Question:

I currently work in the telecommunications department at my college but am working towards an accounting degree. I'd like to start getting some experience in accounting. What should I do to make a move into that department?

First Answer:

I would suggest seeking out small business owners, campus clubs or non-profit organizations and offer your services. You could post an ad online offering bookkeeping and accounting services at a nominal hourly fee or for pro bono. Also check with the school or your department head to see if internships are available and if so what are the requirements.

Don't forget to check with local accounting firms to see what type of opportunities they may offer to college students. You never know. If you show a strong work ethic, this could also open a door to future opportunities once you graduate. I wish you the best of luck, and remember a cheesy line that I was once told, "The harder you work the luckier you get."

-- David Swaim, hiringminds.

Second Answer:

I'm not sure from your note if you want to make a move into the college's accounting department now, or you just want to know how to get an accounting job when you get out. I'll assume it's the former--you want to move into the accounting department from the telecommunications department to get experience while you're finishing up your degree.

If this is the case, first, get a clearer idea of what types of accounting jobs there are at the college (check with human resources or the job bulletin board) and see what you might be qualified for. Depending on your situation and how the college recruits people for jobs, you might already have an "in" because you are currently employed at the school. You might spent some time with the staff in the college's accounting department and make good contacts not only for a "heads' up" on jobs now, but also when you graduate (start your network early--even if you don't get a job at the college in accounting, the staff there will possibly know of other places you could apply when you graduate). If your skills in accounting are limited to your undergraduate courses, you might wan to fashion a functional resume which highlights the specific areas where you already have strengths that would appeal to the accounting departments.

If I've read your note wrong and you are only asking how to get an accounting experience now so you can get a good job when you graduate, my advice above (contact the accounting deparment at the college and "make contacts") will be helpful. To get added experience you might consider volunteering, or getting an internship or part-time work in an organization that will be happy to have your accounting skills, even if they are still limited. Small non-profits, for example, might deeply appreciate your ability to help with their books. Join professional organizations in your field as a student member, if possible, and get involved there, too. Ask your school advisor for suggestions and contacts--these people are not only teachers, they are often influential in their fields. Speak to your alumni association and ask if they will put you in touch with accounting alumni. Begin networking. By the time you're ready to graduate, you'll most likely have great possibilities all lined up!

-- Alison Blackman Dunham, life & career expert, columnist, personal public relations consultant, half of THE ADVICE SISTERS®, and the author of the ASK ALISON career advice column.

Third Answer:

My first thought is to develop a relationship with your college accounting dept. supervisor. Express your interest and scholastic training in the hope of lighting a flame of interest.

It is a good idea to precede this conversation with a candid talk with your current boss. You will want to avoid placing her/him in an awkward situation. Do not be leery of this contact. A thoughtful manager should never stand in the way of an employee reaching out to broaden their experience. It is shortsighted and unfair. If yours does, it is important information to file away and to initiate steps to separate yourself from this individual.

You have a record of accomplishment at your college and the department supervisors will talk about your performance, etc. Assuming your performance is good, the report will place you in consideration for a future opening in A/C-A/R, asset/property management, bursar's office or similar opportunity.

Another front to consider is contacting a temporary agency or a temp-to-hire agency that specializes in accounting positions may be best. Such agents have come a long way in recent times as a source of good help. They serve a valued purpose beyond vacation fill-ins. Because it is expensive to interview and bring a new employee on board, it is fiscally wise to bring a temporary agency employee in on a trial basis and then offer to position to the best trial candidate. There is less legality in severing a temporary agent relationship than to fire a newly hired "permanent" employee, as well.

From your perspective, using an agency will offer you control over your schedule, the chance to "taste" a variety of company's and company environments and evaluate first-hand, what type of working environment best suits your work style.

-- Robert C. Resch, Career Center, Triton College.

Fourth Answer:

Have you contacted the college to find out about internships at the campus, if is important to find out who would be in charge of this area, then approach them.

You could volunteer at a non-profit organization or a society. I am sure there is many that are need someone like you. This would just mean a few hours of your time per week, so you would still be able to continue your education.

Start networking; tell everyone you know what you are interested in doing. I'm sure you will get some great help.

It is great to see you are proactive; many leave these decisions until the last minute. Then are forced to make quick choices; and may times not the smartest ones.

Good luck, you will do fine.

-- Candace Davies, Director and Founder of Cando Career Coaching and Resume Writing and All Trades Resume Writing.

Fifth Answer:

If you are working on-campus for extra income, is it possible to find another on-campus position within the accounting dept? If not, can you plan to scout out a paid-internship within the accounting field over the Summer or upcoming Fall semester? Stop by your college's career counseling center for assistance in searching out local accounting firms or reviewing the internship listings, which are submitted by employers. Accounting is a broad field so an internship is the best window seat to the profession and will enable you to focus on which specialization may interest you the most. You can also check out the Web site of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (www.aicpa.org) Try to locate their job/internships section. GOOD LUCK.

-- Erika Welz, President and Owner of Real World Careers, Inc.; Career and Small Business Advice columnist for The New York Post; and Dot-Com Career Columnist for Internet.com

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