| Topic Name: |
Need some Big 4 Recruiting/Career advice |
| Message Name: |
Thanks, have some more school questions |
| Date Posted: |
08/22/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
Vincey37 -
I highly recommending pursuing higher education - not only because you're only 20 but if you start working now, you'll be working for the rest of your life. One or two more years in school aren't going to kill you. I currently work at a Big 4 and I can say that our office is looking specifically for people with their graduate degrees - if you have an undergrad only, you'll be doing compliance. Oh and quite honestly, I'd say find a real school - on line schooling is not respected at the Big 4 - at least not at our firm. Also, for your sake, if you want to survive at a Big 4 and not pull out all of your hair, you really do need an accounting background. An MBA isn't going to help you all that much in your case - esp since it's going to be from a not-so great school. As for your questions:
1) You'll be making less money with only an undergrad. No matter what, you will have to get your CPA - so you'll end up working and going to school (which stinks) - the Big 4 require that before you can progress to manager.
2) An Masters in accounting.
3)I don't think it really makes a difference where you go to school (unless youre doing the online thing - in which case youre going to be fighting an uphill battle). The CPA exam is not gravy - it's necessary now a days. If you were interviewing someone(who hadnt taken the CPA exam and had an on line education) vs. someone with a traditional education background and who had taken the CPA exam - who would you hire. Most of the ppl I've come in contact with at recruiting at pursuing a non-online education and taking the exam shortly after or right in their last semester.
4)If you go to a big school and you have a decent resume and grades, you can go anywhere. One of the perks of the Big 4 - talk to the career counseling office at the school you plan to attend.
5)Not familiar with the schools.
Good luck. |
| Message: |
Thank you for the very informative reply.
Regarding the online issue, do you think recruiters would actually ask about delivery format when the degree is coming from a well established traditional school (Auburn for example as a "regular" school which offers the MS online)?
Also, from my research calling several career offices, the Big 4 seem to send representatives even to tier 4 national schools and local schools. Do you think they are seriously looking to hire from these places or is it just an obligatory visit while the real opportunities go to the top schools?
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