4 answers
Caleb
Student
Burnsville, Minnesota
2
Questions
Asked
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How do you best optimize your opportunities to secure internships and eventually a corporate job in your desired field?
I am going to be an accounting major and am very interested in how I can best optimize my Oppurtunites to secure a job when I am in college.
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4 answers
Sneha Deb
Tech Consultant
194
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hey Caleb! That’s a great mindset to have going into college, being intentional early can really set you apart. Start by getting involved with student organizations like an accounting or business club, which can connect you with recruiters and alumni. Build relationships with your professors and career center staff, they often hear about internship opportunities before they’re widely posted. Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile updated, and don’t be afraid to apply early and often to internships, even after your first year. Most importantly, aim to learn and grow in every experience, even if it’s not your “dream” role, each step builds the skills and network that will lead to that corporate job. Good luck!
Allison Nixon
Social Impact
8
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Hi Caleb! You're on the right track by focusing on getting as much "real world" business experience as you can, alongside your degree. While your degree gives you a solid base of knowledge, hands-on experience shows employers that you know how to use it. One great way to dive into this is by participating in case competitions. These events let you tackle real business challenges with a team, create solutions, pitch them to judges, and receive valuable feedback. It's a fantastic way to understand what works in the business world.
Also, check if your college offers on-campus internships. Some schools partner with businesses to give students a chance to work on real projects for course credit. These internships often have fewer requirements than traditional ones, making them a great option early in your studies.
Alongside gaining experience, start building your network. The best time to network is before you need it. Attend job fairs, explore LinkedIn, and set up coffee chats with professionals in roles that interest you. Focus on learning and making genuine connections. Remember to send thank-you notes to those who share their time and insights with you. This approach will give you a deeper understanding of your field, potential employers, and the roles you might want to pursue. It will also help you speak confidently about the industry when applying for internships, and having connections at a company is always a plus!
Lastly, don't forget to connect with your school's career center. They offer events and resources that can further prepare you for your future career. Keep pushing forward, and you'll be well-prepared for whatever comes your way!
Also, check if your college offers on-campus internships. Some schools partner with businesses to give students a chance to work on real projects for course credit. These internships often have fewer requirements than traditional ones, making them a great option early in your studies.
Alongside gaining experience, start building your network. The best time to network is before you need it. Attend job fairs, explore LinkedIn, and set up coffee chats with professionals in roles that interest you. Focus on learning and making genuine connections. Remember to send thank-you notes to those who share their time and insights with you. This approach will give you a deeper understanding of your field, potential employers, and the roles you might want to pursue. It will also help you speak confidently about the industry when applying for internships, and having connections at a company is always a plus!
Lastly, don't forget to connect with your school's career center. They offer events and resources that can further prepare you for your future career. Keep pushing forward, and you'll be well-prepared for whatever comes your way!
Rachel Smith
Technical Skills Consultant
13
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hey Caleb! Love that you are thinking about this early. Truthfully, there is no 100% guaranteed path you can take to ensure you will land a job- I wish that was the case! However, there are things within your control that I would do early and often to ensure you increase your likelihood of landing that great accounting job post-grad!
1. Focus on your grades. Your GPA does matter, especially if you are going for your CPA (which I would highly recommend! It would increase your chances of getting a job post-college substantially- I would say close to almost 100% chance of getting an offer if you apply and are diligent). Attend office hours, build meaningful and real connections with your professors, and ASK THEM what you should be doing to ensure you are set up to land internships and a job post-grad. They have great insights and would love to help- thats why they teach!
2. Join clubs, organizations, and networking groups around your degree/business school. It is so important to surround yourself with high-achieveing individuals who are looking to accomplish the same things you are. Make that a priority, work together, and you can achieve great things.
3. Attend Career Fairs early and often! Ask someone to help you with your resume (most colleges have a job center of some sort and can support this), make copies and start introducing yourself. Most companies do not hire interns until they are sophomores, but it is always a great idea to go early to familiarize yourself with the process, shake off nerves, and practice your elevator pitch.
4. Get a mentor. Find someone who is a couple years ahead of you in your degree, someone in the field already, or a professor you connect with and ask them to be a mentor to you. They can help you go far, fast.
Best of luck! I am confident you will do great things.
1. Focus on your grades. Your GPA does matter, especially if you are going for your CPA (which I would highly recommend! It would increase your chances of getting a job post-college substantially- I would say close to almost 100% chance of getting an offer if you apply and are diligent). Attend office hours, build meaningful and real connections with your professors, and ASK THEM what you should be doing to ensure you are set up to land internships and a job post-grad. They have great insights and would love to help- thats why they teach!
2. Join clubs, organizations, and networking groups around your degree/business school. It is so important to surround yourself with high-achieveing individuals who are looking to accomplish the same things you are. Make that a priority, work together, and you can achieve great things.
3. Attend Career Fairs early and often! Ask someone to help you with your resume (most colleges have a job center of some sort and can support this), make copies and start introducing yourself. Most companies do not hire interns until they are sophomores, but it is always a great idea to go early to familiarize yourself with the process, shake off nerves, and practice your elevator pitch.
4. Get a mentor. Find someone who is a couple years ahead of you in your degree, someone in the field already, or a professor you connect with and ask them to be a mentor to you. They can help you go far, fast.
Best of luck! I am confident you will do great things.
David Ludwick
CEO
69
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Caleb,
As an accounting major looking to optimize opportunities for internships and a corporate job, you can take strategic steps during college to build a strong foundation for your career. Drawing on general best practices and insights tailored to your goals, here’s a concise guide to maximize your chances:
1. Build a Strong Academic Foundation
- **Excel in Core Accounting Courses**: Focus on mastering financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, and tax principles. A strong GPA (ideally 3.5 or higher) signals competence to employers.
- **Pursue Relevant Certifications Early**: Consider starting prep for certifications like the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) during college. While you may not complete it until after graduation, showing progress (e.g., passing a section of the CPA exam) demonstrates commitment. Other certifications like CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) can also be valuable depending on your career path.
- **Leverage Electives**: Take courses in data analytics, financial modeling, or information systems, as these skills are increasingly valued in accounting roles, especially in corporate settings.
2. Gain Practical Experience
- **Target Internships Early**: Start applying for internships as early as your freshman or sophomore year. Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) and mid-tier firms offer summer internships, often through campus recruiting. Check your college’s career center for opportunities.
- **Tip**: Attend career fairs and firm-sponsored events at your school to network with recruiters. Prepare a polished resume and practice your elevator pitch.
- **High School Experience**: If you’re still in high school or early college, look for local business internships or volunteer roles (e.g., bookkeeping for nonprofits) to build early experience, as you expressed interest in similar opportunities previously.
- **Seek Part-Time or Volunteer Roles**: Work as a bookkeeper, tax preparer (e.g., through VITA programs), or accounting assistant for small businesses or campus organizations to gain hands-on experience.
- **Join Case Competitions**: Participate in accounting-related case competitions hosted by firms or organizations like Beta Alpha Psi. These showcase your problem-solving skills and expose you to recruiters.
3. Network Strategically
- **Join Professional Organizations**: Become an active member of accounting clubs like Beta Alpha Psi or the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). These provide networking events, mentorship, and access to firm recruiters.
- **Build Relationships with Professors**: Professors often have industry connections and can recommend you for internships or jobs. Engage in class, attend office hours, and seek their advice.
- **Leverage Alumni Networks**: Connect with alumni from your school (e.g., Wright State, as you mentioned previously) working in accounting through LinkedIn or your college’s alumni office. Request informational interviews to learn about their career paths and get referrals.
- **Attend Industry Events**: Go to accounting conferences, firm open houses, or workshops. Bring business cards and follow up with contacts via email or LinkedIn.
4. Develop a Professional Presence
- **Craft a Strong LinkedIn Profile**: Highlight your education, internships, certifications, and skills. Join accounting groups and share relevant content to stay visible.
- **Polish Your Resume**: Tailor it for each internship or job application, emphasizing accounting skills, software proficiency (e.g., Excel, QuickBooks, SAP), and measurable achievements (e.g., “Streamlined financial reporting process for a student organization, reducing errors by 20%”).
- **Practice Interview Skills**: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions (e.g., “Walk me through a balance sheet”). Use your career center’s mock interviews or practice with peers.
5. Target High-Demand Accounting Roles
- **Understand Corporate Accounting Paths**: Research roles like financial analyst, internal auditor, or corporate accountant. Corporate jobs often value skills in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- **Focus on Big Four or Mid-Tier Firms for Internships**: These provide rigorous training and open doors to corporate roles. Many interns receive full-time offers post-graduation.
- **Explore Industry Roles**: Beyond public accounting, consider corporate accounting roles in industries like tech, manufacturing, or retail, which align with your interest in business (as mentioned in prior conversations).
6. Utilize Campus Resources
- **Career Services**: Regularly visit your college’s career center for resume reviews, job boards, and employer events. Ask about on-campus recruiting for accounting firms.
- **Co-Op Programs**: If Wright State or your chosen school offers co-op programs, participate to gain extended work experience while earning academic credit.
- **Scholarship Opportunities**: As you previously inquired about scholarships, contact firms directly to inquire about scholarship programs (e.g., PwC’s Student Loan Paydown or Deloitte’s scholarship initiatives) that often come with internship opportunities.
7. Develop Soft and Technical Skills
- **Soft Skills**: Employers value communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Highlight these through leadership roles in clubs or group projects.
- **Technical Skills**: Become proficient in tools like Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables), QuickBooks, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle). Familiarity with data analytics tools like Tableau or Power BI is a plus.
- **Stay Updated**: Follow accounting trends (e.g., automation, ESG reporting) through journals like *Journal of Accountancy* or *CPA Journal*.
8. Plan for the Long Term
- **Set Clear Goals**: Decide if you want to start in public accounting (great for broad experience) or go directly to corporate accounting (more specialized). Your prior interest in starting a business suggests entrepreneurial skills, so consider roles that blend accounting with strategy, like financial planning and analysis (FP&A).
- **Build a Portfolio**: Document projects (e.g., financial models, audit reports) to showcase during interviews.
- **Stay Persistent**: Landing competitive internships or jobs may take multiple applications. Apply broadly and follow up politely.
Timeline for Success
- **Freshman/Sophomore Year**: Focus on grades, join accounting clubs, and seek summer internships or part-time roles.
- **Junior Year**: Target Big Four or mid-tier internships, start CPA prep, and build a strong network.
- **Senior Year**: Secure a full-time offer, ideally from an internship, and complete CPA exams post-graduation.
By combining academic excellence, practical experience, networking, and a professional presence, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate for internships and corporate accounting jobs.
As an accounting major looking to optimize opportunities for internships and a corporate job, you can take strategic steps during college to build a strong foundation for your career. Drawing on general best practices and insights tailored to your goals, here’s a concise guide to maximize your chances:
1. Build a Strong Academic Foundation
- **Excel in Core Accounting Courses**: Focus on mastering financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, and tax principles. A strong GPA (ideally 3.5 or higher) signals competence to employers.
- **Pursue Relevant Certifications Early**: Consider starting prep for certifications like the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) during college. While you may not complete it until after graduation, showing progress (e.g., passing a section of the CPA exam) demonstrates commitment. Other certifications like CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) can also be valuable depending on your career path.
- **Leverage Electives**: Take courses in data analytics, financial modeling, or information systems, as these skills are increasingly valued in accounting roles, especially in corporate settings.
2. Gain Practical Experience
- **Target Internships Early**: Start applying for internships as early as your freshman or sophomore year. Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) and mid-tier firms offer summer internships, often through campus recruiting. Check your college’s career center for opportunities.
- **Tip**: Attend career fairs and firm-sponsored events at your school to network with recruiters. Prepare a polished resume and practice your elevator pitch.
- **High School Experience**: If you’re still in high school or early college, look for local business internships or volunteer roles (e.g., bookkeeping for nonprofits) to build early experience, as you expressed interest in similar opportunities previously.
- **Seek Part-Time or Volunteer Roles**: Work as a bookkeeper, tax preparer (e.g., through VITA programs), or accounting assistant for small businesses or campus organizations to gain hands-on experience.
- **Join Case Competitions**: Participate in accounting-related case competitions hosted by firms or organizations like Beta Alpha Psi. These showcase your problem-solving skills and expose you to recruiters.
3. Network Strategically
- **Join Professional Organizations**: Become an active member of accounting clubs like Beta Alpha Psi or the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). These provide networking events, mentorship, and access to firm recruiters.
- **Build Relationships with Professors**: Professors often have industry connections and can recommend you for internships or jobs. Engage in class, attend office hours, and seek their advice.
- **Leverage Alumni Networks**: Connect with alumni from your school (e.g., Wright State, as you mentioned previously) working in accounting through LinkedIn or your college’s alumni office. Request informational interviews to learn about their career paths and get referrals.
- **Attend Industry Events**: Go to accounting conferences, firm open houses, or workshops. Bring business cards and follow up with contacts via email or LinkedIn.
4. Develop a Professional Presence
- **Craft a Strong LinkedIn Profile**: Highlight your education, internships, certifications, and skills. Join accounting groups and share relevant content to stay visible.
- **Polish Your Resume**: Tailor it for each internship or job application, emphasizing accounting skills, software proficiency (e.g., Excel, QuickBooks, SAP), and measurable achievements (e.g., “Streamlined financial reporting process for a student organization, reducing errors by 20%”).
- **Practice Interview Skills**: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions (e.g., “Walk me through a balance sheet”). Use your career center’s mock interviews or practice with peers.
5. Target High-Demand Accounting Roles
- **Understand Corporate Accounting Paths**: Research roles like financial analyst, internal auditor, or corporate accountant. Corporate jobs often value skills in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- **Focus on Big Four or Mid-Tier Firms for Internships**: These provide rigorous training and open doors to corporate roles. Many interns receive full-time offers post-graduation.
- **Explore Industry Roles**: Beyond public accounting, consider corporate accounting roles in industries like tech, manufacturing, or retail, which align with your interest in business (as mentioned in prior conversations).
6. Utilize Campus Resources
- **Career Services**: Regularly visit your college’s career center for resume reviews, job boards, and employer events. Ask about on-campus recruiting for accounting firms.
- **Co-Op Programs**: If Wright State or your chosen school offers co-op programs, participate to gain extended work experience while earning academic credit.
- **Scholarship Opportunities**: As you previously inquired about scholarships, contact firms directly to inquire about scholarship programs (e.g., PwC’s Student Loan Paydown or Deloitte’s scholarship initiatives) that often come with internship opportunities.
7. Develop Soft and Technical Skills
- **Soft Skills**: Employers value communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Highlight these through leadership roles in clubs or group projects.
- **Technical Skills**: Become proficient in tools like Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables), QuickBooks, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle). Familiarity with data analytics tools like Tableau or Power BI is a plus.
- **Stay Updated**: Follow accounting trends (e.g., automation, ESG reporting) through journals like *Journal of Accountancy* or *CPA Journal*.
8. Plan for the Long Term
- **Set Clear Goals**: Decide if you want to start in public accounting (great for broad experience) or go directly to corporate accounting (more specialized). Your prior interest in starting a business suggests entrepreneurial skills, so consider roles that blend accounting with strategy, like financial planning and analysis (FP&A).
- **Build a Portfolio**: Document projects (e.g., financial models, audit reports) to showcase during interviews.
- **Stay Persistent**: Landing competitive internships or jobs may take multiple applications. Apply broadly and follow up politely.
Timeline for Success
- **Freshman/Sophomore Year**: Focus on grades, join accounting clubs, and seek summer internships or part-time roles.
- **Junior Year**: Target Big Four or mid-tier internships, start CPA prep, and build a strong network.
- **Senior Year**: Secure a full-time offer, ideally from an internship, and complete CPA exams post-graduation.
By combining academic excellence, practical experience, networking, and a professional presence, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate for internships and corporate accounting jobs.