5 answers
Ava
Student
New York, NY
1
Question
Asked
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What are the absolute best steps during college to help secure a job offer by college graduation?
I will be a freshman in college in the fall of 2026. I plan to complete my bachelors and my graduate degree within a five year program for accounting and finance. I’ve always been good at all types of math but I wanted to focus on math with more daily “real world” applications. I also wanted a good paying job so I can comfortably take care of myself as an adult.
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5 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Ava. You need to focus on excelling academically, gaining real-world experience, building a professional network, and developing both technical and soft skills.
Doing well in your classes will help you understand the field and show employers that you take your education seriously. Since you already enjoy math and want to apply it to real-world situations, your accounting and finance courses will be a good match. These subjects rely on numbers, but they also teach you how to solve real problems that businesses face every day. Strong grades also help you compete for internships, which are one of the most important steps toward landing a job after graduation.
Internships give you hands-on experience and help you learn what working in accounting or finance is really like. Companies often use internships to recruit future employees, so doing well in an internship can lead directly to a job offer.
Networking is another major factor in getting hired. This means building relationships with professors, classmates, alumni, and professionals in your field. Attending career fairs, joining student business clubs, and connecting with people on LinkedIn can all help you meet individuals who may open doors for you later.
You should also take advantage of your school's career services. They can help you create a strong resume, prepare for interviews, and learn how to communicate professionally. These skills matter just as much as technical knowledge, because employers want someone who can communicate clearly and work well with others.
Throughout college, try to learn practical skills that will make you more competitive. For accounting and finance, this includes becoming comfortable with Excel, financial software, and possibly even basic data analysis tools. These skills show employers you're ready for modern, technology-driven workplaces. All the best.
Doing well in your classes will help you understand the field and show employers that you take your education seriously. Since you already enjoy math and want to apply it to real-world situations, your accounting and finance courses will be a good match. These subjects rely on numbers, but they also teach you how to solve real problems that businesses face every day. Strong grades also help you compete for internships, which are one of the most important steps toward landing a job after graduation.
Internships give you hands-on experience and help you learn what working in accounting or finance is really like. Companies often use internships to recruit future employees, so doing well in an internship can lead directly to a job offer.
Networking is another major factor in getting hired. This means building relationships with professors, classmates, alumni, and professionals in your field. Attending career fairs, joining student business clubs, and connecting with people on LinkedIn can all help you meet individuals who may open doors for you later.
You should also take advantage of your school's career services. They can help you create a strong resume, prepare for interviews, and learn how to communicate professionally. These skills matter just as much as technical knowledge, because employers want someone who can communicate clearly and work well with others.
Throughout college, try to learn practical skills that will make you more competitive. For accounting and finance, this includes becoming comfortable with Excel, financial software, and possibly even basic data analysis tools. These skills show employers you're ready for modern, technology-driven workplaces. All the best.
I appreciate your support, Wong
Ava
This response has a lot of great suggestions and I think they are all important. I totally agree with the practical skills. Today that would include some sort of AI understanding and possible developement. Look into how is AI used in finance. There has been a real push and training in my company at all levels including Finance and Accounting to use AI to do work. That means me creating or coming up with ideas to shift work to AI and free up time for more analysis. Good luck.
John Bolyard
Thanks for the thoughtful response!
Wong Loke Yuen
Kelly Bentz
Human Resources Director
4
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hello! I'm thrilled that you're starting a journey in accounting. My top advice is to get involved in campus activities early on. Look for accounting-related organizations or clubs, like the Student Accounting Society or Beta Alpha Psi. These groups often connect with professionals in the field and invite alumni to meet students and build relationships. They also inform you about events on campus or online that can help you make valuable connections for internships or full-time jobs. Internships are a great way to gain practical experience. Best of luck!
Dana Hunt
PwC | Partner, Insurance Risk & Capital Leader
15
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Dana’s Answer
Pursue an internship early in your college career with an audit firm or company that has active intern program. If you like math, consider actuarial science - check out beanactuary.org to learn more. Salaries are attractive with many career options. To obtain a job as an entry level actuary at a company, intern experience and at least two exams passed have a high success rate of being hired full time after college.
Thank you! I will have to look into that career field as an option!
Ava
Sajid Hakim
Finance
9
Answers
West Bloomfield Township, Michigan
Updated
Sajid’s Answer
Hi Ava,
Besides doing well in your studies, two key things can really help you get a job after college: networking and internships.
I know you've heard this before. While internships are great, they're not always in your control. Networking, however, is something you can fully manage. It will not only assist you when you graduate but also throughout your entire career.
Hope this helps! Wishing you lots of luck.
Besides doing well in your studies, two key things can really help you get a job after college: networking and internships.
I know you've heard this before. While internships are great, they're not always in your control. Networking, however, is something you can fully manage. It will not only assist you when you graduate but also throughout your entire career.
Hope this helps! Wishing you lots of luck.
Thank you, Sajid!
Ava
Dana Cobb
Internal Audit
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Dana’s Answer
My answers may mirror some already given, with a little more twist. I definitely agree to work with your campus career services. If you have clubs on campus for Accounting and Finance, get involved. On my campus, we had both Accounting Club and Beta Alpha Psi (honors accounting), I'm sure there are finance clubs as well. Build your network, this includes your professors, your fellow students, and local business resources (the clubs can help with this). Look for scholarships provided by local businesses. Take advantage of on-campus recruiting when you are close to graduation.
Finally, try to explore different branches for your major through your internship. I first did an accounting internship, then I did a finance internship, and I ended up going into auditing after graduation. Auditing fit my personality and character traits much better than either accounting or finance. Best of luck to you!
Finally, try to explore different branches for your major through your internship. I first did an accounting internship, then I did a finance internship, and I ended up going into auditing after graduation. Auditing fit my personality and character traits much better than either accounting or finance. Best of luck to you!
Thank you for giving me advice.
Ava