out for some guidance as I prepare to dive into the job market for the first time.

My Graduation and Future Plans

Having spent the last few years navigating the world of academia, I’m ready to transition into the professional realm. I aim to start applying for full-time Accounting positions in mid to late June, just after a family vacation that I’m looking forward to. I haven’t seen some family members in years, so it will be a nice break before I get back to job hunting.

When my job search begins, I plan to target opportunities within my local community. I have a potential lead at my parish, as well as the possibility of advancing my career at Walmart, my current employer. I’ve been with Walmart for nearly five years, and transitioning into a corporate role could be a great opportunity.

Questions for the Community

Now, as I begin to move forward, I have several questions that I hope you can help with:

1. Is my plan sound? Am I approaching the job search the right way by looking at local opportunities and leveraging connections?

2. Application Strategy: Should I consider applying for every Accounting position that I qualify for, whether they are internships, part-time, or full-time roles?

3. Impact of My GPA: I graduated with a GPA of 3.1, which isn’t particularly stellar, and I didn’t secure any internships during my studies. What impact will this have on my job search?

4. Expected Salary: What should I anticipate as a starting salary, and how should I approach salary discussions during interviews?

5. Resume Building: Given my limited professional experience and absence of extracurricular activities, what specific elements should I highlight in my resume and during interviews to present myself more effectively?

I’ve been advised by both my professors and fellow students that with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, I should be able to secure an entry-level position, even if it’s not ideal. I also plan to pursue the requisite 150 hours for my CPA license, aided by a minor in Spanish that has made me bilingual, thanks to several CLEP exams and transferable credits. Is this advice accurate?

Final Thoughts