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salvi83
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Joined: 25 May 2010
Location: United States
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Posts: 290

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 at 13:50 \| IP Logged

Kyushu wrote:

but your initial idea is def good, i am planning on inquiring about business and chinese clubs as soon as the semester starts. can you quantify "achievements" in these too?

It's easier to do if you eventually attain a leadership position. This is because you have managerial/supervisory/teamwork responsibilities that look good, even if not "quantifiable".

However, organizations like Beta Alpha Psi provide opportunities for members to run a committee for certain events. This can give a boost to your communication/problem solving skills while looking great on your resume.

Kyushu
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Joined: 23 Aug 2010
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Posted: 07 Sep 2010 at 13:53 \| IP Logged

salvi83 wrote:

"I am in the process of applying for an entry level accounting internship at a prestigious museum now"

This would add value.

"If I don't get it, I plan to apply for a job at a well-known coffee shop...I think working at this place could give me very good experience for both my own personal development and for listing quantitative achievements on my resume"

I think this plan, while well intended, might not be the best use of your time.

Yes, customer interactions definitely are an added bonus for personal development. It helps you become comfortable interacting with people and gives you confidence in your abilities. However, it only looks so-so on your resume.

Other activities previously mentioned, like tutoring or joining a student organization, can also have the same effect and looks better on a resume.

Also, consider volunteer work as another way to boost your resume while working on interpersonal skills. Just make sure you pick one that has a lot of face-to-face interaction. Looking for a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program near you might be a good start.

I think in order, you can rank all your choices like this:

1.) ANY accounting internship
2.) Student organization leadership position
3.) Tutoring
4.) Member in a Student organization
5.) Volunteer work with heavy emphasis on face-to-face interaction
6.) Retail job

I think 4 & 5 are pretty interchangeable, since volunteer work is a requirement of many organizations like Beta Alpha Psi.

Hope that helps and good luck.

this is really good, thanks. my initial plan was to apply at the coffee shop if i don't get the internship (i just called today to basically ask for an interview).

now i guess if i don't get it i will look into tutoring low-level accounting and writing students and joining organizations.

i can't do beta alpha psi yet or become an officer, because you need to have taken 3 upper level accounting classes, but next year this is my plan. at most/some schools can you just sign up as a junior and immediately become an officer?

salvi83
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Joined: 25 May 2010
Location: United States
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Posts: 290

Posted: 07 Sep 2010 at 14:12 \| IP Logged

At my school you might still be able to become a candidate if you do not fulfill the requirements. This might not sound like a good deal, but don't forget that candidates can still participate in all the meetings or events. They also are able to put their candidacy on their resume.

I personally know of a graduate who did just that. He was a candidate for two semesters and got to know all the firms pretty well. When he eventually became a member it was very easy for him to land interviews since all the networking was already in place.

But if BAP is not an option yet, look into other organizations that you can join. I would suggest to try and find business-oriented organizations first. But toastmasters is also a good one.

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