LaRon
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
8 answers
Spruce Cox
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.
Gloria Ortiz
Gloria’s Answer
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
Yunqing (Meredith) Bi
Yunqing (Meredith)’s Answer
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.
Naira Gazieva
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.
Emilio Lazaro
Emilio’s Answer
Emilio recommends the following next steps:
Steven Green
Steven’s Answer
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!
Mohamed Behiry
Mohamed’s Answer
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.
