study/ job options.

ironman2000

Hello. I completed a level 7 accounting degree last year. I have been unsuccessful in finding a job in this sector. I currently work in a retail outlet but have found an accountant who will let me do voluntary work experience with him to help me improve my cv with the hope of finding work.

i just have a few questions if anyone could help me?
1. Could i attempt the professional exams at the moment without officially working in the accounting sector.?
2.Will working 1/2 days a week with an accountant be of much use to me regarding job applications etc?
3. has anyone any advice to offer?

Trainee123

1. You could definitely attempt the exams yourself. It could turn out to be pretty expensive but you can do it yourself. Even if you were to register later in the year for ACCA and a December sitting or doing the ACA with the elevation programme, it could give you time to put together money.

2. I would think that it would definitely help! Work experience is work experience. I finished a Level 8 last June and got a contract with no experience in accounting other than having studied accountancy. I did apply to countless jobs and have a good few interviews though. But eventually got there. If you ask me, having experience is definitely going to be beneficial. But it's not everything - they will look at your grades from college too.

3. My biggest piece of advise is not to give you! Apply anywhere and everywhere. ACA have a list of contracts on their website and it updates every now and then. You might see it updating slowly from now until maybe March/April. This is when the smaller firms will begin their application process. Like I said, I applied to a lot of jobs and have a couple of interviews during my last year in college and only got my job later last year. I've friends who were in the same boat and they eventually did get offered jobs too.

I think maybe do the work experience for a while, maybe sit one or two of the exams yourself and continue to apply for full contracts. Having the experience as well as doing some of the exams yourself would look very good! It would mean that the employer wouldn't have to pay as much for an employee such as yourself if you've started the exams you need to do already. And also, this person giving your the experience might even think about taking on you full time.

Immy

If I was you I would take the unpaid experience and start the professional exams.

I think that you will be much more employable with some experience and if you go down the ACCA route could pass one or more exams.

As an employer this would really impress me, and I would hire you over someone with a level 8 high mark degree. Everything being equal.

ironman2000

thank for all responses.They have been very helpful

ironman2000

Immy wrote: »

If I was you I would take the unpaid experience and start the professional exams.

I think that you will be much more employable with some experience and if you go down the ACCA route could pass one or more exams.

As an employer this would really impress me, and I would hire you over someone with a level 8 high mark degree. Everything being equal.

Your not looking to employ anyone by any chance? :P