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Can I get a job with no experience?

I am a senior in college to receive a bachelor's degree in accounting. I haven't worked any job in ten years. I have no experience in the accounting field. Will I be able to find work in my field?
#accounting #college #experience #career-counseling

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Spruce’s Answer

Hey LaRon,

Great question. If you haven’t worked in accounting or in any other field because you’ve been in school full-time (i.e. not lollygagging) and you walk in to an interview with a nice crisp diploma and a positive attitude, you’ll be right up there with most other candidates. Having “direct” work experience in your field is always a good thing, but it’s not a showstopper if you don’t.


They’re going to ask “why accounting?” because without “direct” experience (you) or “indirect” experience (accountant parent, relative, friend that you hung out with) it may not be clear how hard the bug bit you and how important accounting is to you which they will use to gauge how long you’ll remain an accountant and hopefully working for them.


I’m sure you know to play to your other strengths on your resume and in the interview, strengths like willpower to get your degree in four straight years (took me seven). Also talk to placement counselors in the accounting department who might know the hiring practices of accounting firms and when you should start sending out resumes if you haven’t already. LaRon, you’ll be great. All the best.

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Steven’s Answer

Hi LaRon,

I was in a similar situation when I graduated, no accounting experience with a fresh accounting degree. The first step would be to network, with local firms, with professors, last years graduating class, etc. You will want to get yourself out there as much as possible. Apply for internships if its still possible and full time positions. Really treat the job search as a high priority early on in your senior year, many positions fill up quickly.

If your interesting in going the CPA route, I would not wait around to get hired before taking steps to complete the educational requirements or study for the actual exams. Anyone in the industry will respect your determination and its a great talking point within the interview.

Good luck!
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Naira’s Answer

Great question LaRon! I asked the same question when I was at school as most of the entry-level jobs were asking some experience. My advice would be do great at school and try to look for the school career services and attend the recruiting events for networking while you are at school. I did two internships while I was attending the school, and both were through the university recruiting events.

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Yunqing (Meredith)’s Answer

Hi LaRon great question.
Short answer! Yes you can.
I am an accounting student and I did not have job experience before. I just received full-time offer from big-four firms Fall 2019.
My advice will be attend as many events as possible and connect with people as many as possible either through LinkedIn or by Alumni.
Also make sure you know yourself. Knowing about which path for accounting you are going and know what are your weaknesses and strengths. Learn how to brand yourself and learn how to show your best self to professionals you meet.
Good luck.
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Gloria’s Answer

HI LaRon,

Yes, you can. Your degree is going to be a part of making that happen. You will need to consider that you may not get the job that you want right off. Experience can and does play a part in the career process. More importantly for you would be trying to figure out where you want to get a job. What do you want to do with your degree? I imagine that there are a variety of ways for you to use your accounting degree. Figure out what that job title is called. Then figure out where you want to work. Do you want to work for a large organization or small? You should take a look at benefits different organizations off, not just the salary. Start with the organization that you think would best support your needs. Then apply for a job there. I would recommend that you get a job as soon as you can, even if you think that you are overqualified. The best way to prove your worth is being willing to do a job for less money to get into a business. You can then make additional connections that will allow you to quickly grow in your career.

Gloria
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Mohamed’s Answer

Hi LaRon

Sure you can get a job with out previous experience, i advise you first to apply for Big 4 accounting firm as an internship, develop your accounting knowledge by studying IFRS and CPA, then you will get promoted and get the enough experience, that would qualify you later either to become manage/partner at the accounting firm or shift to Companies to become accounting manager/CFO.

Good luck.
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Abhilasha’s Answer

Hi LaRon, great question! Your bachelor's degree in accounting will surely help you get a job. Make sure you reach out to the alumni network at your school about potential job openings in the field of your interest. Also apply to a wide range of companies and do not limit your choice when you are starting out. LinkedIn is also a great way to find recruiters looking for talented candidates like yourself. All the best!
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Emilio’s Answer

Yes you can!! It'll definitely be more work, but it's definitely possible. If you have other extracurricular activities and have good grades then companies may be willing to give you a chance. Many companies want to higher somebody who will who well with people as much as somebody who has the qualifications and experience.

Emilio recommends the following next steps:

Apply to entry level positions
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