The real world takes its first jab at me.

[Root beer]

I graduate this Saturday with my A.S. in Business then I transfer for my BA in accounting. So, I was trying find a summer job today and the Tennessee Career Center had an employer listing "Bill Entry Clerk." I went down there today to ask them if they could refer me or tell me the name of the employer. The woman wouldn't refer me, because apparently the employer whoever they may be wanted minimum of 12 months of experience in being a Bill Clerk. : Are you freaking serious? You don't need 12 month of experience to figure out how write down a number of what someone owes and then bill it to them. I can probably figure their system out in an hour or less on my own. :-X I told the lady I had basic accounting knowledge and ability to prepare financial statement and just let me go talk to them. She wouldn't even give me the name because I'm "unqualified." I replied "I guess if you can prepare financial statement, you are not qualify to write down a simple bill to a customer. Thanks for your time." :

Maybe I was being a little arrogant. All I wanted was the employer's name and I'll go talk to them myself....

[Stasher1]

You'll get used to it. I've interviewed with headhunters who wouldn't give out any more info than job title, salary range, and the city in which the business is located. They still want every bit of info they can possibly get from you, though.  :

[Root beer]

It was more like a kick in the nuts, really. I made an A in both accounting classes and made a 100 on a 11 page accounting project that included preparing an official financial statement, and they already assume I'm unqualified to write down how much someone owes. Whatever. I'm go ride my mountain bike since boat in the shop.

[b.Lee]

haha, It still seems you have a lot to learn about the real world. It may have been because you looked young also. Get used to it. I have applied to Google with connections on the inside. Got an interview with a panel of 7 people, and because one guy didn't talk to me or look at me, he was busy looking at his blackberry the whole interview, I didn't get the job. I guess I wasn't interesting enough to him, so they didn't want me. (That was the nicest way to put to me I suppose)

Don't think of it as a kick in the nuts, just simply think better opportunities will come. Always learn from the past and look forward to better yourself for the future.

Oh congrats btw on graduation. But it still seems you have a bit to go. It will feel all better once you are done. But I warn you, you will miss being in school!

[Lund Explorer]

Hey, right off let me add my congrats.  Should only be three short years left.  Argh!!!

I wouldn't sweat the billing job thing though.  From my experience, it is probably an employer who has a problem in the past.  And trust me when I say that I've seen a few that should have qualified for federal disaster relief!  Only thing worse than a po'd business owner is a bunch of customers who are.  Most billing departments use computerized record keeping these days, and the programs are written with so many protections that once an entry is posted, they are almost impossible to void out.  Not nearly as easy as the old days of hand written books.  So this 12 months of prior experience is most likely a somewhat gun shy business owner.

If I was going to toss out a couple of little copper coins worth of advice, I'd suggest a few possible routes at this stage in your career. 

First would be a job in sales.  This will give you the chance to add the phrase "customer service" to your resume, and give you some time to sharpen your communication skills with a wide range of people.  In the income tax business, you can and will run into clients from professionals to waitresses.  Your ability to connect with all types of people will enhance your experience factor.

A second choice might be through a temp service such as Accountemps.  The work will be temporary during what most accountant's call the off season, but even menial tasks done well could provide you with the chance to move on to bigger and more complex work.  Maybe even a part-time tax season job if school doesn't bury you.

Lastly, if improving your own cash flow isn't an issue, would be to look towards volunteer work.  Many community organizations could use the help, and a lot of them will have a variety of business professionals on their board of directors.  That gets you just a little closer to the folks that will help to determine your success later in life.

But however you spend your summer, congrats on getting through this first leg of your quest for that degree.  Try to save some time to get out on the water!

[Root beer]

I tried the sales rep stuff, but all the companies in this area are hiring full-time. I cannot work 40 hours once school starts back. One of the company's training program will take up the whole summer before I even start earning anything....

I have never heard of Accountempt, I'll look into it.

Far as tax season, I'm still awaiting for H&R Block call me back about tax classes for summer if they got one available in my area. Figured I could take tax exam and help my classmates out with their taxes. They could pay me in beer or money, either way.  ;D ;D That experience would be something add to resume for internship.

Actually, about a week ago, I skipped last day of my classes to attend a 7 hour business consultant seminar on how to be a start a consultant business and being a consultant. One of the guys that sat next to me was business owner and former chairman on the city council or whatever. I contacted him and asked if he or if he knew anyone that could hire me. I'm not holding my breath if he calls me back with an opportunity, but at least I know someone with connections has my number.

P.S. I'm not really sweating the billing job, it just an ego crusher to someone like me. If you get what I said above. :-/

[Root beer]

haha, It still seems you have a lot to learn about the real world. It may have been because you looked young also. Get used to it. I have applied to Google with connections on the inside. Got an interview with a panel of 7 people, and because one guy didn't talk to me or look at me, he was busy looking at his blackberry the whole interview, I didn't get the job. I guess I wasn't interesting enough to him, so they didn't want me. (That was the nicest way to put to me I suppose)

Don't think of it as a kick in the nuts, just simply think better opportunities will come. Always learn from the past and look forward to better yourself for the future.

You know, if I was a CEO or something, I would have fired this guy. If you think playing on your blackberry is more interesting than conducting an interview, then that tells me you aren't that dedicated in the company's future....Maybe that just me.

[BadKarma42]

Welcome to the real world.  I'm not trying to be too harsh, but it is what it is.  Make it a life lesson and realize that you are not the always as good as you think you are.

[Stasher1]

Welcome to the real world. I'm not trying to be too harsh, but it is what it is. Make it a life lesson and realize that you are not the always as good as you think you are.

x2

In many cases, experience trumps education. There are some things you just can't learn in a classroom.

[SirSnookalot]

As long as I can remember and I'm 65, employers always want to hire people with experience.  That being the  case I wonder how one gains that experience in the first place if no one is willing to hire them.

The days of answering a help wanted ad in the newspaper ( without resume ) with the words "will train" seem to be long gone.

[Redlinerobert]

I could write a book on this subject.

Best advice I can give you is look your interviewer in the eye, don't come across as cocky and for Pete's sake, show some humility.  If they like you off the bat, your chances of getting hired go waaay up.

[RobbyZ5001]

As long as I can remember and I'm 65, employers always want to hire people with experience. That being the case I wonder how one gains that experience in the first place if no one is willing to hire them.

The days of answering a help wanted ad in the newspaper ( without resume ) with the words "will train" seem to be long gone.

I ran into this problem at the earliest stage.. right out of college. I am graduating with a BS in Fisheries Science. In the fisheries science field experience is EVERYTHING, especially if you don't have a higher degree. I knew that I had to be willing to move, and that I needed to apply to as many jobs as possible. I applied to 25 jobs overall and ended up getting two job offers. I also only looked into temp jobs for now to see what direction I want to go in the future. I feel like I am the kind of person that will be better in life then in school. I know how to make contacts, and I know how to use them. Knowing how to make contacts seems to be an invaluable life skill. What I described seems to be working for my field, and you may just need to figure out the system for yours. Nothing worth having comes easy in life, hard work, and perseverance will pay off.

[RobbyZ5001]

haha, It still seems you have a lot to learn about the real world. It may have been because you looked young also. Get used to it. I have applied to Google with connections on the inside. Got an interview with a panel of 7 people, and because one guy didn't talk to me or look at me, he was busy looking at his blackberry the whole interview, I didn't get the job. I guess I wasn't interesting enough to him, so they didn't want me. (That was the nicest way to put to me I suppose)

What makes you think it was only the one guy on the blackberry? There may have been a few that didn't think you were a good fit for the job for whatever reason. The  other people may have just been respectful, and responsive unlike the guy on the blackberry. I am not trying to start a fight, just something to think of. If you just think the one guy didn't like you then you might not critique your interview or resume' properly.

[done]

I would say experience ALWAYS trumps education.

I have a BS in Computer Science, and I can tell ya, that degree, is squat in the real world. It gives you a great foundation in learning to do the job. However, it does not really qualify you to do the job without plenty of additional training at the employers expense.

If your college offers it, get an internship (paid or unpaid). That is what will get you the job. The other thing...the GPA is awesome but do not rely on it. Also make sure you do not go into an interview with the "I have a degree and I am better than you" type of attitude. It sounds stupid, but I cannot tell you how many dudes I have interviewed who think their stuff don't stink because of that piece of paper. Showing humility and a strong eagerness to learn goes a real long way in an interview.

Don't get me wrong, a college education is a good thing, just not a guarantee of a job and they teach you non-real world ways of doing things. Also realize in this market you are competing with a lot of folks with a lot of real world experience. I do not *** any college graduate right now.

[Stasher1]

I would say experience ALWAYS trumps education.

I have a BS in Computer Science, and I can tell ya, that degree, is squat in the real world. It gives you a great foundation in learning to do the job. However, it does not really qualify you to do the job without plenty of additional training at the employers expense.

If your college offers it, get an internship (paid or unpaid). That is what will get you the job. The other thing...the GPA is awesome but do not rely on it. Also make sure you do not go into an interview with the "I have a degree and I am better than you" type of attitude. It sounds stupid, but I cannot tell you how many dudes I have interviewed who think their stuff don't stink because of that piece of paper. Showing humility and a strong eagerness to learn goes a real long way in an interview.

Don't get me wrong, a college education is a good thing, just not a guarantee of a job and they teach you non-real world ways of doing things. Also realize in this market you are competing with a lot of folks with a lot of real world experience. I do not *** any college graduate right now.

You're also competing against many unemployed people with years of experience who are willing to accept a much lower wage than they would've even considered two years ago, just to keep their kids fed and a roof over their heads. Right now, most companies are able to hire experienced workers at far below "trainee" wages, and they know it.

[Root beer]

As long as I can remember and I'm 65, employers always want to hire people with experience. That being the case I wonder how one gains that experience in the first place if no one is willing to hire them.

That was question of the day for myself on way home. It makes that internship that will be up to grab next year very important. I cannot understand, why I will have years of educational training in preparing, and understanding financial information only not to get a job because I have zero experience. When the job and education are exactly the same. The professors that teaches my classes are also still working in real world.

I make the assumption, they are teaching us, exactly what they did or is still doing on the job in the real world. Both of my accounting professors are CPA, one of them was a CFO for restaurant chain and addition to teaching accounting he still freelance in taxes and bankruptcy advice. The other one worked as an accountant for a publicly owned company for several years. So, I have educational training from professors that has years of real world experience, but I cannot get a job because I have yet to get a job right out of school? Despite the fact I understand what they are doing? (granted I'm not done yet, but pretty soon I'll be well prepared.)

Don't make sense to me. Some managers could be missing out on talents. Some of the unemployed with experience are most likely be unemployed for a reason.......I mean, would you pick someone with 12 years of experience in accounting and former employers say he doesn't get along with co-workers, or something negative or will you pick someone fresh out of school that scored very high on accounting exams with letter of recommendation from professor about his/her character?

[Stasher1]

Don't make sense to me. Some managers could be missing out on talents. Some of the unemployed with experience are most likely be unemployed for a reason.......I mean, would you pick someone with 12 years of experience in accounting and former employers say he doesn't get along with co-workers, or something negative or will you pick someone fresh out of school that scored very high on accounting exams with letter of recommendation from professor about his/her character?

Quite true, but many of the folks you're competing against were simply let go due to budget cutbacks and corporate down-sizing.

[done]

IMO any college worth its salt will have internship programs as a requirement for ALL students.

To just give them a degree and a "good luck" without experience does them a disservice. As a student you go in expecting to be educated for the real world. Sometimes you get lucky and have professors with real experience, sometimes you got guys who have not been out of an educational setting for 10-20 years and have no clue. The internship balances that.

It is frustrating, college is not cheap, but it is what it is. The good thing is right now, you know how important it is and you can do something about it (getting that internship) before you are out of school.

My first job out of college (even with 2 years of internship experience), was really a step down from what I was qualified to do. I took it to build the experience and left that job after a year and have never had an issue getting a job since then.

Just keep in mind that first job, you may have to get on the utter bottom rung and work a job you consider beneath you to work yourself up. You need humility, work ethic (sadly lacking these days), and tenacity. You keep those in your arsenal you will get work, and you will succeed in your career. Unless of course you happen to be in the field that is getting beat by the crash dejour (currently construction). IT got hit right after I got into it big and for a number of years it was tough.

[K_Mac]

Why would you be angry that the woman wouldn't give you the name of the employer? Her agency was given a list of qualifications that needed to be met before they sent someone to be interviewed. You did not have the qualifications required. In order for the Career Center to have any value to prospective employers they have to provide qualified candidates.

As far as your being able to figure out their system in an hour on your own... What the employer knows, and what you will learn, is that there is far more to the job than a basic understanding of accounting systems. I suspect the twelve months experience requirement has very little to do with accounting skills. They want someone with a track record who can do the entire job, and they don't want to pay for that part of the educational process.

I have been involved in the interviewing process several times over the years. A smart, confident young person is a valuable asset for a company. Proper education and training will often get you in the door, but most jobs have to be learned as you go.

I like the title of your post. If this was the first jab you've taken you are a lucky guy. This one barely made contact. Keep counter punching and hang in there. It is a long fight.

[NewAngler]

I haven't read other posts, so this may have been stated already.

The crappy job market has made one thing easier for employers. FINDING THEIR PERSON. A buddy of mine was laid off for personal reasons at his previous job. He was VP of his compnay, could run and crunch numbers with the best of them, he had it all but one thing. A college degree.

He applied for an "Admin. assistant" and got turned down because he didn't have a degree, and 12 months experience. The unemployment is beneficial for the employers, they can hire over qualified people and under pay them. Good luck on your search, congrats on graduating.

[Captain Obvious]

My Dad always told me that college doesn't teach you a job, it just makes you trainable for one. If you want a job out of college get internships, grades are a tool that can get people to interview you nothing else. Sure a 4.0 looks good but at the end of the day all it really says about you is that your highly trainable. Text books don't give you skills only real life experience will do that.

Oh and be humble, nothing screams "jerk" like a guy who thinks a degree should make all bow before him.

Capt.O

[Lund Explorer]

In the fields of accounting and taxation there are a few golden rules everyone one of us have to understand and accept.

#1 - An education is not only needed, but in today's market is absolutely required.

#2 - After college, no accounting or tax client will ever fit the mold of what you learn in the classroom.

#3 - In this profession, your first job priority is to work towards helping to ensure the financial security of the client.  And where money is involved, almost every client uses the words experience and trust interchangably.

#4 - No matter how educated or experienced, you must be able earn the trust of your client(s), and to communicate with them at a level they will understand.

I've been preparing financial statements and tax returns for just over 32 years now, and I think I can honestly say that between the two choices of education and experience, its the experience that counts.