Why Temp Jobs Are a Good Idea for New Accounting and Finance College Grads
As recent graduates in accounting and finance embark on their professional journeys, they often face a challenging transition from the academic world to the workforce. The job market is highly competitive, and employers often seek candidates with practical experience. In this context, temporary jobs, also known as temp jobs or contract work, can offer numerous benefits to new accounting and finance college graduates and enhance career prospects.
Gaining Practical Experience
For recent accounting and finance graduates, gaining practical experience is vital to kick-start their careers. Classroom education provides a strong theoretical foundation, but it's the application of this knowledge in real-world scenarios that truly counts. Temporary jobs provide an ideal opportunity for new grads to gain hands-on experience in their field. As Tanya Flynn, a hiring manager at a prominent accounting firm, explains, "Temporary positions allow recent graduates to apply what they've learned in school to real business situations, and this experience is highly regarded by employers." According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), nearly 90% of employers prefer candidates with work experience, and internships or temporary positions are among the most highly valued experiences by hiring managers (NACE, 2021).
Exploring Various Specializations
The world of accounting and finance is diverse, with various specializations such as auditing, taxation, financial analysis, and management accounting. New graduates may not be certain about which specific area they want to pursue. Temporary jobs offer the flexibility to explore different roles and industries. This versatility enables grads to make informed career decisions. As noted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants and auditors often need to adapt to changes in tax laws and regulations, which makes having diverse experience especially valuable (BLS, 2021).
Building a Professional Network
Networking is a cornerstone of career development in any industry, and the world of accounting and finance is no exception. Temporary jobs provide opportunities to connect with professionals, colleagues, and potential mentors in the field. Networking can open doors to valuable insights, job referrals, and long-term career opportunities. A study conducted by LinkedIn found that over 70% of professionals were hired at a company where they had a connection (LinkedIn, 2021).
Learning from Different Environments
Temporary positions often involve working with diverse clients or within various organizations. This exposure to different working environments and corporate cultures can be incredibly instructive. New graduates learn to adapt quickly, enhance their problem-solving skills, and become more versatile professionals. They also gain insight into the best practices and industry standards adopted by different employers, contributing to their overall professional development. According to a report by PwC, 80% of millennials believe that working for a company with a strong sense of purpose is important, and temporary positions can provide exposure to a wide range of corporate cultures and values (PwC, 2021).
Potential for Full-Time Offers
Temporary positions can serve as auditions for full-time roles. Many employers use temporary contracts to assess a candidate's fit within the organization before extending a permanent offer. Therefore, new accounting and finance graduates who perform well in temporary roles may find themselves in a favorable position to secure full-time employment with the same employer.
Flexibility in Career Planning
Temporary jobs offer graduates the flexibility to plan their careers strategically. For example, they can accept a temporary role while continuing to search for their dream job. This ensures they remain engaged in their field while actively pursuing their long-term goals.
Resume Enhancement
A well-rounded resume is essential for new graduates aiming to stand out in a competitive job market. Temporary positions add depth to a resume, showcasing a candidate's commitment to their field and their ability to adapt to different challenges and work environments. This can be a significant advantage when applying for future positions. A survey by CareerBuilder reported that 74% of employers believe that a candidate's job-hopping history can negatively impact their chances of landing a job, and temporary positions can help counteract this perception (CareerBuilder, 2021).
Temporary jobs offer a plethora of advantages to new accounting and finance college graduates. If you or someone you know is looking for a temp position in the accounting or finance sector, J2T Flex has a wealth of knowledge on open positions and long-lasting relationships with reputable companies always looking for temps! Get in touch with us today to learn how a temp position after college could launch your career!
Written by Lauren Kemp
Lauren Kemp, Operations and Marketing Associate at J2T, earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a minor in Latin American studies and a Master of Science in Innovation and Management from Montana State University. Lauren hails from Montana and enjoys reading about the history of her home state. Her bucket-list items include touring the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, and taking an immersion trip to Chile to experience Latin American culture first-hand.
J2T is a recruiting and staffing firm that solely focuses on accounting and finance roles. J2T Flex facilitates all operational accounting needs, both direct hire and contract or contract-to-hire needs. On the direct hire side, J2T Recruiting specializes in senior positions starting at Sr. Accountant up through CFO in direct employment and contract or contract-to-hire conditions encompassing everything in the corporate accounting and finance organizational chart. J2T is a women-owned business exclusively serving the Colorado and Montana markets with the overarching goal to serve you in all areas of the hiring experience.
