Ninety-one percent of chief financial officers say previous work experience for entry-level accounting and finance professionals is important to gaining employment, according to a new survey by Accountemps, a specialized staffing agency for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals.
When respondents were asked how important work experience is for entry-level accounting and finance professionals, 26 percent said very important, 65 percent said somewhat important, 6 percent said somewhat unimportant and 3 percent said not at all important.
"It's the age-old catch-22 – it's hard to land a job without experience or gain experience without a job," says Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps. "One advantage for students is the availability of internships and temporary work in their fields, which can provide a taste of the working world, help them build their resumes and expand their networks."
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To counter this, Accountemps suggests college students seeking employment in the accounting and finance industries network early and often through school networks, summer jobs, internships and professors. They should be active in student and trade groups, which can expand a student's visibility and network. Accountemps also recommends that college students consider temporary work and internships. They can even volunteer at charitable organizations or trade associations where they can seek roles that align with their professional goals.
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