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What can I do/what would you do in my position?
What can I do to enter a role accounting with BBA in Management degree, graduated in 23 but never really enter corporate except accounting internship in 2022 because of having to help my parents. I have a whole different of kind of experience which doesn't even related to what I want to do. I keep paying my bills, I worked as a babysitter, server/bartender/sushi chef (helping my parents)and now a Sub teacher in Chicago Public School.
I'm interesting in starting off with any accounting/finance entry level and work my way up or in HR roles. For example, accounting clerk, payroll, HR assistant, Accounting staff etc. However, a lot of these companies requirement are at least 3-5 years plus in when it comes to experience.
So, How can I improve my chance of getting interview without finance or accounting degree? Should I take online certificates ? Thanks for you suggestions in advance.
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7 answers
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Jason’s Answer
Here are a few ways to boost your chances of landing an entry-level role in accounting, finance, or HR, even if you don’t have tons of direct experience yet:
1. Make the most of your degree and internship
Even if your internship was short or a while back, be sure your resume really shows what you did and learned. Use clear bullet points to highlight tasks like data entry, handling invoices, doing reconciliations, or working with software like QuickBooks or Excel.
2. Get out there and network!
Let everyone know you’re looking for entry-level roles — friends, family, professors, past supervisors — you never know who might have a lead. Go to job fairs, local networking events, or online sessions related to accounting and HR. Also, spend some time on LinkedIn connecting with recruiters or people starting out in your fields of interest. A lot of job opportunities come through who you know.
3. Try volunteering or internships
Look for volunteer positions at nonprofits or small businesses to gain real-world experience and get references. Even unpaid or low-paid internships can be a great way to build your resume and get your foot in the door.
1. Make the most of your degree and internship
Even if your internship was short or a while back, be sure your resume really shows what you did and learned. Use clear bullet points to highlight tasks like data entry, handling invoices, doing reconciliations, or working with software like QuickBooks or Excel.
2. Get out there and network!
Let everyone know you’re looking for entry-level roles — friends, family, professors, past supervisors — you never know who might have a lead. Go to job fairs, local networking events, or online sessions related to accounting and HR. Also, spend some time on LinkedIn connecting with recruiters or people starting out in your fields of interest. A lot of job opportunities come through who you know.
3. Try volunteering or internships
Look for volunteer positions at nonprofits or small businesses to gain real-world experience and get references. Even unpaid or low-paid internships can be a great way to build your resume and get your foot in the door.
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
The whole “ you need 3-5 years of experience “ is very frustrating! I recommend looking for volunteer or internship opportunities try getting your foot in the door. Possibly knowing someone or a friend of a friend and you can explain your situation and hopefully they can help you get a job. Job fairs can also help! The process is frustrating but keep trying your work ethic is there!! (:
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Kate’s Answer
I would really recommend applying for part-time internship roles (even if they are unpaid) in the field. Unpaid internship positions are a great way to gain experience and make connections in the field that can help you to find your first position. I would also definitely recommend reaching out to anyone you know or have mutual connections with who are in positions similar to those you're looking for and telling them a bit about your situation and interests - people are usually willing to help!
Good luck, I hope things go well for you!
Good luck, I hope things go well for you!
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Harry’s Answer
Hi Zen. Your question is very understandable and I get your frustration. My experience was similar when I graduated - many years ago. I had a degree, but graduated along with an overabundance of degreed, want-to-be, accountants. I went through over 10 months of interviews and was told "we are interested, but you have no experience." Out of frustration I finally told an interviewer, how was I going to get experience if nobody hires me? Luckily, that just happened to sit well with that person and he hired me.
That said, the timing might not work for you. I suggest that you find a local bookkeeping service and ask them if you can help out. Maybe you can do entry work to build up your experience. You may have to "negotiate" a lower salary just to get your foot in the door. You might also look on-line for a university where you can work towards your BA degree.
Good luck Zen.
Harry
That said, the timing might not work for you. I suggest that you find a local bookkeeping service and ask them if you can help out. Maybe you can do entry work to build up your experience. You may have to "negotiate" a lower salary just to get your foot in the door. You might also look on-line for a university where you can work towards your BA degree.
Good luck Zen.
Harry
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Dmitry’s Answer
That whole "need experience to get experience" thing is so real and very frustrating. Good news is this is a really common situation, and honestly, you're in a better position than you think!
Here's my advice for you:
1. Get some quick credentials. Yes, definitely do online certificates. QuickBooks certification is huge for entry-level accounting roles. Excel skills are essential - take a course if you're not already strong there. Consider basic bookkeeping certificates (community colleges often have cheap ones).
2. Target the right places. Small businesses and nonprofits are more flexible about experience requirements. Temp agencies that specialize in accounting/finance - they're great for getting your foot in the door. Look for "Accounting Assistant" or "Junior" roles.
3. Network. Join local accounting associations (many have student/new professional rates). LinkedIn - connect with people in accounting at Chicago companies. Let everyone know you're looking - your restaurant connections might know business owners who need help. Networking is the key to getting jobs.
4. About those "3-5 years required" postings. Apply anyway! Those are wish lists, not hard requirements. If you can do 70% of what they want, apply. Worst they can say is no.
5. Consider tax season. Many places hire temporary help during tax season (January-April). It's great experience and often leads to permanent roles.
You've got this - your work ethic and real-world experience matter more than you realize!
Here's my advice for you:
1. Get some quick credentials. Yes, definitely do online certificates. QuickBooks certification is huge for entry-level accounting roles. Excel skills are essential - take a course if you're not already strong there. Consider basic bookkeeping certificates (community colleges often have cheap ones).
2. Target the right places. Small businesses and nonprofits are more flexible about experience requirements. Temp agencies that specialize in accounting/finance - they're great for getting your foot in the door. Look for "Accounting Assistant" or "Junior" roles.
3. Network. Join local accounting associations (many have student/new professional rates). LinkedIn - connect with people in accounting at Chicago companies. Let everyone know you're looking - your restaurant connections might know business owners who need help. Networking is the key to getting jobs.
4. About those "3-5 years required" postings. Apply anyway! Those are wish lists, not hard requirements. If you can do 70% of what they want, apply. Worst they can say is no.
5. Consider tax season. Many places hire temporary help during tax season (January-April). It's great experience and often leads to permanent roles.
You've got this - your work ethic and real-world experience matter more than you realize!
Updated
Chuck’s Answer
Definitely do online certifications as long as you don't think it's too much time committed and it's worthwhile. Try reaching out to small companies/startups who will hire you to do accounting/finance, but also other roles they can teach you adn you can develop a lot of skills at. Agencies are also useful for this. You sound like you simply need experience to get into the field and going the traditional corporate route will be harder, but with your many skills, small companies are likelier to hire you as long as you're willing to do a bit of everything (wearing many hats as they say, and emphasize this).
Updated
Nao’s Answer
Hi Zen,
I completely understand your frustration—I was in the same position many years ago. I remember feeling stuck, wondering how to land a job that required experience when I didn’t have any. At the time, I started working for a very small company where my father worked, and later I went to business school. Honestly, I think you already have stronger experience than I did back then, through your internship and your work at your parents’ sushi restaurant. Here are a few ideas that might help:
- Expand your role at the restaurant: If possible, take on tasks related to business management—such as handling finances, inventory, or marketing. This will give you practical experience and strengthen your story for interviews.
- Leverage existing contacts: If the restaurant uses tax or accounting services, see if you can intern with those providers. It’s a great way to gain exposure to business operations.
- Consider contingent staff positions: Many companies hire contingent staff for short-term roles, and sometimes these lead to full-time opportunities. Even if they don’t, the entry bar is often lower, and you’ll gain valuable experience.
- Apply even if you don’t meet all requirements: Don’t let the “3–5 years of experience” requirement discourage you. Showing initiative and demonstrating relevant skills can make a big difference.
Building more exposure to business management—even through your parents’ restaurant—will help you clarify your motivation and make a strong impression in interviews.
Wishing you the best on your career journey!
I completely understand your frustration—I was in the same position many years ago. I remember feeling stuck, wondering how to land a job that required experience when I didn’t have any. At the time, I started working for a very small company where my father worked, and later I went to business school. Honestly, I think you already have stronger experience than I did back then, through your internship and your work at your parents’ sushi restaurant. Here are a few ideas that might help:
- Expand your role at the restaurant: If possible, take on tasks related to business management—such as handling finances, inventory, or marketing. This will give you practical experience and strengthen your story for interviews.
- Leverage existing contacts: If the restaurant uses tax or accounting services, see if you can intern with those providers. It’s a great way to gain exposure to business operations.
- Consider contingent staff positions: Many companies hire contingent staff for short-term roles, and sometimes these lead to full-time opportunities. Even if they don’t, the entry bar is often lower, and you’ll gain valuable experience.
- Apply even if you don’t meet all requirements: Don’t let the “3–5 years of experience” requirement discourage you. Showing initiative and demonstrating relevant skills can make a big difference.
Building more exposure to business management—even through your parents’ restaurant—will help you clarify your motivation and make a strong impression in interviews.
Wishing you the best on your career journey!