[Anonymous]

I just took my last section last week and now I have to start looking for employment. So here’s a little history. I screwed around a lot in college and didn’t really focus on school. And now I’m stuck with a 2.9 GPA. I didn’t network and join any accounting societies, which I now regret. The only thing I did was an internship at a small private company handling their books. So right now, I graduated with 130 semester units. I really want to go into tax.

So what are your suggestions? I really need some job experience. I’ve started to register for networking events. I think my GPA is really going to hurt my chances, but at the very least, I hope I can establish relationship with the recruiters. If I don’t get a job the end of this year, I’m going to need 150 hours to get my license(I live in CA). My thinking is that if I don’t land something by the end of busy season next year, should I go for MST? The only MST around SoCal is USC, CSUF, CSUN and Golden Gate in San Francisco. I think going for my Masters may be beneficial for the contacts and to get my 150 hours (although I’m not quite sure MST will provide the correct classes yet). I’ll be talking to my tax professor this week and a couple of other people, but I’d like to hear your input.

I’m in the process of revising my resume if anyone would like to take a look. I’ll send it out as soon as I get it ironed out. Thanks everyone!

[Keely]

PS whoever said to concentrate on LinkedIn, I totally disagree. I have never used LinkedIn or any other sort of social networking to get a job. I think it's a big waste of time, honestly. Not to say people don't get jobs out of it! I'm just saying I think there are more effective routes. I will look at the job boards (Career Builder, Indeed.com) but most people will tell you that you might as well have just thrown your resume down a well. It's like a black hole for resumes!

It's much more effective to get your face out there. Go to your local CPA society meetings, go back to your school and see if the career center can help, email your old professors, they are usually tons of help or know someone. Also, I know this is crazy but I had just moved to Houston and I was desperate for a job. I was prepared to go to the firms and give them a copy of my resume face to face. I was just going to leave it with the receptionist. I know that might sound weird, but a lot of people like to see an actual face, and an effort made by someone, rather than just another email amongst 100 other emails.

Again, JMHO. I am by no means the foremost expert on career stuff.

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[MIA2CPA]

Let me add my $.02 to Keely's point.

I believe Linkedin is useful for finding the names of recruiters but you shouldn't resort to paying the premium fee to get in contact with them. Once you have the name and company, a quick google search should get you all the contact info you need. Thank me later.

BEC - 84
AUD - 83
FAR - 82
REG - 81

I'm DONE! CERTIFIED PARTY ANIMAL!

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm definitely going to use every avenue I can to network. Your words and motivational advice from my tax professor has really lift my spirits. Cheers!

[Author]

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