[Keely]

I need some advice. I just graduated college in December. I’ll be 27 in July. I immediately started studying for the CPA exam and I’m hoping to be finished with it in October.

I ended up with a 3.3 GPA, which I think is pretty good, considering I failed out my first semester. My problem is, I think I really messed up by never taking an internship or doing anything accounting-related in my college career. I literally have zero experience, and at almost 27 years old, I’m starting to think that might be a problem. I don’t even have any interview experience because I worked for the family business (nursing home) all my life. I have never, ever had a job interview. I know, right? I have no idea what typical interview questions are or how to prepare.

I am not working right now so I can dedicate all my time to studying and passing the exam, but as the time approaches, I wonder if I am ever going to be able to get into public accounting. Is anyone ever going to hire a 27 year old with no experience? Not to sound like a downer or anything, I just don’t even know where to start.

I am going to pass the exam first, then look for work. Should I consider a Big 4 or do they all want some experience? I assume passing the exam will hold some weight! Just curious if anyone was in a similar position or if anyone has some advice. Thanks!

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

VA CPA #42010

[Anonymous]

I was waiting for an interview last semester “i didnt get the job” … and outside was a guy who was at least 45 … and he was a fresh graduate and he wanted to get into tax.

27 would be like a kid compared to that guy … Nothing will stop you to try if you want to get into public accounting …

The best of luck 🙂

[Anonymous]

Just wanted to say that for the big 4 you most likely have to get in either from your school or from being experienced. You might want to try an internship first. I graduated in December too and I've been looking for jobs. I even had a summer accounting internship. I've been trying to get another internship too since jobs are hard to find. I haven't been able to find much available. I know a lot of places just hire in the fall, so if I don't find something by then I'll check with my schools career services and do the accounting pre screen. Most colleges allow alumni to use their career services for a while I think. My school allows you to use them forever.

[Witchkizzle]

We have hired 2 30+ year olds over the last 3.5 years. One had no experience and was a new grad and one had minimal tax experience from a small “1040 only” kind of mom and pop shop.

It happens.

Texas CPA
Licensed 03/12

[Author]

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