| Topic Name: |
Big4 Recruiting-Location Choice |
| Message Name: |
Bboy105 |
| Date Posted: |
08/16/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
Hi All,
I'm currently a graduate student at a top 10 macc program and will be going through recruiting in September(on-campus). I'm looking to head to Atlanta from my macc program but was told by my career services director that I have a "MUCH BETTER" chance in my hometown in New York because I am an older applicant and because my education and work experience has been developed there.
I am looking for advice and want to know if my age (28) is a factor in considering which location to choose and whether it will place me at a disadvantage.
Thanks. |
| Message: |
I did my interviews last fall, and things went great. At the time, I was 26, but I'll be 28 when I start this January with E&Y.
I never got the impression that my age was even important to any of the interviewers or recruiters. I'm not sure how your age would affect where you can be an effective asset to the firm.
As for location, I think it's good advice to have a REASON for wanting to go somewhere. That is, if you throw a dart on a map, and the recruiter asks you why you want to go to "Atlanta", and you say, "uh, I don't know, it'd be a great place to be," then they might take someone who's more likely to stick around due to family, or some connection.
If you don't want to go back home (New York), then just be prepared to explain "why" you choose a different location.
In my interviews (interviewed with all the Big 4, got offers from all), I was always asked "why" this city over another? From discussion with a partner, I learned that the office I was interviewing for had some problems with out-of-state hires that decided 6 months later that they wanted to transfer back home.
I think your reasons can be as simple as, "I think you have a great portfolio of clients here," "your clients are in industries I have a great interest in," "I've spent a lot of time visiting this city, and really want to make it home," or whatever. But, never indicate that you aren't that connected to the location, since they might assume you're not likely to stick around.
By the way, I'm from a top 10 program as well (depending on what reports you look at). Given that you have that going for you as well, you should have less of a problem getting in where you want to go.
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