[Rebornalphawolf]

Well, I want to start off by saying this is not the most upbeat post, but I wanted some input on this subject. When I was in college, my grades were good, but I didn’t do an internship. I thought that taking another 6 months to graduate would be the worst. Also, I figured that grad school would be hellish, and I figured I could pass the CPA faster by studying on my own.

However, now I realize the error of my ways. I can’t seem to find a job, even with the good grades because I didn’t get an internship / I don’t have any job experience. So, I’m not even sure if I’ll be able to get the 1yr experience I need for the CPA, much less pass the exams. I feel pretty worthless and unmotivated sometimes. I mean I just work so hard every day, and I can’t even prove it to anyone but myself. Unless I pass all parts, I am not one step closer (or so it feels).

I know I can’t be alone in the job search and CPA pass exam area, but how do people deal with these issues? How do you wake up and study all day without knowing that it will pay off?!

[Anonymous]

I know my studying will pay off, because one way or another, I will pass even if it takes my life.

But how will I know passing all four parts will lead to something better? It may not. I started this exam process because I was an AP specialist. I was treated really really really badly in my position and I was underpaid. Not to mention how unfulfilling it was. I may not find a better job after, but when I pass, I know I will leave behind doubt that I have been carrying too long. And I promise myself I will no longer sell myself short.

As for working hard, what do you do from day to day? Perceptions are tricky. I thought I worked hard until I read some people's schedules here. For me, that means 8 hours a day. Some people work 10 + hours and study till they sleep. It would be difficult for me to do that. I grew up in California, and move like a snail. But I realize I had to make some changes, and it has been difficult.

Also, not having an internship is not a big error, or even an error. You can intern now for 3 months and you would be fine. If you worked hard, then it should be reflected in your prospects. You sound like you are ready to live life and have fun and work hard. Just be patient, but also hurry up.

As for finding a job. There was a thread on here recently about networking. If your grades are as good as you say, then perhaps the problem is elsewhere.

[mla1169]

You don't even want to know how very hard I worked or for how long, it would make you shudder. But the good news is it does pay off if you are very patient and keep up an extreme intensity for as long as it takes.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

In this current job market, most jobs are looking for experienced hires. Sounds like you just came out of school so my suggestion is to go back to school. Go to your career center and do whatever it takes to get into the on campus interviews this fall. If this means you sign up for a alumni membership to be able to get into the interviews or sign up for a few units, on campus interviews is the best opportunity to find a job when you have no working experience.

The CPA will count in the long run. You'll need experience to make it worth something, but your life will be better off with it than without it.

Finding a job is not supposed to be easy. Everyones going through the same thing. Look at your options and see where you can find a job best then do whatever it takes to get the interview.

[Anonymous]

hey raw, I relate to you on this. I work in corporate accounting and have put off the cpa for a few years. As I have been out of school for 6 years I dont know if i can find a job in public accounting since they typically recruit right out of college. Even so, i have talked to numerous people in industry who say the cpa will make a difference even if you do not have public accounting on your resume. Of course, the more public experience the better, but there still are options for industry based cpa's. I think the cma is also a good thing to look into on the industry side.

Since you are relatively fresh out of college you still have a great shot at getting into a large public firm, and having completed the CPA exam process will surely add some weight to your resume.

Good luck my friend, if you got good grades in college you can surely pass with good review materials.

Also, correct me if i am wrong but in many states, the work requirement is working under the guidance of “any CPA”, it does not have to necessarily be with a public accounting firm. I believe a CPA in industry can also sign off on your experience requirements.

[Anonymous]

Good grades doesn't mean much, true story. I'm really sorry to break the bad news here, but just because you have good grades doesn't mean you will get a job nowadays. Having good grades is definitely a plus, for sure, don't get me wrong, but from what I have seen so far – networking, soft skills (interpersonal skills) and job experience are the most important factors in finding and landing a job these days. I have seen so many ppl with 4.0 and president of this club and that fraternity and etc., they actually end up not getting a job when the market crashed back in 2009. On the other hand, people who had experience and really are just good at interacting and communicating with others score the jobs when the market was so bad back then.

But you shouldn't get discouraged, really – you are heading somewhere – you have a college degree and now you are getting your CPA – this says something. I would really put myself out there and network with others and even doing non-paid internships to have something on your resume. CPA is a HUGE plus – it's almost a golden key to doors of opportunities. I'm currently also working on my CPA, taking FAR next month and only have BEC passed so far – I can guarantee you that you will be so much more marketable and recruitable just because you have a CPA title. I have heard this from so many recruiters myself, so please don't feel sad/down just because right now you don't have a job. It will pay off as long as you try your hardest to find a job. Consistency is key. Rejections suck, but after 50 rejections, you will get a “YES”.

I'll say this – non paid internship sucks for sure, but most people have had at least one non-paid internship before they land their 1st job. So, try that route.

Good luck and keep your eyes on the prize.

[Anonymous]

Good grades doesn't mean much, true story. I'm really sorry to break the bad news here, but just because you have good grades doesn't mean you will get a job nowadays. Having good grades is definitely a plus, for sure, don't get me wrong, but from what I have seen so far – networking, soft skills (interpersonal skills) and job experience are the most important factors in finding and landing a job these days. I have seen so many ppl with 4.0 and president of this club and that fraternity and etc., they actually end up not getting a job when the market crashed back in 2009. On the other hand, people who had experience and really are just good at interacting and communicating with others score the jobs when the market was so bad back then.

But you shouldn't get discouraged, really – you are heading somewhere – you have a college degree and now you are getting your CPA – this says something. I would really put myself out there and network with others and even doing non-paid internships to have something on your resume. CPA is a HUGE plus – it's almost a golden key to doors of opportunities. I'm currently also working on my CPA, taking FAR next month and only have BEC passed so far – I can guarantee you that you will be so much more marketable and recruitable just because you have a CPA title. I have heard this from so many recruiters myself, so please don't feel sad/down just because right now you don't have a job. It will pay off as long as you try your hardest to find a job. Consistency is key. Rejections suck, but after 50 rejections, you will get a “YES”.

I'll say this – non paid internship sucks for sure, but most people have had at least one non-paid internship before they land their 1st job. So, try that route.

Good luck and keep your eyes on the prize.

[misanthrope87]

I wouldn't go back to school. Just because you get an MBA or MA doesn't mean you'll have a job waiting for you. I understand what you're going through though. The key is to never give up on the job search. Eventually, you will get a job and it will lead you somewhere, I promise. Most people who have been unemployed for a year plus have given up in their search and don't really work on their resume. And it's hard to study, but you really need to do it. The most important thing is who you know. If you don't know anyone and don't already have some experience, then you'll have to pass the exams for someone to consider you. It's the sad truth these days.

B 2/12 87
A 11/11 90
R 8/11 86
F 5/12 88

[Rebornalphawolf]

Thank you for the replies. @misanthrope87 I think you are correct about passing the exams. My parents said the same thing. I'm praying that I passed the exams!

I think I should try to pass the CPA exams for myself. I shouldn't try to do it for some job or someone else, necessarily. I think self-worth and self-pride comes into play at some point. I want to prove to myself that I'm not a quitter or a slouch. ^_^

[momto5]

You are correct, Rebornalphawolf…………….Sometimes I struggle with wondering why I am doing this, as there is no guaranteed payoff for someone my age (let's just say, my youngest child just graduated from college). It has just become a personal goal of mine, hoping that I will be able to get a better job than I have, but that not being the main reason. I really like accounting and, after I graduated (recently), this seemed to be the next best step for me. I have had teachers tell me that passing the CPA exam can open up more doors of opportunity, so the more you can add to your resume, the better. It certainly won't hurt you. Try not to focus on the negatives right now, but take one day at a time and tell yourself you are doing this for YOU! It WILL make a difference! Good Luck!

FAR - 92 (4/27/12)
AUD - 96 (7/17/12)
BEC - 92 (8/30/12)
REG - 91 (11/12/12)

[Author]

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