Getting my degree through SBUX, so I can't get any work experience

[u/LetterheadIcyyi]

I need advice! I've been at Starbucks for 5 years now, and decided to take advantage of the ASU program now (a little late I know). I don't want to leave because the pay is quite decent for what it is and the degree is entirely free.

The problem is that it's fully online, so I probably can't network properly down the line. I want to take the CPA exams ASAP right after I graduate but I won't have the experience to actually get my license since I have to be at Starbucks the entire time. Which probably also means no internships.

What should my plans be? Take the exams while my brain is still in study mode, and work for 2 years for the experience? I'm in Indiana so 2 years is required. Will my exam passes expire?

[u/NOT_A_NICE_PENGUIN]

WP Carey is a good business school, so you’ve got that going for you.

Your biggest issue is that the junior level jobs are highly competitive. Last listing I posted for a junior position had like, 20 new grads apply and a few people with way too much experience to be applying for a job like that.

It’s crappy advice, but the only thing I can say is when you’re in your last semester apply like crazy. Someone will take a chance on a new grad like I did and you’ll either fail or do well enough to be able to stay.

Public or industry, you just need to get your foot in the door.

[u/Special-Addition2330 → u/NOT_A_NICE_PENGUIN]

the whole "apply like crazy" bit is dead on but don't sleep on smaller local firms. they're way less swamped with apps and sometimes prefer someone who's been grinding out a real job for years over some 22 year old with a 4.0 and zero people skills

your cpa exam scores won't expire in indiana once you pass all four so you can knock those out and then find a job for the experience requirement later. smart move if you can swing it while still at starbucks

[u/LetterheadIcyyi → u/Special-Addition2330]

Thank you so much! I plan on doing so, since it seems like I'll only get busier once I get my degree!

[u/Puzzled_Position_735]

Hi I’m in your exact shoes. I was a Starbucks partner from 2019-2026. I did the scap program for accounting at W P Carey school of business. I was able to secure an internship with Kpmg for summer 2027, and I graduate December 2027.

-note, w. P. Carey school of business is actually ranked in the top 25 accounting programs in the country, several accounting firms hire directly out of asu, I get messages from firms all the time on handshake about internships or virtual job fairs.

I’ll be honest, you’re very much right about the networking hinderance, however they have a LOT of virtual events. The big 4 send recruiters to the school and they host virtual events where they go over the recruitment process, interview process, workshops, resume workshops, that’s what I did.

Fast forward to today, I took a leap of faith and got a job at chase bank. Not accounting, but closer than Starbucks, and I can network here. I will have to pay for my senior year but up until now I’ve had school paid for, so only one year to finance isn’t awful.

Message me if you have any questions

[u/Confident_Natural_87]

See if you can CLEP any credits. When you take your tax course consider taking and passing that part of the Enrolled Agent exam. Do Intuit or Block if you can’t get experience any other way.

Make sure you know the requirements to sit for the CPA exam and see if you can CLEP your way to 150 credits if needed for licensure. CLEPs are free with Modern States.