So, I recently just graduated from a decent college with a BBA in Accounting. In the week since my graduation I have relocated to a metro area pretty far away from home. I am basically by myself here, and don't know anyone. My resume is pretty garbage too. I had to work restaurant jobs to support myself all through college, and it really contributed to me having a sub- 3.0 GPA (it's a 2.8). However, I did perform a number of accounting-related tasks in these jobs, which I include on my resume. The hard thing is, I was never able to attain an internship or any relevant accounting experience during college because I had to pay the bills.
I've been reaching out to recruiting agencies in the area, but they tell me it's hard to find an abundance of entry-level temp positions that fit my qualifications. Every job that I apply for, even the lower entry-level positions, require 1-5 years relevant accounting experience, which I obviously don't have. It's like, is it even possible to attain an interview through applying online if you don't have an outstanding resume? My resume is pieced together well, but it's just lacking an accounting job.
I thought a BBA in Accounting would guarantee me some kind of job (I mean I'll settle for anything, even $30k at this point), but I feel like I screwed myself by not getting an internship.
Time is running out and I need to figure something out. I'm trying to meet people as much as I can, but I've only been here a week. What do you guys think?
Any advice?
applying online is a blackhole. network as much as you humanly can and dont waste time with those career portals.
try to find alumni on linkedin.
I've been trying to find them on Linkedin, but like I said, I'm pretty far from where I went to school, and alumni are few and far between. I've been finding things to attend through this site called meetup.com, where I can go do things like play golf with a bunch of other people. But yeah, I'm basically networking from ground zero. I know no one. But I'm trying. This is literally my second day in my new city. If I applied to 10 jobs per day online with pretty good cover letters, do you think it would ever be possible to get anything? Not that I would continue to do that; I'm just curious. Networking is obviously the appropriate course of action.
This probably isn't what you want to hear man, but I would look at insurance companies(they generally have a low GPA floor), or go back for a MACC and take the CPA. It's tough because if you want to do accounting work places are generally going to want the CPA, and if you want to do more of a corporate finance type gig they are going to want a high GPA.
I understand what you're saying, but right now I'm just trying to pay the bills. I'm not looking for a 100k a year job. I'm basically just looking for entry-level positions, shit that requires like an associate's degree in some cases. I'll go manage Accounts Payable or be a Staff Accountant. There's gotta be a way to get a position like that right?
I was in a similar situation to you during my senior year. Accounting major, sub 3.0 GPA, and no work experience to even get an internship. I networked (it's easier then you think, just reach out to people you know personally first) and got an unpaid accounting internship at a small company. I did 3 months without pay living in a new city (got to stay for free at a cousins, so that was helpful) but i busted my ass. Day in and day out i did whatever i could at the internship, it wasn't fancy at all. That internship alone helped me get a full-time position in PWM upon graduation and 4 months later i was offered a F500 FLDP position. And this F500 is actually a blue-chip, a significant brand name on the resume. Anything is possible, as long as you believe it. Grab your phone and make a few phone calls, reach out to small local companies and be confident. You have to believe you will get something good, it's just a matter of time before you actually do. Low GPA and no relevant work experience is just a constraint, you can not let it pull you down. Email/call/mail through linkedin, try everything...create that chance for yourself..your situation isn't as bad as it may seem. this, in fact, is your greatest learning curve. Push hardest when you are down and when things seem impossible. You will be surprised at what you can achieve when you really are cornered in life.
Instead of applying online, reach out to alumni on LinkedIn and reach out to recruiters who specialize in accounting/finance jobs. Also network with people. There is a huge need for personnel but it depends on which major city you're looking to work in. Also sending out a cover letter + resume to local CPA firms could help you score an internship or seasonal employment (tax season).
I don’t think it is necessary for you to go back to grad school for a MACC. Not only is this overkill in your situation, but this might even pigeon-hole you into an accounting role for life. And in 3-4 years you will back on WSO asking if you should get an MBA because the MACC didn’t open as many doors as you thought. Also, if you have to support yourself in grad-school by working, your grades will once again suffer and again you will miss out on internship opps.
Try to redress your resume. Make sure you emphasize how you helped manage the finances of a small business and talk in numbers. Don’t sell yourself short. GPA and lack of internship is really not as bad as you think. And don’t look just for accounting jobs. Accounting graduates find work in many different roles that involve knowledge of finance. Good luck
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