[johnchua9963]

Dear another71,

I might had mentioned this before in the past, but hopefully this is going to be a little bit updated from the last.

Recalling from my previous post (for those who can remember), I graduated in accounting in the summer of 2011. Right now, I am finishing my last class at a local community college in order to be eligible for the CPA exam. I had been struggling to find work ever since and fortunately, I had H&R Block experience this past tax season, but that is the only job I had that is closest to accounting/finance. Other than that I have no experience in accounting, thanks to my idiot self who failed to pursue an internship. I am with accountemps right now, but it seems like they move like turtles when it comes to finding a temporary job for me. I am also with Creative financial staffing, though they mostly recruit experienced folks. I still maintained my relationship with both of them, but they couldn’t provide the jobs.

As of right now, I am stuck. Honestly, other than going to mixers and WSCPA events (Seattle guy here), I don’t know what else to do other than work on my CPA and be a bum on my parents’ shoulders.

Anyone want to give some feedback? I don’t mind harsh or profane feedback since honesty is all it matters.

Regards,

Yahyaa

[tomq04]

I'm in the class of 2010, it took me 4 months to find a bookkeeping job which i stuck at for ~10 months. I was not interested in public accounting and honestly wasn't sure where to go. My buddy who was interested in public accounting finished his CPA after an internship and spent nearly 7 months looking for a tax firm. He kept applying, 10+ jobs/day, he did get interviews (several) driving all over the states. Spokane/Portland/Seattle/Bellevue/BUTTE MT:( and eventually landed in Bellevue after going through the interview process twice with the same first (he was passed over for the first opening).

It is not easy, getting some real life small business bookkeeping experience isn't a terrible idea, you could reach out to some bookkeeping/payroll service organizations, to keep you busy while taking the exam. The problem is that they are not ran by CPA's so you may not count all of that as experience, but it can prep you for more of what is to come.

It's not a fun time to graduate, but there are opportunities, it is just very hard to get anyone to give you any time of day when you are 1 of 100 applicants.

REG- (1) 76
FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
BEC- (6) 75

[SeattleAccountant]

@JohnChua,

I've read a few of your posts and must say that I recognize the type of self-beating you are going thru. Been there, done that, sometimes still doing it…

First of all, stop all of the negativity toward yourself! The attitude is everything.

Second, stop relying on placement agencies to find a job b/c they may or may not find it for you. It is your own duty to find suitable employment at the place that you would enjoy working for the pay that you would appreciate. You are in WA as I've gathered. There are plenty of opportunities, I know this from my own experience. Have you utilized Indeed.com, usajobs.gov, and other sites along with the old fashioned walking-in and inquiring. Yes, by that I mean selecting employers that you are interested in, making a list and contacting each one of them until someone hires you. I can not emphasize enough another very important aspect: talking to everybody you know, contacting HR and asking about openings, etc. This is very active and demanding part that involves daily efforts and persistence.

Third, maybe it should be second, have you identified specifics of what you are looking for: pay, position, benefits, commute, company? This alone may solve part of the problem by focusing your search. There are people that might be fine with H&R Block experience and go on to become branch managers and there are those that do not see themselves in that industry/company. Decide where you want to and where you do not want to work and go from there.

Fourth, missing on the internship makes you an “idiot”?! Then, what it would make me as I've purposely turned down several ones (in WA) in order to concentrate on grad school and passing the CPA exam?!!!!

Stop beating yourself over this, seriously. Several guys in my class took those opportunities and were no closer to getting job offer/s upon the commencement. They eventually found jobs on their own or via networking (relatives in different states).

In closing, whatever have happened or not, is a sunk cost. Concentrate on your present and future with the positive attitude and chin up while not forgetting that your success depends solely on your own efforts!

Hope that helps and does not sound to paternalistic.

Becker Class of Jan - Aug 2013: FARB DONE!!!!
CPA license pending 🙂

[Anonymous]

@johnchua9963 hey, how was your experience with accountemps, because I am looking for job now, and in the meantime I need a paycheck too. So can you share more info on this accountemps. I mean is it worth it?

Good luck with your job search

[Anonymous]

@johnchua9963 Look at my reply to the guy in the link. His situation is similar to yours.

https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/i-need-a-job-and-a-75

[Author]

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