[Marcus]

To start off with please no trolls on this post. I posted this on reddit for advice, but I all I got was I didn’t do this or I didn’t do that.

I went the nontraditional route and got a B.A./M.A. in sociology. From a recommendation of a friend I decided to do the CPA at my local community college. Pretty much the same exact courses as a MACC, the only reason I didn’t do a MACC was b/c the price tag was $50k more. But I’ve been applying to jobs, but I still haven’t really seen any progress. I really want to get into audit, but I’m having trouble breaking the barrier or with these online systems I’m not even sure if they are looking at my resume. I have passed all four sections, but I feel like not having a degree in business, accounting/finance is really hurting me. I’ve been applying all over to local/small/big firms.

Does anyone know how to get your name out there? I really want to do audit, but I’m at the point I’ll take anything.

[Texas33]

What else is on your resume? internships. relevant work experience, any work experience…
how long since you passed the cpa exams? I assume you are not certified yet (experience requirement)
Are you affiliated to your local cpa society? they have networking events
Where do you live? it could be that the market is too small in your area and you may need to relocate…

Providing more background will get you better answers on this forum…

I get heart palpitations with every score release... I've got to pass these tests or else!!!

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[Missy]

Its a tough job market still. I have over 20 years experience in accounting, a BS and MS in accounting and am a licensed CPA. Still I sent out over 300 resumes, had about 48 interviews and 3 offers. Keep working at it, its a longer process for some than for others. Make sure you're networking, using LinkedIn. Also remember you don't know who your direct competition for jobs are, but yes if they have accounting experience or accounting degrees they may have an advantage over you.

Make VERY sure if you're sending out resumes you tailor it to accentuate the skills that translate to the job you're applying to. For example if you list McDonalds, nobody cares that you made 8000 fries a day or that you mopped floors. They DO care that your register was 99% accuracy, you gave exceptional customer service, resolved customer issues, etc.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[MaLoTu]

We definitely could use more information, as Texas33 pointed out.

In my opinion, your sociology degree is neither helping nor hurting your chances of getting a job. However, you are probably right about the online system blocking your resume from being seen by a real person. I did not get one interview from submitting my resume online. I had to go to events and reach out to recruiters directly. I have a BA in psychology, so I understand your worries.

And like mla stated, the job market is hard. There are not as many jobs as there are people needing them. I did not send out as many resumes as mla because I was looking to public accounting and I only had a handful that I wanted to work at. The process for me took about a year and I had to keep reaching out to the recruiters. I made it my job to be present in their mind. It was a lot of work and I still feel fortunate that it worked out!

[Marcus]

Thank you for the great responses. I'm starting to get it now. My state does have a society, I guess I should look more into networking opportunities. I have given up on my dream moving out west to basically get experience wherever and whenever I can. Whether it be an internship paid or unpaid or a fulltime job. But thanks again.

[Author]

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