2 answers
Kayda
Student
Custer, South Dakota
1
Question
Asked
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Is experience as important as people say when getting a job post college??
A lot of people have told me that post college it is very important to have experience in your field. I am wondering if as an accountant it really is that important. Or can I spend the time studying and preparing for sitting for the CPA exam? In other words if I get a CPA license but don't have any internships or anything can I still get a job? Or is having an internship that important?
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2 answers
Jing Wang
Business Support
49
Answers
Dalian, Liaoning, China
Updated
Jing’s Answer
Hi Kayda,
Agree to Katlynne, having experience is really important especially for new graduates. Without a CPA, it's difficult to enter mid-to-high-level accounting/audit roles, your long term career ceiling will be very low; without internship experience, you may not even get an interview while many corporate graduate recruitment systems filter out candidates without internship experience automatically, you will miss lots of opportunities. So without internship but with CPA is risky.
In fact, CPA and internship are not mutually exclusive, they complement each other. CPA license is a hard threshold and career ceiling booster in accounting industry. For roles at Big 4 accounting firms, investment banks, or finance departments of large corporations, holding a CPA will significantly boost your competitiveness. Internship experience is a key to landing your first job, employers always use internship experience to assess whether you can adapt a real work quickly and understand the practical aspects.
In addition, internship can help you understand if you truly enjoy the accounting field and whether this career is good option for you. So the challenge now is how to balance both efficiently.
Best wishes and good luck.
Agree to Katlynne, having experience is really important especially for new graduates. Without a CPA, it's difficult to enter mid-to-high-level accounting/audit roles, your long term career ceiling will be very low; without internship experience, you may not even get an interview while many corporate graduate recruitment systems filter out candidates without internship experience automatically, you will miss lots of opportunities. So without internship but with CPA is risky.
In fact, CPA and internship are not mutually exclusive, they complement each other. CPA license is a hard threshold and career ceiling booster in accounting industry. For roles at Big 4 accounting firms, investment banks, or finance departments of large corporations, holding a CPA will significantly boost your competitiveness. Internship experience is a key to landing your first job, employers always use internship experience to assess whether you can adapt a real work quickly and understand the practical aspects.
In addition, internship can help you understand if you truly enjoy the accounting field and whether this career is good option for you. So the challenge now is how to balance both efficiently.
Best wishes and good luck.
Katlynne Hytrek
Blackhawk Mechanic, Animal Care Specialist
24
Answers
New Brockton, Alabama
Updated
Katlynne’s Answer
Hi Kayda!
That's a great question. Yes, having experience is really important when you're applying for jobs after college. It helps you stand out from others who have also passed the CPA exam. You can gain experience by working summer jobs like entry-level positions as a bookkeeper or payroll specialist. Another option is to do a summer internship through your college. These opportunities give you a feel for the work environment and the tools you might use.
You can also join an accounting club at your college. If there isn't one, look for a finance or business club. These clubs connect you with people in similar fields of interest. Members support each other, and advisors share their real-world experiences. They might also have more tips to help you advance in your career.
I hope these ideas help. Good luck!
That's a great question. Yes, having experience is really important when you're applying for jobs after college. It helps you stand out from others who have also passed the CPA exam. You can gain experience by working summer jobs like entry-level positions as a bookkeeper or payroll specialist. Another option is to do a summer internship through your college. These opportunities give you a feel for the work environment and the tools you might use.
You can also join an accounting club at your college. If there isn't one, look for a finance or business club. These clubs connect you with people in similar fields of interest. Members support each other, and advisors share their real-world experiences. They might also have more tips to help you advance in your career.
I hope these ideas help. Good luck!