Job Forum Canada - Can't get into corporate accounting

I'm a 4th level CGA student living in London Ontario, and I feel like I couldn't get a corporate accounting position if my life depended on it.

Ever since I began my CGA studies I've always known that I did NOT want to go into public accounting, but the only positions I've been able to get have been seasonal public accounting jobs that don't even pay me enough to support myself. I've reluctantly accepted these positions in desperation, simply to get any accounting-related experience at all.

Each year I add to my education, and each year I end up falling back on public accounting positions that I always knew I never wanted. It's extremely discouraging.

I've tried headhunter type job agencies such as Robert Half and they always end up telling me that the employers that they're finding employees for would always expect at least some form of corporate experience. I cannot even get a basic AP/AR type entry level position because they always seem to require a year or more of experience in a 'similar role'.

Each day I apply to new position via. online job postings as well, and sometimes obtain interviews. However, these interviews tend to eventually lead to the conclusion that I lack the experience required for the job. Either the interviewer is dissapointed when I tell them that I really honestly do have no experience in corporate accounting, or they're simply dissapointed in my (obviously) inexperienced answers to their corporate accounting related questions. I have tried to 'study' my course material in preperation for interviews even, but this does not make up for my lack of experience. I still get asked accounting related questions that I do not have the correct answers for. I remember studying the stuff, but I cannot give direct on-the-spot answers - and it (I think) causes the interviewers to really start to doubt my ability to perform the duties required for the position. I feel that if given opportunity and a bit of guidance, I would easily be able to fit into the jobs that I apply for (it's not like I'm aiming too high or something) yet the interviewers must not have that feeling about me.

I do not have a 'network' of people who can get me into entry level positions - I am not that well connected at all. My family is not in business, and we do not know accountants who could get me interviews or positions.

Its frustrating to know that there are many 4th level CGA students and even those with less education than I have, that have much better jobs than those that I repeatedly try (and fail) to get. Not to mention the fact that I can't even make half the money that many of them make.

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you for your time.