[AScott89]

I recently applied for a couple of internships with McGladrey even though I’ve been out of school for two years. At this point, I’ll try almost anything to get into public accounting. Does anyone know if the firms are even willing to take someone who’s no longer a student? Or am I just wasting my time?

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[dpad124]

I'm pretty sure you're wasting your time. Internships are typically meant for students who are 12-18 months from graduating.

You're at the point in your career you need to be applying for experienced positions.

BEC Oct2014 - 85
AUD Jan2015 - ??
REG Feb2015 - ??
FAR May2015 - ??

[Anonymous]

At 2 years, you are wasting your time with internships.

You could potentially get in at entry level though – although its harder once you've graduated

[AScott89]

Well I figured I'd give it a shot. And I don't have any experience. I've been applying for entry-level but I either don't get it after interviewing or never hear back at all. I'm starting to feel desperate.

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[fuzyfro89]

Regardless of what you're doing now, internships are out of the question as they are only for current students.

The closest thing to an internship, but not actually an internship, would be a temporary position.

What have you been doing for 2 years since graduating?

[AScott89]

What have I been doing for 2 years? Applying for job after job and getting turned down over and over. I finally got a part-time position as a cashier last September. I couldn't start on the cpa exam until this year.

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[Mayo]

Check out https://www.roberthalf.com/accountemps/

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[AScott89]

Thank you @Mayo, but I check them frequently. Just checked them again and only 4 things within 50 miles of my house. Every last one requires experience I don't have. This is really frustrating. 🙁

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[Anonymous]

Try cold-calling to all the little tiny public accounting firms around where you live – they're usually a bit less particular about experience! Then after a year or two there you might be able to move into something bigger.

[fuzyfro89]

Ascott:

Didn't read above where you said you hadn't been working since graduation. That changes things a bit.

How are you getting by now? Do you live with friends/family?

Can you give more details on what you have been doing/tried doing to find work since graduation? Do you have restrictions on moving to a different place? Have you considered a non-accounting job to just get out and get some experience?

I don't want to tell you something that you've already done and waste your time. I think your situation is a bit more complicated than just whether to apply for an internship or full time.

[AScott89]

fuzyfro89: I live at home with my family and work part-time as a cashier for a hardware store since that's the only job I applied for that I got. I have applied to accounting firms both regional and Big 4. I've had phone and in-person interviews with the regional firms but have been turned down. I haven't heard anything at all from the Big 4 firms I applied to.

As far as restrictions to moving, I have to stay with my parents since once I can no longer defer my loan payments I would not be able to pay them and my other bills, so I have to stay within the piedmont triad area of NC. Cities such as Greensboro, High Point, Charlotte, etc. As long as I'm within an hour of where I'm at it would be doable. I just can't afford to move out and live on my own right now.

I've even tried temp services such as robert half and have had no luck. I've looked at the small firms in my town but they aren't hiring or want someone with at least 2 or 3 years experience.

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[Mayo]

I'd still consider putting an application/filling a profile out at accountemps. Remember, job postings only show up when there's no readily available candidates. If you're in the system already you might get contacted first before the post is officially up.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[AScott89]

Already have a profile with them Mayo but thanks

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[Mayo]

What about temping? It might look better on a resume than your current position..? Just a thought.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[AScott89]

I've looked for a temp position. Same problem as others though-need experience. Second, if they're not willing to work around my schedule, I can't do it. I can't leave a permanent job for a temp one when I have a car payment, credit cards, and need to buy groceries two weeks out of the month.

BEC-65
AUD-72(8 '14); 68(11 '14)
FAR-
REG-

[Mayo]

wrong thread..

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Author]

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