Ninety-three percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said it is important for accounting and finance graduates to have gained work experience in the field while in college.

 

The survey was developed by Accountemps, the world’s first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 1,400 CFOs across the United States.

 

CFOs were asked, “How important is it for entry-level accounting and finance professionals to have gained work experience in the field while in college?” Their responses:

 

Very important	51%
Somewhat important	42%
Somewhat unimportant	2%
Not at all important	5%
Total	100%

 

“Even for entry-level roles, employers want new hires who can contribute immediately, particularly in light of the leaner teams many companies are operating with today,” said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Job Hunting For Dummies®, 2nd Edition (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). “Companies that are not actively hiring full-time employees may still offer summer internships, which provide recent graduates a foot in the door with prospective employers and a potential path to a full-time job.”

 

For college graduates looking to land their first jobs, Messmer advises candidates to be flexible, proactive and creative. “New entrants to the job market should bolster their resumes with internships, volunteer work and community activities -- anything that demonstrates a strong work ethic, solid communication skills and technical aptitude,” he said.

 

Accountemps offers five tips for recent college graduates looking to broaden their work experience:

 

Consider an internship. Taking an internship when a full-time position isn’t available may be a new graduate’s best bet to gain hands-on learning in the workplace. Interns not only develop essential workplace skills, but they also build their professional network.
Try part time. Part-time work is a great way to gain experience and showcase skills to a potential employer who may not have the resources to extend a full-time offer right away.

Look for temporary options. Staffing firms frequently have temporary assignments for which students or recent college graduates may be a match.
Volunteer your services. Helping out a community organization or trade association in your field is a great way to keep your experience current and expand your network.

Make the most of your current job. Even if your current job isn’t in your field or industry of choice, look for creative ways to enhance your skills. Volunteer for assignments beyond your job description. Most employers today are happy to have an employee willing to take the initiative.