Graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree: Seeking Advice for My Career Journey

Hello, dear readers!

Today marks a significant milestone in my life—I have officially graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting! After years of quietly browsing through various online communities, I finally felt compelled to dive in and share my journey while seeking advice as I embark on my career in Accounting.

At 22 years old, I am eager to begin the job search, but I want to ensure that I do it right. My plan is to start applying for full-time Accounting positions in mid to late June. The reason for the delay is a much-anticipated vacation with my mother to visit family I haven’t seen in years. Once we return, I’ll be ready to hit the ground running with my applications.

One of my first stops will be my local parish in Louisiana, where my sister has connections with the public school system. Additionally, I’m considering exploring opportunities with my current employer, Walmart, where I’ve worked for nearly five years. Transitioning from the sales floor to an office role seems doable, especially with some strategic networking.

That brings me to the crux of my post: I’d love to hear your thoughts on my plans as well as any guidance you might have for my job search. Although I have a degree to my name, my overall GPA sits at 3.1, and I’ve not accumulated much experience aside from my time at Walmart. I did have one interview for an internship back in October, but I still feel a bit out of my depth.

Here are a few questions I’m contemplating:
– Should I apply to all accounting positions for which I qualify, whether they be internships, part-time, or full-time?
– How might my GPA and lack of internships affect my job prospects? Am I at a disadvantage?
– What starting salary should I expect, and how do I determine an appropriate figure to negotiate?
– Without any extracurriculars or formal internships, what unique aspects can I highlight in my resume and during interviews to present myself as a strong candidate?

I’ve heard from professors and fellow graduates that in the field of accounting, having a bachelor’s degree is your initial ticket to entry—allowing you to gain experience that can eventually lead to better positions. Additionally, since I’m already on track to meet the 150 credit hours required for my CPA, coupled with my bilingual skills due to a minor in Spanish, I hope these factors will bolster my marketability.

I apologize for