However, while the future appears bright for entry-level accounting and finance professionals, if you are in that group you should remember that education does not end with graduation. View your first position out of college as a continuing learning opportunity.

Below are a few ways you can continue your education as you enter the workplace:

• Seek training. Even though you're just starting out in your career, have an early conversation with your manager about your professional development goals. If you want to learn more about a new accounting software application and assist with its implementation in your department, for example, ask if your company will reimburse you for taking a training course to learn more about the program. Point out that you can subsequently share with your coworkers what you learn.
  
  
• Work with a mentor. Look for experienced colleagues, both within your department and your professional network, who can help guide you as you progress in your career. When speaking with these contacts, ask them about the steps they took to build their skills and expertise.
  
  
• Get certified. One way to distinguish yourself at any point in your career is to earn an industry-recognized credential, such as the certified public accountant (CPA) designation. Besides the knowledge you gain, earning a certification will also demonstrate to your employer that you are serious about continued learning opportunities. In addition, according to the 2006 Salary Guide from Robert Half International, many individuals who possess a professional designation earn a starting salary up to 10 percent above the market average.
  
  
• Volunteer for new projects. You can grow in your current job by seeking additional responsibilities outside of your job description. For example, you might ask to participate on an interdepartmental team tackling a high-profile business challenge or offer to research new regulatory trends that will enhance the company's corporate governance efforts.

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ACCOUNTEMPS is a specialized temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. Accountemps provides support throughout an accounting department. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., Accountemps and has more than 270 offices in North America, Europe and Australia. Accountemps' Career Counselor column, a SmartPros staple for over four years, is refreshed twice a month.