[eddly]

I finished my undergrad with a 3.25 gpa. I worked many nights during school and I also had/have a young family (three children by the end of undergrad). I have two degrees - Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and a Business degree with a focus in Accounting of all things. Grades are important, but you also need communication skills. If you are incredibly shy but have a 4.0, you likely will not find a position with a CA firm.

It is assumed that you have a grasp of accounting, what recruiters are really looking for is your communications skills and how well you would work in a team environment. If you have no relevant work or volunteer experience, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage, but it isn't the end of the world.

I generally only work 40 hours a week, unless of course we're up against a tight deadline. The stories of 80 hour work weeks is generally for those fortunate to be working in Toronto... a little more relaxed in BC (however BC also has the lowest salary for CA students in Canada).