[go2eu]

So like everybody here, I worked desperately hard to pass exams, and during my master program, I passed CPA, CIA, and CFE, and maintained a GPA of 4.0. My friends thought I would find a big 4 job with breeze, and so did I. but I was so wrong, this so called big easy city is not really easy for me. I turned in my resume online, and got 0 call from big4 except Deloitte who kept me waiting until July and ended up nothing, even no interview. Got an interview from 2 regional public accounting firms and they could not go any further because they are not sure to sponsor for work visa(i m an international student). so finally I ended up working as a low pay staff accountant at a small local construction firm dealing with A/R, A/P, Bank Rec, Cash flow…my motivation was quickly drained out by doing the same crab every week. Not to show my intelligence, but those routine things are just too easy and boring to me. The pity thing is I have to stay here, as I have to let my company get visa for me and honestly I need money. I feel frustrated now, I am not young anymore, if I could not get any public accounting experience by now, don’t know what those certificates can help me with my career, if still any. Now looking back, I do regret I should spend more time networking rather than studied alone at library. Hopefully my experience can help someone learn a lesson.

FAR 11/08/2011 90
BEC 11/29/2011 85
REG 01/03/2012 91
AUD 02/03/2012 86
DONE!

[shiggity80]

How old are you?

I changed careers when I was almost 29 (was an engineer before I became an accountant) and now at 31 have 2 years of public audit experience and my CPA. So, if you are around my age, it's not impossible.

However, as you did mention you are an international student (or were) and are on a work visa and stuff, those things can add extra hurdles to jump over while trying to get your foot in the door at an accounting firm.

I would say try to go to as many career fair/expos as possible at the school you studied at. You're not going to get very far if you only apply to places online. You need to meet/network with people.

FAR: 87
AUD: 86
BEC: 86
REG: 84! Officially Done!

[go2eu]

@shiggity80. Thanks, I am just turning 31. You are absolutely right on networking and I cannot disagree with that. I wish I could have done so when still at school rather than cramming all the time for the stupid exams. It is just frustrating when your effort turns out pointless. 🙁

FAR 11/08/2011 90
BEC 11/29/2011 85
REG 01/03/2012 91
AUD 02/03/2012 86
DONE!

[forever4]

@go2eu: I'm an international student too and let me tell you something. You're luckier than tons of other students that you actually found a job! You have to decide whether you want to go back to your own country and get a better job better exp or desperately try to stay in america for a boring job for the rest of my life.

FAR 5/14 88 PASSED!
REG 7/13 74 :((((((((....! I cant believe it!!!! I studied so hard...
REG retake 11/29 -> 89!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BEC 10/11/12 -> 84!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AUD 10/25/12 -> 95!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm DONE! OMG 8 months of hard work.

I SHALL PASS. BECAUSE IT'S ME, SO EVERYTHING WILL BE OK!

[go2eu]

@forever4: I guess it happens not only to international students. I have seen my local classmates who are really smart and kick ass of accounting could not find a desired job, but those who barely passed intermediate can get several offers from top accounting firms. And I disagree with your last sentence, being at different country doesn't necessarily mean you have to discount your own value.

FAR 11/08/2011 90
BEC 11/29/2011 85
REG 01/03/2012 91
AUD 02/03/2012 86
DONE!

[forever4]

I'm not saying you have to decrease your value. The fact is the american gov tries to protect the jobs for their citizens. International students except the engineering kids are totally at disadvantage. If you go to Canada, I won't say this to you for sure.

FAR 5/14 88 PASSED!
REG 7/13 74 :((((((((....! I cant believe it!!!! I studied so hard...
REG retake 11/29 -> 89!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BEC 10/11/12 -> 84!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AUD 10/25/12 -> 95!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm DONE! OMG 8 months of hard work.

I SHALL PASS. BECAUSE IT'S ME, SO EVERYTHING WILL BE OK!

[futuremdcpa]

I don't think it has to do with networking… I never ever went to any career fairs, never attended the firms meet and great events, or anything to be honest.. Never ever emailed a recruiter, never attended any clubs.. All I did was apply to a few places/big 4/gov, and got in with the majority..

Networking doesnt really play a role for me, but maybe it does for you.

REG: PASS || BEC: PASS || AUD: PASS || F: SCORE PENDING..

[Jobless2CPA]

go2eu, which country are you originally from? Just curious

[Anonymous]

I think you should try smaller cpa firms, now it is good time to look, tax season is coming up….

[Author]

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