You’ve gotten your accounting degree (or will very soon). You’re ready to start putting that degree to work. However, potential employers seem to be holding out for professionals with prior experience.
It can be a challenge—you can’t find a way to get your foot in the door because potential employers expect you to already have your foot in the door.
Accounting is a diverse and rewarding profession awash in opportunities. Don’t let the challenge of getting started keep you from your career goals. Here are a few suggestions for gaining the experience so many positions require.
Intern
Find internships for accounting majors. They are the new “entry-level” positions when many others require prior experience.
Gaining work experience as an intern may not come with a cushy compensation package, but it can pay off in the long run. It helps you better understand the organization and duties. You can also benefit from meeting people who can mentor you or provide recommendations on resumes in the future. Plus, interning might help you find a career path that best suits you.
Interning with a company gives you a leg up on the competition if that company is hiring. You are more likely to earn a position within a firm if you’ve been working for them and have proven yourself capable.
If you’re still in college, check with your dean, career counselor, or career center for (likely unpaid) work experience in accounting. Attend job fairs.
If you aren’t connected to a college, check online for internships and community job fairs. Carefully scrutinize online sources for reputability.
Network
Join a professional network. Knowing the right people can often have a significant impact on your career.
From local to regional to national accounting societies and even non-accounting professional groups, networking within a business-related organization helps you learn about job openings.
Joining a professional society or two also allows people to learn about you—that you’re looking, what your interests and skills are, that you’re a pleasure to work with, and that you’re dependable and trustworthy.
Look into joining a business-related fraternity or sorority organization if you’re still in college.
Networking and socializing help you meet the right people to start your career. The wider you can cast your net, the more likely you will find job experience.
Certify
Become a certified accountant who specializes in specific areas. Gaining additional education in areas (like taxes, technology, or public accounting) shows your commitment to the industry and makes you more appealing to employers. It also gives you access to a network of like-minded professionals and career jump-starting opportunities.
Recognize Opportunities Everywhere
Accounting-related opportunities can come in all shapes and sizes. Don’t let them pass you by because you only want to work at a large firm.
Entry-level positions can help you side-step your way to an accounting firm. Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom and work your way up. Cashiers, for example, handle money—an accounting function.
Working as a cashier could turn into a management position, handling deeper accounting functions. That could be the experience you need for an unpaid internship at another firm. That firm could end up hiring you once your internship is over.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for job openings with non-accounting firms. Small businesses or start-ups could turn into rewarding accounting and finance careers.
For example, you may have dreamed of working for one of the “Big Four” accounting firms. However, helping entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses could become a life-long, fulfilling, and lucrative career.
Keep your eyes and mind open. Don’t box yourself in.
Volunteer
Can’t seem to find internship opportunities or entry-level positions? Donate your skills to a good cause.
Many nonprofit organizations could use the skills of a budding or knowledgeable accountant but may not be able to afford one. Donate your time to work on their books. Recommend ways to reduce expenses, stretch a budget, or collect more donations.
Start a Side Business
Start your own accounting freelance side business. Advertise your services to friends and family, other individuals, entrepreneurs, or small businesses.
Check out platforms specifically for freelance work. These can help you establish a website or an internet presence so others can learn about your service.
Time management is necessary to earn a steady income from your full-time or part-time job and your freelance one. Those with the drive to continue can grow a good client base that could turn into a full-time career.
Enlist a Temp Agency
A temp agency might have information about openings and accounting opportunities undisclosed to the public. Furthermore, they can help ensure you and the business or position are a good fit for each other.
Experience Necessary
Accounting careers abound in our world. They are fun, rewarding, and diverse.
Gaining the necessary experience to get your foot in the door can be challenging to new graduates or those wanting to switch career tracks–you need experience to get a job, but a job to get experience.
You have what it takes to persevere. And now, you have our suggestions on how to gain experience.
Your institution of higher education is a great place to start. They often have internship and entry-level position information at a career center or job fairs. They also house business-related sororities and fraternities, which are great for networking and finding job or internship openings.
Speaking of networking, join a professional society. Membership organizations can help you network, find job and internship opportunities, discover a mentor, and gain recommendations.
Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities everywhere. You don’t have to work at a public or private accounting firm to be an accountant. Your skills will be a great asset to any organization.
Volunteer your time and skills, or intern for no pay just to gain experience. Start your own side business or use a temp agency to gain the valuable experience you and your future employers desire.
Infographic
You're eager to use your degree, but many employers prefer candidates with experience. Don’t let this discourage you. Learn more in this infographic for tips on gaining the experience needed for your career.
