Career Advice: Ask Amy
Get answers to your career and employment questions from a career expert and fellow CPA,
Amy Langer. Answers will be featured on the MNCPA website.
Recent Questions
I graduated in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in accounting. I looked for a job, but, without any internship experience, did not have much luck. I decided to pursue an MBA. I still do not have any actual accounting experience. I plan to sit for the CPA exam later this year, and I am also graduating this fall. I would really like to get a job when I am done, but have concerns about my lack of experience. I have applied for several internships, but have been unsuccessful. The process is becoming frustrating. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks! -- asked 8/8/2009
I can sense your frustration in the job market and see your desire to make a change for yourself. Try to stay positive; you will find a job. There has been a down shift in the number of people who have been hired so that means you need to differentiate yourself to be competitive. Make sure you are putting your best side forward. Work with the placement office at your school or ask a friend. Have someone (or many people) look at your resume and give feedback. Go through mock interviews with someone you know that hires many people (they don’t have to hire accountants, but have them work on your soft skills). Be open to that feedback and work on making changes to adapt, change and grow. Keep in mind it is not just your intelligence that a company is hiring, it is you as an overall person. After your presentation is perfected, make sure you have enough opportunities to present yourself and your capabilities. If you have read any of my past answers, you will notice that I talk a lot about networking. Use your network of friends, peers, parent’s friends, etc. to get the word out that you are ready to work. Look at company websites and call companies to express an interest. Don’t just sit behind your computer, get out and meet people. Look for events that are hosted by your school or professional organizations that would allow you to meet people who may be hiring. Ask everyone you know and offer to be flexible on employment options (maybe starting less than full time or doing seasonal work) to gain some experience. It is important to keep your spirits up, be positive and send thank you notes. I wish you luck.
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I recently graduated with an accounting degree. I have begun my research to take the CPA exam. However, I have recently moved to a temporary residence in Colorado and plan on moving back to Minnesota eventually. My question relates to the CPA reciprocity issue between jurisdictions. Is it more beneficial to take the exam in Minnesota or Colorado? Thanks for the advice. -- asked 8/15/2009
Congratulations on your recent degree and it is excellent that you are pursuing the CPA exam. I would suggest contacting the State Board of Accountancy in each state and asking them directly as to be best informed. My thought: if you are not planning on staying in Colorado very long, you should invest in the Minnesota exam. Good luck. Amy
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What is the best way to market yourself for an internship, and how early should a person begin this process? -- asked 8/15/2009
It is never too early to start your networking process. You may want to conduct informational interviews with business leaders to get an idea of what they are looking for, timing of hiring, attributes that are important to hiring, etc… There are companies that don’t hire interns but do hire new grads. This networking will provide benefit for many years to come. Start with your resume. Have many people review it and make sure there are no typos. Talk with your placement office for opportunities and with alumni who are open for career development conversations. You should practice interviewing with a friend/peer. The more you can do to prepare and be ready, the better. Once you are on an interview, just be yourself and have fun with it. When you are young in your career, employers are mostly looking for a good attitude, willingness to learn and a good work ethic. Stress these attributes when talking with potential employers and give examples of where you have demonstrated these things.
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What is the best way to study for CPA while having a full-time job? I am not currently working in public accounting. -- asked 1/13/2010
It is good you are thinking about the commitment to pass the CPA exam. Many people study for the exam while working a full-time job. Unfortunately, it makes for some very long days but in the long run, it is worth it. The best way to study depends on how focused you are as an individual. My recommendation is to take a study course to help frame what you should be studying and spending time on. This gives dedicated time each day/week to activities that best utilize your time. Some people decide not to use a course and with that it takes very dedicated persistence and self motivation. Regardless of your plan, commit to taking the exam once and study, study, study as you don’t want to repeat taking sections. Good luck!
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I'm 52 and just passed the CPA exam. Now, I'm trying to make a career transition without much accounting experience. My network is pretty weak and my former career didn't lend itself to creating contacts. Do you have advice for an older, poorly connected, applicant looking to start a career in accounting? -- asked 3/5/2010
Congratulations on passing the CPA exam! The first thing I would look at is your expectations of the position. Making a career transition often requires to start in a lower level than where you had come from in your previous career. Tap into the network that you do have. Every company has an accounting department and if you know people at an organization that can help you connect into that department, the warm connection is much better than calling in cold. Do as much informational interviewing and seek advice from those in your network. You could also reach out to the local schools to see if they know of internships that are available. Get acquainted and use LinkedIn and other networking sites. You have the right idea of needing a network and establishing that network is more important as ever. I wish you luck in your pursuit.
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