Celebrating a Milestone: My Accounting Degree and Seeking Your Guidance

Today marks a significant turning point in my life as I proudly graduated with my Bachelor’s in Accounting! At 22 years old, while I’ve mostly been an observer on this platform throughout my college years, I am now stepping out of the shadows and embracing the opportunity to seek advice as I embark on my professional journey.

The Road Ahead

As I prepare to dive into the job market, my current plan is to begin applying for full-time Accounting positions around mid to late June. This timeframe aligns with a family vacation I have planned, during which I’ll be reconnecting with relatives I haven’t seen in years. Upon returning, I aim to start my job search at local opportunities, particularly within my parish in Louisiana, given that my sister works in the public school system and could potentially provide valuable connections. I’m also considering exploring positions at Walmart, my current employer, where I’ve worked for almost five years. My goal would be to transition from my role on the sales floor to a more targeted accounting position within the corporate structure.

Seeking Your Expertise

As I prepare for this next step, I would love to hear your thoughts on my strategy. Given my limited experience—only one interview for an internship last October—I am wondering if it would be wise to apply for any accounting positions that align with my qualifications, including internships, part-time roles, or full-time jobs.

Additionally, I’m reflecting on my academic performance; I graduated with a GPA of 3.1, and while I didn’t achieve any honors or complete internships during my studies, my professional experience primarily comes from my position at Walmart. Will this impact my job search significantly?

Understanding Salary Expectations

I’m also curious about salary expectations for new graduates embarking on their accounting careers. What would be a reasonable starting salary to consider and potentially negotiate for?

Highlighting My Skills

With no internships or extracurricular activities to showcase, I am keen to learn what specific information I should highlight on my resume and in interviews to create a strong impression. I already have the essentials, including my educational background and work experience, but I want to enhance my profile further.

I’ve heard from professors and online discussions that a bachelor’s degree in accounting is valuable, allowing me to secure entry-level positions, even if they’re not ideal. Additionally, I hold a minor in Spanish, which has helped me accumulate the required 150 hours for my CPA exam—does this