[OrangeCrush]

I just graduated college (May ’10) and I am currently studying for FAR. I live in the Philadelphia area but really don’t have any professionals to network with. If anyone has any advice or any leads I would greatly appreciate it! Working full time while studying is tough but I am extremely motivated to have the “CPA” behind my name. Thanks.

CPA Designation: the key in becoming a minority leader. the key to making a positive change.

[potatogun]

Utilize your school's career services for leads/postings. Call/email. Make some contacts. Talk to friends who are in or who are in the field and build a network.

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[OrangeCrush]

Alright. Already tried career services but I went to a small school that really doesn't offer much when it comes to its business majors. I guess just need to find friends in the accounting field. Thanks potatogun.

CPA Designation: the key in becoming a minority leader. the key to making a positive change.

[Anonymous]

I can only speak for the Midwest but I would imagine that other parts of the country are in the same predicament. Numerous accounting firms have done layoffs in the past 2 years…I was with a firm when they eliminated an entire deparment in my office and a few more experienced individuals on top of that. Other firms that are looking to hire are cashing in on this issue and hiring experienced candidates…I ended up going to a much smaller firm (keep in mind I had 3 years of public experience) but I was one of 47 people that put in for the job.

My point is this is not exactly the best time to be looking to switch to public. Since the market is flooded right now with experienced candidates, your best bet is to start networking and meeting people.

[OrangeCrush]

Thanks becks for the advice. I need to network more. Just need to find somewhere to start. If I don't focus my attention toward the public sector, where to then? As you can tell I have no one to ask these questions too. I appreciate all input.

CPA Designation: the key in becoming a minority leader. the key to making a positive change.

[financeguy]

You have just got to start talking to people in the field. For instance when I was getting the rest of my 24 units of accounting to qualify for the cpa exam, in my auditing class I had to interview a CPA. So one day on my break I was walking around downtown and just walked by a building that said “So and So CPA”. I just went in there and started talking to her, she agreed to the interview, and I have spoken w/ her several times since and she is a good contact.

Another example at work I was cutting checks to pay for various expenses. One of them I saw was CPA continuing education class. I went ahead and emailed the guy telling him I was taking the cpa exam and would just like to talk to him. Anyways this guy ended up being a big time department chief and we talked for a good hour and became a great contact…he wants me to apply for one of his auditor positions.

One thing that I have learned is people love to talk about themselves. If you are friendly and polite and just go talk to some of these people in the field…tell them you are interested and taking the cpa exam, and just trying to get advice on how to best start your career. 9 out of 10 people would be glad to talk to you, and I'm sure at least half of them would be willing to at least help you find a job.

AUD - 81, BEC - 74, 80, FAR - 82, REG - 81
Done!

[potatogun]

“One thing that I have learned is people love to talk about themselves.”

I am just going to highlight this. It is so incredibly true. Partner interviews are not so terrible if you just ask them about their lives, work, and career.

FAR 92 - AUD 91 - REG 94 - BEC 86

[OrangeCrush]

Great advice. Its so obvious but is usually over looked.

CPA Designation: the key in becoming a minority leader. the key to making a positive change.

[OrangeCrush]

Is it possible to transition from governmental auditing to corporate/public accounting?

CPA Designation: the key in becoming a minority leader. the key to making a positive change.

[Onyekaz]

You can do anything with a CPA behind your name.

[pres2112]

You can also go to recruiting events and make great contacts their as well. Usually, if you talk to someone and ask about how they started their career, you will find that you probably have some similarities between your backgrounds. This bonding will help you to get your foot in the door. I did this with one of the people who came to talk to my school and she asked for my resume and forwarded it to the hiring manager and I got called for a position without interviewing. This is after I apply at this top 10 cpa firm and got a rejection letter. The key to finding a job in public accounting is networking. I have found that making a connection with someone will get you alot farther that just randomly applying.

AUD: 7/29/10

[Author]

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