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wanttoaudit
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Joined: 20 Oct 2009
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Posted: 20 Oct 2009 at 20:36 \| IP Logged

Hello everyone,

I just graduated this past summer (7/31/09) and have since been taking an online class to get me over the 36 quarter units to qualify for the exam, and have been taking Beckers CPA review.

I graduated from UCSB with a degree in Business Economics. I had almost finished the Accounting Emphasis portion of the major but decided to finish my last class at a city college because I didn't want to stay an extra quarter for financial reasons. Ever since I've been out in the real world, I have been job searching while taking classes. I haven't had any responses at all from any employers. I talked to some people I met who work for the Big firms, and also people working at local CPA firms, and they said at their level they couldn't really do anything but send my resume to human resources.

After having no luck, I went back to my school's career services website and found out that UCSB would be hosting a Meet The Firms event with all the Big firms and many regional and local firms. I went this past Friday and talked to about eight firms. I have been turned down from one of the Big 4 so far and one regional. I got a phone call from one yesterday asking for my transcripts and an email from McGladrey and Pullen which I set up a phone interview with that will be taking place tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.

Thing is that I have already graduated, it's been about 10 weeks. My overall gpa is 2.88 and my accounting gpa about 3.2. I haven't gotten a a call back from the firm that called me yesterday for my transcripts nor an email, and I don't know what to think. I am really worried about not getting an offer, especially after reading all the horror stories about low gpa, people who have already graduated, and no work experience getting shut down and getting no responses.

I plan to start taking my exams early next year as soon as I am cleared to sit for them. I also know the longer I am out of school without public accounting experience the less interested firms will be in hiring me. I have contemplated applying to a MAcc program but what is the point if I already have the units to sit for the exam? Also, since recruiting takes place a year before the starting date, I would be applying with my old undergrad grades anyway even though I was to get myself in a MAcc program.

Although I haven't heard anything else from any of the other firms that I talked to, is there still any hope considering its been 4 days since the event? Anybody have any idea on when the firms get back to first-interview candidates? I know I have the first phone interview tomorrow, but with this economy, I feel I need to land at least 4-5 interviews minimum to even land one of those spots. Also, if anyone has experience with phone interviews and the types of questions they ask, your input would be greatly appreciated. And what do you guys think the best thing for me to do is in my situation regarding graduate schools and my gpa? Everyone's input and advice are welcome.

nic4747
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Joined: 19 Nov 2008
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Posted: 20 Oct 2009 at 20:48 \| IP Logged

The low GPA can be mitigated by passing the CPA exams. Passing the exam is a huge help but obviously doesn't guarantee you anything. Don't feel bad if they don't call you back right away, remember they are interviewing dozens of people. I would follow up with them in 2 weeks or so just to keep you in their minds. I will bump a thread about interviewing for you to look at.

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wanttoaudit
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Joined: 20 Oct 2009
Location: United States
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Posts: 2

Posted: 21 Oct 2009 at 01:21 \| IP Logged

Thank you for your advice. I haven't given up and am still confident that I will be able to find a place in this horrible economy. I know there are jobs out there, I just need the chance to go into the office and hit a home run..

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