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: 26%

Somewhat important: 65%

Somewhat unimportant: 6%

Not at all important: 3%

"It's the age-old catch-22 -- it's hard to land a job without experience or gain experience without a job," said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Job Hunting For Dummies, 2nd edition (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). "One advantage for students is the availability of internships and temporary work in their fields, which can provide a taste of the working world, help them build their resumes and expand their networks."

Accountemps offers five tips to help students get a head start on their careers while still in school:

1. Network early and often. Professionals should build their networks at school, in summer jobs and through internships. Make a point to stay in touch with key advisors and professors. They can be a resource even after you graduate.

2. Be active in student and trade groups. Participating in an industry organization will help you gain visibility and expand your network. But don't just join -- look for opportunities to take on leadership roles.

3. Consider temporary work. Staffing firms often have assignments for which students or recent college graduates may be a match. It's a way to obtain work experience, meet prospective employers and learn about different companies.

4. Secure an internship. Tap your college career center to identify internships in your field. You'll gain hands-on expertise that will look good on your resume.

5. Volunteer. Helping out a charitable organization or trade association also benefits your career. In particular, look for roles that align with your professional goals. For example, if you are an accounting major, you could offer to serve as the treasurer for a local nonprofit or student group.

The survey was developed by Accountemps. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on interviews with more than 1,400 CFOs from a stratified random sample of U.S. companies with 20 or more employees.