NO DEGREE NO WORK

If you don't have an accounting degree you will not get any jobs. I have over 10 years experience in this field but no degree. Out of work for a year !!!!!!!!!!!

I was told by businesses in the Twin Cities Metro of Minnesota for 6 years that I had to get A Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting in order to be considered for any emploment.

I attended college for a third time from Jan 2003 to June 2006 and earned 2 Bachelor of Science degrees. One in Accounting and one in Business Administration.

Now that I have 2 BSBA degrees and Two Associate of Appled Science Degrees, I am told by every employer that I have to know all PC Languages that are available in order to get work. 7 years of college and 30 years of experience in the Accounting field still is not enough for today's employers. They have to have everything they want before you will even be considered.

Scott Dudgeon in Grand Forks, North Dakota said: I was told by businesses in the Twin Cities Metro of Minnesota for 6 years that I had to get A Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting in order to be considered for any emploment.

Scott, your case is the same as mine, I worked as assistant accountant for 5 years with no degree. I did everything that's expected of an accountant. Here in California i'm struggled to find a job. I have an associate degree but i gues with experience still not enougg. I have not lost hope yet!

Debbie in Westland, Michigan said: If you don't have an accounting degree you will not get any jobs. I have over 10 years experience in this field but no degree. Out of work for a year !!!!!!!!!!!

Did you finally get a job?

Bait and switch. That's what these employers are about. Ever think that recruiters are just trying to keep their job by wasting "your" time. You're their busy work. It's what they're doing to keep their job.

After reading through a few of these forums I think it's probably best to just hang it up, quit trying, it time to just go and get a job being a waitress, a private home healthcare aide for $8.00 an hour, or whatever, just to get through these horrible times. Finding job right now is right up there with winning the lottery, --Unlikely. It's not our fault, it's just the way it is. Stop beating your self up, and if you keeping trying, you're probably just going to have your hopes raised and then slammed against the wall leaving you to wonder what just happened. Hey, has everyone gotten their call from Primerica? Shoot me now!

I strongly believe the economy is to blame my friends.

I have a B.S. in Accounting, and I have no hands on accounting experience. I haven't been able to find a job for a year and a half. Right out of college I went into processing mortgages instead of sticking with accounting. That was THE 2ND WORST MISTAKE I EVER MADE IN MY LIFE. I've been working sales jobs to try and make ends meet, and finally the company I was working for recently went out of business. I've been trying to find ANY position related to accounting. I would gladly accept a position that only paid minimum wage just for the experience. I even went as far as to post a listing on Craigslist that I would Intern or work for free just to get some kind of exposure and reference. I haven't had a paycheck in 2 months. If I eventually can't afford toilet paper, I will probably one day wipe with my degree.

Best of luck everyone!

It's easy for anyone of us to blame ourselves in some way for not being able to find a job. We can blame ourselves for not knowing the right people, having the right connection, to help us get a job. We can tear ourselves up feeling helpless over losing everything we've worked for, we can sink into loneliness and depression and we can lose our self-esteem. But know the facts. This is where we're at today, not just you, the whole world. It's out of your control, don't beat yourself up, Eventually the economy will turn around and your phone will once again be ringing with plenty of opportunities. So why not spend your time reading a good book (free at the library) getting into volunteer work, just to get out of the house. Or feel free to write and send me an email. My God you live in beautiful California. How would you like to live here in Michigan (automotive, the Big 3)? Snow up the butt and 20 degrees most days. I'd be happy to have someone to be able to talk to during my dark moments. Look at this time as a character building long and drawn vacation (without pay). Find a way to let go of materialism. American's have over spent themselves to death. Even if you did lose everything, all it will do is make you freer, more liberated. And before you know it, you'll have a job and be able to buy everything and anything you need or want for a fraction, because garage sales and thrift store will be brimming from people who have lost everything! Hang in there, and again feel free to email me if you’d like. I’ve been out of work and looking for nearly two years and I too have a Bachelor’s degree. I'm always happy to make a new friend. nancykulka@att.net

"It's easy for anyone of us to blame ourselves in some way for not being able to find a job. We can blame ourselves for not knowing the right people, having the right connection, to help us get a job. We can tear ourselves up feeling helpless over losing everything we've worked for, we can sink into loneliness and depression and we can lose our self-esteem. But know the facts. This is where we're at today, not just you, the whole world."

I REALLY like what you wrote so much.I have been doing this exactly - blaming myself.I have been doing real estate for 2 years in New York City.My license just expired and I am considering NOT renewing it for a while, until the economy picks up.I feel like the economy of the business has almost nearly wiped me out.I have to stop NOW with real estate or I will lose everything.Imagine a gambler with a habit.I have been looking for a salaried office job since August 2008, as I have 12 years office experience BEFORE real estate.I took a part time 15 hour/week $11.50 habilitation specialist job working with autistic individuals, as I have personal family history with that.I have to pay my bills one way or another!This job will give me paid training.I'm not ashamed for taking this job.My Bachelors in Paralegal and real estate license have not helped me.My friend's recommendation of me to the habilitation job has! In these times many of us "beggars" can't be "choosers" when it comes to jobs.There is no shame in that.You deal move on and grow from that.You strengthen your character.

Nancy_Michigan in Farmington, Michigan said: It's easy for anyone of us to blame ourselves in some way for not being able to find a job. We can blame ourselves for not knowing the right people, having the right connection, to help us get a job. We can tear ourselves up feeling helpless over losing everything we've worked for, we can sink into loneliness and depression and we can lose our self-esteem. But know the facts. This is where we're at today, not just you, the whole world.

Awesome post Nancy and Grant. I wrote all of that above while I was feeling pretty low. Nearly all of 2008 hasn't been good to me. My dad passed away, I lost my job, had to move in with family, and has been pregnent with our first child and I'm concerned about finances.

I know things will get better in time. Thanks for giving me hope.

--cheers

Hula, there is no shame in struggle or in asking for help or taking "pay cuts" or anything similar.If someone needs to get social service benefits to put food on the table or pay the bills, then so be it.If any employer has issues with my response on this - if they dare ask the "why" - I will respond the same way to them as I have on this post - WITH DIGNITY AND CANDOR.

I have worked as a contract/temp employee since 96. Some of which has been extremely positive allowing me growth and a great work environment. It has opened doors. Then came the down turn in the economy, and whatever it's like where you live, it's been like this in MI for the past 8 years. Today, on TV, it was projected that 09 will be every bit as bad, if not worse than last year. I've been out of work and looking for two years. I'm not depressed, I'm numb.
I have an interview tomorrow and I'd really like this particular job. But I need advice. Of the several interviews I've gone out on, including interviews with new contract agencies. Nearly everyone is demanding that I give them the names and phone numbers of every Manager, Director, Supervisor, at every company I have worked for. I've worked at places like Ford Motor Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network to name a few. I know what they're doing. These contract houses want names for inside leads. I'm sick and tired of being set-up and used by these agencies. They are insistent, forceful, and aggressive in their approach to get info. Some pull this after they've held you captive for 4 or 5 hours filling out paper work and after taking multitudes of computer software tests. “Diversity” people use a different approach, it too is nasty. It’s all cutthroat and they often ambush their prey, like most predators do. It’s their strategy. Their voices, body language and eye contact have been well rehearsed. They strongly imply, no names, no job. Either way, the odds are no job regardless. Any suggestions? The old rule used to be that you'd be black listed if your give out information. Now they've switched up their game plan. My interview tomorrow is a direct hire position with an IT contract house. They too have told me to be prepared to give names and titles. Are those vultures I see circling ahead?

Ginny in Decherd, Tennessee said: I feel the pain, I have over 20 yrs exp. but no degree. I am able to work for a company as a temp with no chance of hire w/o the degree. Meanwhile the college grads are coming in and don't know budgeting from cheese whiz. In these times I am not able to afford to go to school and pay the bills with my spouse laid off from his job. I think I should submit for bailout funds. LOL

Ginny, I have a degree and I've worked contract since 1996. I've been offered a few direct hire positions. More often than not it's from sole proprietors, whose business practices are often so unethical it's just not worth it. In larger corporations it's more about your ethnic heritage and gender. I know that when it's between a minority, and me forget it. People who know people have a better chance. If your zip code isn't desirable and you don't have the connections they want, you're probably SOL. If you're young you have an okay chance, If you're 50 or over, not so good. It's very "matter of fact". You must live to compete, to be in a circle, owe someone so they owe you. And just because they owe you, it doesn't mean someone else can't trump you.
Until the job market improves all you can do is keep plugging along. Be you, don't give up. At best I hope you're lucky enough to find a job that pays okay and the people you work with and for are good people. The whole degree thing is another way for people to get money. A degree: In what? Astro physics, chemistry, bio technology? People with great degrees and experience can't find jobs like anyone else. Getting a degree is an expense and a gamble and remember you’re the one stuck with a student loan to pay off. Get the degree and they'll hire someone from another country for cheaper. What organizations really want ar 50 qualified cadidates who paid for their own education so they can pick the ONE they want.
Only go to school becasue that's what you want.

Scott Dudgeon in Grand Forks, North Dakota said: I was told by businesses in the Twin Cities Metro of Minnesota for 6 years that I had to get A Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting in order to be considered for any emploment.

I attended college for a third time from Jan 2003 to June 2006 and earned 2 Bachelor of Science degrees. One in Accounting and one in Business Administration.

Now that I have 2 BSBA degrees and Two Associate of Appled Science Degrees, I am told by every employer that I have to know all PC Languages that are available in order to get work. 7 years of college and 30 years of experience in the Accounting field still is not enough for today's employers. They have to have everything they want before you will even be considered.

I don't think thats fair, if you know your job then you should at least get a standing novation for the skills you already have. They shouldn't put you out of a job. I think thats discrimination

In response to Scott

I've said it before and I'll stay it again. It's all a game of bait a switch. Most people who have got a job out there today are just fishing. They put out these ridiculous ads asking for this super human being. Now most of us are open and willing to learn new skills, but I promise you, that if you’re the worker bee, and the boss is the mouth piece and negotiator, figure it out. At least half the time the boss doesn’t know what the hell he/she is talking about. I’ve sat in interviews where they’ve completely overwhelmed me with what they’re expectations. Don’t we all love those ad’s that are looking for someone who loves to work in a high pressure atmosphere and you love to work at a fast pace with a high level of accuracy and detail? Please don’t allow your self to get caught into these traps of listening to people who are completely off their rocker. Companies today are in just as much, if not more trouble than individuals. They are running around like a bunch of key stone cops doing and trying everything and anything they can because they don’t know what future business models are going to look or act like. So they’re firing people to save money and preparing to rehire people back at a lower wage, with far less future perks and benefits. In the mean time they’re going to put out these crazy ad’s and see what happens. At best they’re hoping someone will walk in the door and sell them, because if you can sell them on you, then you can sell anything. Here’s the lesson. If you did your best and you didn’t get the job, be happy. The company probably was offering little more than job from hell to begin with. It will be better to hold on a little while longer. In the mean time, keep looking and listening. Things will turn around.

One should not rely on knowing anyone and everyone, expecting others to give them contacts, nor should anyone else be looking to 'get what I can, then cast off this person like so much trash,' either.

We must recognize what is currently lacking in the world we live in, then simply 'put it back.' What are these elusive and tenuous qualities? Let me provide a few--and they are only a few:

*Politeness
*Concern for Others
*A Caring Attitude

*Respect for One's Self and Others (Let 'Common Sense' Translate this for you.)

*Being Slow to Anger, Quick to Forgive (Emotional Control, in other words.)

*Not 'Selling Yourself Out* (Do what you want, not what others want you to become.)

*Learn Self Sufficiency (If you can grow your own food, you've just nourished your body, which removes any perceived burden from anyone else who may be watching you.)

*Learn How To Invent (Invent new and useful things, not for a major profit, but to help the world truly become a better place.)

*Know How To Use The Internet to Network (Forget face-to-face for a while! Things are moving too fast. Internet collaboration breaks the bonds of gender, ethnicity, nationality, and any other element of 'labeling' people normally assign to such matters. The phrase "We Are People of the 'Net and Have No Boundaries" is apt at this time. We can't afford to get it wrong any longer.

True Greatness lies in the recognition of one's own, innate abilities, and use those abilities to help others. Helping one's self is a paradigm of virtues, only one of which is helping others. One must grow one's own innate being if one is to truly be useful to others in the world

It is equally important to cultivate within one's own makeup the recognition that only True Ability and a True Heart are proper indicators of whether or not someone has not only Knowledge, but the all-important *WISDOM* to go along with that Knowledge.

True Certitude isn't from degrees. It's from Love. -||TRUTH||-

Debbie in Westland, Michigan said: If you don't have an accounting degree you will not get any jobs. I have over 10 years experience in this field but no degree. Out of work for a year !!!!!!!!!!!

Debbie. -||TRUTH||- Replying. [Don't take it literally, it's just a nick. ;-)]

I'm originally from Michigan. Northern Lower Peninsula. Small town called Gaylord. Grew up snowmobiling, skiing, hiking, and water skiing on the land and lakes of the north country. I spent a lot of time wondering of the how's and why's of what life is, why it's here, why we're here, and anything else I could wonder about.

Also spent a lot of time just observing folks. I've come to this conclusion: People Believe What They Want To Believe, and Assume Everyone Else Knows What They Want.

Assuming that you have the talent--Ten Year Accounting Experience would seem to indicate this--there are a myriad of possiblities for you to use your ability with numbers to assist with just about any type of accounting application with which you are familiar. Degrees do not make one less able or more able.

I'd rather give my body over to a field surgeon with ten solid years of experience in Africa and knew what he was doing, yet with no official recognition (this assumes I'm intimately familiar with said individual's work and trust them implicitly) than a doctor in the finest of hospitals who has no Love in their heart.

Love is the finest of Accountings. Perhaps you can look deep within your very Self, see a Bright Spark A' Shinin' and, after some quiet reflection, think again about your ability to get work without a degree. -||TRUTH||-

Read this book If you can handle the truth,
"A$$hole: How I Got Rich & Happy by Not Giving a Damn About Anyone & How You Can, Too (Hardcover)".
Hope all of you can get the good jobs.

Im wanting to make the move over to NEW YORK to live for a year and work...although i dont have a degree would i be able to get a job/working visa?

I just got laid for working in Construction Accounting this past Feb. 09, It is now June 19 2009. I have gone stir crazy looking for a job. Of, Course construction is slow with the economy, but I have all the experience, but NO degree, I can do most of what is required in some jobs, but don't apply cuze I have no degree, I couldn't even get a job at CHILI'S cuze I was over qualified...I laughed for 15 minutes... I have 10 years waitressesing exp... WTF? GRRRRRRRRRRR some day, some day :)

I agree with Nancy: Don't blame yourself, blame the economy. I’d been asking myself, “What’s wrong with me?”, then I took a good look at my resume and realized: it ain’t me.

I have a B.A. in Accounting w/10+ years of experience. Can't get a job. Currently studying for the CPA to challenge myself and stay sharp while looking for work ("and so I can eventually be an entrepreneur and manage my own financial info"--I don't tell 'em THAT, shhh!). I’ve only recently realized that employers are thinking, “Uh uh, we can’t afford her”. If they only knew--'til I talked with others who examined my resume, I didn’t realize my worth and wasn’t asking for much. I’m still not asking for much. I just need to pay bills and sock away some in savings. I plan on leaving the field, so I’m not staying long term. I'm disappointed with Accounting b/c it doesn't seem that degrees or experience are really valued. Also, you've got tons of folks applying for 1 job. A lot of people have accounting experience. My opinion: I don't believe you need an Accounting degree. Most places I’ve worked, I was the only person with one. To work at a CPA firm or as an investment banker or to make six figures, you will probably need it. Job versus Career.

For most companies, a degree or experience = $$$$$$. Some employers are holding onto their bottom lines for dear life (in fear) as they watch Fortune 500s that've been around 100+ years fold before their eyes. Some are simply greedy--which caused the current economic crisis (that's another story). So, they're all cutting back on resources—including how much they pay their employees--except execs (that's another story). So, they're hiring kids straight out of school (college OR high school) with no experience--ahh, the best of both worlds.

It'll get better (don't know when). In the meantime, I'm applying for corporate...and retail, too. I'm no snob. I figure I can get an employee discount and get some shopping in. Gotta look for that silver lining!

Scott Dudgeon in Grand Forks, North Dakota said: I was told by businesses in the Twin Cities Metro of Minnesota for 6 years that I had to get A Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting in order to be considered for any emploment.

I attended college for a third time from Jan 2003 to June 2006 and earned 2 Bachelor of Science degrees. One in Accounting and one in Business Administration.

Now that I have 2 BSBA degrees and Two Associate of Appled Science Degrees, I am told by every employer that I have to know all PC Languages that are available in order to get work. 7 years of college and 30 years of experience in the Accounting field still is not enough for today's employers. They have to have everything they want before you will even be considered.

That's how is it now in our new generation, it is not important how many years your experience, what they need is a piece of paper to prove them that you are qualified. The reason why you need to know about PC, its because no matter where you go you should have knowledge in PC because of data bank or access that most company used, if you dont know how to operate PC its will be hard for you to understand the system. I myself need to refresh everything. As a BS finance Marketing and a post graduate in Business I also need to enrolled myself to have an IT degree. So if you wanted to be hire and have a good salary you need to meet the standard of the position you tried to applied.

In a tough job economy that there is a never-ending game of bait and switch being played. It's as though no one is good enough fast enough, has the right skills, the right background, or enough education, blah, blah, blah. Some of these rejections come for a variety of reasons. Often it's because they already decided on the candidate they wanted to hire prior to your interview. Your interview was a courtesy. It had already been scheduled, and in their mind they were being nice not to cancel. It’s like a handbook no, no, to cancel. They had to give you some reason as to why you weren't the one.

In your mind you know that the amount education wasn't the problem, nor was it your appearance, personality or anything else. Think about it, deep down inside you know that interview went well and you could not come with one single reason why you weren't the one. Stop with the nonsense. Quit playing that game, because it never ends.

Personally, I’m appalled by the level and degree of irresponsibility so many of these HR and management types display when they interview. It is so irresponsible and idiotic to even hint to someone who has double degrees didn't have enough education. Now that's stupid.

Also, I'll bet anything that a lot of these company's are going starting hiring like crazy if the White House passes a Gov't Option for Health Care. Do you have any idea, a clue how happy Corp's will be if they don't have to pay for heath care for their employees anymore! These corporations will stand to make billions of dollars. Corporations care about two things,money in their pocket and for Wall Street.

Interviewing can also be a psychology they're using. They interview to make their employees' think that since they're interviewing all must be well, or to be afraid, because they're hiring and they might be replacing you. It's to get people to work harder. Psychology

You are correct, Nancy. I've talked to people who have been involved in the hiring process, who have told me that they post jobs after they've already been filled because HR requires them to do so. So, some companies are basically just collecting resumes.

I understand that a lot of people are being told that they have to have degrees to stay relevant. But, where does it all end? How many degrees do you REALLY need to stay relevant? Most importantly, who's going to pay for all of these degrees? Who's going to pay off those student loans, sitting there gathering more interest by the minute? Is it really worth it? And then someone will have the nerve to tell you that you're overqualified. What's next, entry-level positions that require a PhD? Ridiculous!!!

Scott Dudgeon in Grand Forks, North Dakota said: I was told by businesses in the Twin Cities Metro of Minnesota for 6 years that I had to get A Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting in order to be considered for any emploment.

I attended college for a third time from Jan 2003 to June 2006 and earned 2 Bachelor of Science degrees. One in Accounting and one in Business Administration.

Now that I have 2 BSBA degrees and Two Associate of Appled Science Degrees, I am told by every employer that I have to know all PC Languages that are available in order to get work. 7 years of college and 30 years of experience in the Accounting field still is not enough for today's employers. They have to have everything they want before you will even be considered.

Its just another ploy...to keep you out of work....This process is sickening

skmendevor@hotmail.com in Novato, California said:

Forst you will need to get your BS in accounting, then you must get a MS or MBA, then you have to get certified (CPA/CMA)....this is also sickening. A degree is not necessary for clerking as long as you can pass the elements of the balance sheet test...Jeeze these companies are too much

S E Smith in Aurora, Colorado said: Forst you will need to get your BS in accounting, then you must get a MS or MBA, then you have to get certified (CPA/CMA)....this is also sickening. A degree is not necessary for clerking as long as you can pass the elements of the balance sheet test...Jeeze these companies are too much

Exactly. Don't keep running getting degree after degree. I'm sick of people trying to get me to get a Master's. I'm NOT doing it!! Even if you're working with an employer who will pay for it--sometimes there is fine print that states you'll have to pay back any money that they pay for your degree if you don't continue to work for the company for at least, say, 5 more years. Here's the catch: should they fire or downsize you within those 5 years, you'll have to pay it back. What tha???!!!

Games. They're playing games. Power-tripping, ego-tripping. Companies, HR, gatekeepers, a lot of them are getting really arrogant because they know people are fighting to get to these jobs. They have the "pick of the litter". And they're playing games. With lives. Because they can.

Yes, I have been feeling that too. I have a AA degree in Accounting and plenty of experience. Since last year, I have learned that although you have a degree, 5+ years of experience, that they won't hire you because you don't have experience in that industry. It's really aweful.

I have worked my whole life supporting myself and going to school for a AA degree. Because I don't have anyone else to depend on financially, It's a slow process to earn a Bachelors' Degree. I really want a BA, but Unemployment Insurance does not have it on their 'approved training programs'. Which I can understand in a sense. But, All I know is the accounting books.

There is a few retail stores that I have applied for, and I will be jumping up and down if I get called for an interview.

Alan Greenspan is part of the problem. He knew the mortgage holders
had toxic loans way before any of us understood the cluster--- we had allowed ourselves to get into. He said "I miscalculated" please!!!
The stock market hung on his every word like he was our god. Many other countries predicted we would collapse. We haven't and I have news for you..we won't. A number of Americans expect us to bounce back right now. How is that possible when our economy was on the brink of collapse?
You say Alan Greenspan suggested that companies use oversees workers. Haven't you noticed some card companies have gone back to American call centers because all of us Americans who owe them money on our cards could not understand the foreign CSR.
The USA thrives because of our creative and intelligent people.
(and the greatest military in the world)
You talk about grassroots, that's fine but we don't need the scare tactics. I wish the right-wing had used scare tactics on all those people who just had to buy a house with an adjustable rate and 0 down. Seriously, when I was 28 and was ready to buy my first house my mother(who had been through the depression and WWII told me, "don't get a loan with an ARM for pete's sake and make sure you have money down".
Anyway, I was laid off for eight months and right before I was hired for an accounting position, I decided I would work anywhere.
I would work two part time jobs if I had to, just to pay my mortgage. I know people don't want to hear this but if the companies are not going to change their hiring practices then you have to change.

Interesting times we're in now. This is an employer's market and they will find any excuse to not hire you. They are looking for the least expensive candidate with some level of expertise. So, if you have hears of experience on your resume or based on your graduate date they can pretty much tell your age group. They are looking at the bottom line.

Another comment: Americans companies have populated the workforce with foreign workers, so less jobs for Americans, but they expect us to consume. With what income are we to pay for these products Dear CEO's/CFO's?

I agree that these are interesting times we live in, but I disagree with the perspective that the problem is that it’s an employer's market. The employment market may be supply and demand, but there's a shrinking demand. This problem is not going to just fix it self, go away eventually. Why would it? Because corporations want to quit making billion’s of dollars?

The news will report the recession is winding down. Lie! Corp's own the media. That's propaganda the corp's put out to keep you at bay, smoke screens. While you sit there, corp's are raking in billion's around the world. They want things to stay this way. Where we’re at today, foreclosure’s, unemployment, depression, this is just the tip of the ice berg.

Understand what happened to our economy. If each and everyone of us don't make an effort to learn what is going on, who is supporting this, this is the way it is until people start to fight back. Get used to it. We’ve got a pansy for Prez, he’s not a president, he’s only a Senator, a dealmaker. Better face it.

The Great Depression lasted 9 years. For 9 long years the country was suppressed. Roosevelt stood up and spoke to the people who elected him. Before a crowd of thousands Roosevelt told “THEM” (the oppressor’s) that they were about to meet their master. Roosevelt turned things around for the people of this country and America proceeded to advance into its best years of growth and prosperity. Crowds of ten's of thousands cheered in front of Roosevelt. There is no such thing as twitting, tweeting, blogging or texting their youir way out of this. I don't see or hear any sign of young people standing up today. Are people sitting around waiting for someone to fix things for them? Not going to happen.

Today's youth not only don't want to serve time in the military, the overwhelming majority just don't care. I guess the best word might be "USELESS"

1310 AM National Talk Radio M-F - & www.MoveOn.org

I have an MBA from a top 20 school and I still can't get a job. If I also had a CPA I think there would be a 25% chance I could get an entry-level fp&a job, but even that is no guarantee. best of luck to all the job seekers out there - i feel your pain.

A Bachelor's in Business and an MBA are the most overrated degrees today. Up to the 70's they were considered a premium degree. But the corporate world has changed.

I got my AA in court reporting back in 1981, worked as a court reporter for ten years. Quit reporting and worked as legal assistant for 20.

In January I got out my machine, wiped it down, changed ribbon, added ink. Got some paper - and started practicing. I am planning to look for a court reporting job by this January. My skills should be good enough by then.

Thank God court reporting can't be outsourced and 98 percent of the people who get into the program, drop out.

skmendevor@hotmail.com in Novato, California said:

Hi,
I know it's a little off the subject but, after I graduate I am moving back to California. Any idea of what I should go into. I feel so lost. I was going to get into sonography but don't think it's for me.

I am more business orientated but have no idea what to go to school for. I really will be starting from scratch since Ive been an actor my whole life. Im 33 and starting college. I need to find something where I will make money and definatly be able to find a job! If anyone has any ideas for my lost self it would be so appreciated. It's so frustrating as I wanna get going on this but don't want to make a wrong choice!

Please help! :)

I was out of work for 10 months and recently found a job. I have a Finance Degree and an MBA and over 20 years of experience in Accounting. I will pray each day for all of you who are still looking, I know how hard it is. What I learned from this experience is that most recruiters are worthless, old co-workers don't care, networking is a fancy word for cast a large net and pray. The U.S. is in real trouble when we cannot even find work for U.S. citizens that really want to work. We can thank our leaders for sending our jobs overseas (Remember to vote!). Profit is God to all CEO's, Board members and shareholders. Keep looking and never stop and know that you are not alone and as hard as this is, you will get through it. Just know that when you do find a job, you will be a much stronger person.

Thx Mr. T
Thank you for your maturity, your wisdom and for acknowledging and confirming/sharing your perspective in regards to the truth/reality. I’m sincerely happy that you've found employment and I hear the relief in your words and sense the compassion you have for those of us who are in the situations we're in, no fault of our own.
More than anything I adore your sharing the importance of getting out and voting. You're absolutely right. Lucky you, Marcy K and Dennis. These types are far and few between. People who care about us.
Stronger person? I know I'll never put my money back in a big bank or Wall Street until these types are properly dealt with. --- Where's Brooksley Born?

Mr T
Networking is a buzz word for "knowing the right people". It's a joke. They keep talking about Networking but it's not working for me.

A few years back I read a book (it's quick read) by author and speaker Barbara Ehrenreich titled "Bait and Switch". It's about looking for employment, hence the title "Bait and Switch". I sometimes read in bed, and I can tell you I was glad to be laying down reading parts of this book. When I got to the part of the Aflac duck I laughed to tears and almost passed out. I do not laugh easily but I couldn’t stop laughing, and laughing to the point of being in pain.

If you have a moment I think 5 minutes of your time watching and listening to Barbara Ehrenreich will connect very well with many. She hits the ball right out of park. Please feel free to share.

Cut and paste this into your browser. Enjoy. It’s not you. Here's the deal.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qInA8kgng4U

Don't believe them. Their all a bunch of liars. You don't need to know all the PC things. Technology is going so fast you'll never keep up. Poor crybaby. wah, wah. At least you have had the title. I don't even get chance at the title. So what if you have to go back to entry level. At least your working crybaby. There all lying about a degree nowadays. The title counts more. At least you have had a chance. I have a Bachelors degree also. But do I get a chance? Hell no because I haven't had the title. You have. Stop whining and start your own business. You have the title and the degree. Get the CPA license and be your own boss. People like you don't know how lucky you are to at least get a break for once in your lifetime.

wah. wah poor crybaby. The degree is overrated. The degree does not mean as much today as you think. You don't know what your talking about. Try having a degree and no work for two years and more. Its all about the title. You have had your chance for the title. That means more today. Just look at all the postings that say experience. Yet, one doesn't need anymore then a GED. Think about it, you could have a break to earn more then me just because of a title then the degree. You need to rethink how the world works.

You also don't know what your talking about. Your title and degree is enough. Granted, if you are in a small town then there may be more people with more then you. But overall you have it made. You have the title and the degree. Most places one can work without nothing beyond a GED just because of a title. You proved it with the 5 years. Try being someone with a degree and security clearance because of work with the IRS. Yet, can I even have a break as a clerk? No because I haven't had a title like you. Plus, your in California. If you have that much money you can go anywhere. Poor crybaby.

I understand your comment. But finding a job is nowhere near winning the lottery. The ratios and statistics are much different if you have brains. With the lottery everyone in the country is going for the same one thing. There is no networking or standards. Its just pure luck. In comparison not everyone is going for one single job because there are many jobs compared one lottery winner. Yes a waitress or nursing assistant is something that is at the poverty level. But if one has been in poverty an entire life without ever having a chance to do anything then it won't make a difference. Though you can't compare a job to the lottery, you can't say just get a job as a waitress. Its just as hard because employers don't want the best. They don't know what there doing when they choose people. There have been plenty of time I can do a better job then the person working.

After reading all of the comments, the only thing I have to say is that there are whiners, complainers and crybabies. Oh boo hoo to some of you people. You cry like babies because you haven't found a job for a few months or a year. Wah, Wah, Don't get me wrong. I do understand everybody. I myself have been in the unemployment situation going on three years. I even have a Bachelor degree in Accounting suma cum laude. Yet with over 10 experience in logistics, can I even get a chance for once in my life as a manager or over 25,000 a year? Hell no. Oh but some kid who doesn't know anything can. I don't get a chance because I haven't had a chance. Yes, it can be who you know. It shouldn't be based on friendship. Friendship doesn't mean the person is better. But friendship is used. For those who think the degree today is what is used; you have no idea of reality. Your living in fantasy. The degree is garbage today. You think that because you have a degree you will get the job. Bull. The degree is crap compared to the past. In the past the degree at least meant you had a chance. Today you don't have a chance unless you know somebody. For those who have experience; just find another job for the time being. Thank God that at least you had a chance in life. I am so sick of you whiners that oh boo hoo I can't find a job now with my experience. At least you had your break in life. Be thankful and find another job right now. I have been in poverty my entire life with nothing more then manual labor. I may have my moments and I have student loans. But I have found another job for the time being. I also rented my property. Hell, I would pay somebody just to have an accounting title. Today, the title can mean more then some stupid piece of paper. If the piece of paper meant so much then I would get a chance. Plus, if companies were hiring people out of college then again that would benefit me. But I don't get a chance because I have no title.

As in my past post, everybody with experience needs to be thankful. The same goes with those who had their chance just because of friendship. Your title means more then you know. Unless you have been unemployed going on three years or more, have been in poverty your entire life (below 25,000 a year), over 30, student loans because of a degree and your experience doesn't help, you don't know what its like. Try being in my position. At least you have broke the glass ceiling and had a chance in life to be rich. I know there are many people in other countries that live worse. I do feel bad. I know I am lucky compared to them. I want to help others. But I can't because of poverty. Thus, those with the title needs to be thankful. The title is extremely hard compared to a degree. If you want the education then go it. You can do it whenever you want. There is no person holding you back like there is for the title. A place could pay me less and still get better results. I have had to correct cashiers and bank tellers because they can't count. The say they want the best? No they don't. They want idiots. If they want the best then how come I have to correct the employee? Oh that's right; Because I can do a better job. But I don't get the chance because I don't have the title. The degree is worthless.

Debbie in Westland, Michigan said: If you don't have an accounting degree you will not get any jobs. I have over 10 years experience in this field but no degree. Out of work for a year !!!!!!!!!!!

You need more than an Accounting Degree (at the Bachelors level). Try 'CPA Required' with 'Big 4 experience' or 'coming out of xxxx industry. Many Accounting jobs also have other esoteric requirements such as 'must have experience "Implementing" financial systems or requirements that are very vague such as 'Must have international experience' or experience with 'revenue recognition & accrual analysis' (that is like basic accounting)

My only advice is to learn as many accounting software packages as possible. Not just QuickBooks and Peachtree, but some of the more estoric ones like Timberline / Axiom (much used in construction).
I could bore you with tales of how many jobs I have applied for trying to get back into accounting over the past several years but it's the same old song we've heard for years. We need tax cuts so that the benefits granted the super rich will trickle down, say the Republicans. The Tea Party says the tax cuts need to be balanced with spending cuts to things like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid - things that only marginally affect the well to do but are the social safety net to the vast majority of Americans. And the Democrats want to raise taxes on the rich, close loopholes on big oil and forego any cuts to Social Security et al.
Perhaps folks on this site can rebill themselves as the Dance Band from the SS Titanic and we can play as the deficit reduction talks break down in Washington, DC. It will be a pretty long gig judging by how well things are going. Hey, we might even see John Boehner without his sun tan by the time this is solved! Just spare us the tears, Mr. Speaker.

I have nine years of accounting experience. With no degree, I started out as a cycle counter and after three months I was asked if I want an open AP desk so I took it. I cleaned up the desk and after a few months I was offered an Associate Staff Accountant position and took it. (I took Accounting 101 & 102 at a local CC during the first year to get the basics.) During that stint, I reconciled the books for three international branches, implemented a FA tracking system, created a company-wide budget tool by teaching myself Excel/VBA, and was sent to Mexico City to help start up a branch accounting department. I then took a job at a Fortune 500 company as a Regional Financial Accountant where I was in charge of the books for five business units. After four years of doing that, I moved to the IT department where I was a Business Analyst/Developer on the Financial Systems team where created many different budget/forecast tools as well as supported the ERP and BI systems. I did all this with hard work and promotions but without a degree. Then I made the biggest mistake of my life, I quit and tried my hand at web design. I did that for a couple of years and decided I didn't like it. I've been trying to get back into either accounting or IT but with no success so since I am desperate to make some coin, I've had to take manual labor positions to make ends meet. My dream of getting back into either industry is quickly becoming a faded dream because my skill-set is becoming out-dated along with the educational requirements needed. My next step is to take my resume to a temp agency and see what they can advise.

Wow, you have a ton of real world work experience. Keep trying to get into some small business/shop. They will be less worried about the degree and value your work experience. I would forget about the fortune 500 companies because they want that piece of paper. Good luck.

tlc in Orlando, Florida said: Wow, you have a ton of real world work experience. Keep trying to get into some small business/shop. They will be less worried about the degree and value your work experience. I would forget about the fortune 500 companies because they want that piece of paper. Good luck.

Thanks so much for your comments. I'll take your advice and at some point, I believe I can accomplish what I set out to do.

It can be done in Austin, Texas said: I have nine years of accounting experience. With no degree, I started out as a cycle counter and after three months I was asked if I want an open AP desk so I took it. I cleaned up the desk and after a few months I was offered an Associate Staff Accountant position and took it. (I took Accounting 101 & 102 at a local CC during the first year to get the basics.) During that stint, I reconciled the books for three international branches, implemented a FA tracking system, created a company-wide budget tool by teaching myself Excel/VBA, and was sent to Mexico City to help start up a branch accounting department. I then took a job at a Fortune 500 company as a Regional Financial Accountant where I was in charge of the books for five business units. After four years of doing that, I moved to the IT department where I was a Business Analyst/Developer on the Financial Systems team where created many different budget/forecast tools as well as supported the ERP and BI systems. I did all this with hard work and promotions but without a degree. Then I made the biggest mistake of my life, I quit and tried my hand at web design. I did that for a couple of years and decided I didn't like it. I've been trying to get back into either accounting or IT but with no success so since I am desperate to make some coin, I've had to take manual labor positions to make ends meet. My dream of getting back into either industry is quickly becoming a faded dream because my skill-set is becoming out-dated along with the educational requirements needed. My next step is to take my resume to a temp agency and see what they can advise.

...most hilarious 180 in this discussion. First, I thought that this person was being a boastful @ss, then things came back down to earth. Maybe you should try your hand at story-telling.

Yeah, it hasn't been real hilarious living through it. Anyway, I wasn't tooting my horn at all but I did get carried away by revealing my current situation. I was explaining how far one can fall when the skill-set is neglected during a hiatus from from the industry on top of not having a degree.