Average Acounting Major's prospective job opporunities?

<p>Alright, I've heard a lot about this site, good and bad, but I'll give it a go in terms of my question. I'm no elitist, nor am I a perfectionist. </p>

<p>Currently, I am a senior at Cal State Fullerton majoring in accounting. My cumulative GPA up until now is 3.01, and My accounting GPA is 2.83(hella low, I know, but I've only taken three courses, so far and i'll complete the other 4 at the end of this semester). Why my GPA is relatively low? Let's call it a combination of going to school when I shouldn't be going, overworking myself, and laziness, more so during my freshman year. </p>

<p>Anyway, I wanted some perspective on my job opportunities once I graduate in May. I know that I'm putting myself at a disadvantage in terms of job hunt wise as I will be moving to Salt Lake City, Utah in May, which of course is a smaller market than Orange County, California. I'm moving there for family purposes, by the way. I do NOT want to work for any of the big 4 accounting firms, because personally, I have worked harder outside of school than most other students around my age of 21, and I would not like work myself into oblivion at such a young age. Ideally, I would like to work private for a few years, then complete my MAcc at the University of Utah. Subsequently, I would begin the chase for my CPA license. Ideally, I would want to be eligible to sit by the age of 25.</p>

<p>Accordingly, I was wondering what steps I can take to land at least a decent paying job once I'm out of school. I do have experience as a financial planning intern, and I am still currently active in a business fraternity where I have held a couple of positions. In terms of moving to a new market, which steps could I take to network in that new market to set myself up nicely once I graduate.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance.</p>