By Colleen Watson

In 2008 the accounting alumni class of 2003 got together for its five-year reunion. The alumni who were able to attend shared their tales of getting their first accounting job after college. The job market in 2003 was dismal, and it was hard to imagine that they would land anywhere. As they shared their war stories they told of starting in AP/AR (accounts payable and receivable) or mortgages or data entry or making collection calls. In a tight job market employers need people who could be up and running quickly. Those who had accounting internships found it easier to land entry-level accounting opportunities.

Doing More Is Required

Even internships weren't enough. The most successful candidates also had to have the initiative and the drive to succeed, according to Suzanne Roberts of Accountant Profiles, Inc. She also stated that even volunteer accounting experience helps a job seeker stand apart from the crowd.

Those who are willing to do more than expected and do that little extra that goes above and beyond their normal duties are more likely to move up. People skills are also critical in this technical career. We often think of accountants as people with a calculator and spreadsheet, with no great need for human contact. While accountants need the technical skills, they also need to be able to work in teams and relate effectively with internal and external customers.

Gloria Fatze of Paychex said having a teachable spirit and flexibility is the key to success. Payroll work helps to teach many of the legal and governmental accounting requirements that are constantly changing. Skills will always need to be upgraded. The willingness to adapt to change is the norm in accounting.

Here's what our 2003 alumni had to share...

Sally said she started out as a bookkeeper working for the government. Today she is an assistant controller for a local municipality. Joe did not have the best grades or any internships in accounting. He struggled to find accounting-related work. He started working in accounts receivable making collection calls. Today he is a supervisor with a financial recovery company.

Joanne took classes from H&R Block while she was still in college. During her junior and senior years she worked part time for the firm through the tax seasons. Her practical experience helped her get three offers for accounting positions. Today she works for the IRS.

Don had great grades and was able to land an entry-level accounting job with a large accounting firm. He obtained his CPA and then quit to start his own accounting firm.

Bob went to a temporary service and moved from assignment to assignment. He learned the latest software programs and became extremely competent in a variety of areas. Today he is famous as "Bob, from Account Temps!"