<p>I have a feeling my chances are slim to none considering my accounting gpa is so low. Being an already accepted mpa student in to the program I feel as though that is already an accomplishment. Is there anything I can highlight to big four recruiters to let them know that I am capable and hardworking? I would rather not explain or give excuses as to why I did so poorly. I was an overachiever and tried to finish financial accounting and managerial accounting in a five week period at a community college, which really harmed my basic understanding of accounting. I was very busy with two jobs and a family emergency that really impeded my ability to focus on school work. My overall gpa I'd alright, it could be better. However, I feel as though the 2.0 accounting gpa sticks out like a sore thumb. Should I wait until the next spring semester to do recruiting or should I try and stick it out this semester and give it a shot? If I do recruit does anyone have any reccomendations on how I should approach a recruiter? Is there a possibility I can get an internship with the big four?</p>
<p>Just out of curiosity, what grades did you get for each accounting class at community college? My teacher (who was in A&M’s MPA program) had a friend who got into a big accounting firm with a 2.5 Accounting GPA. It wasn’t a big four company though.</p>
<p>Mandy - Are you interviewing for summer internships? How many accounting classes have you completed?</p>
<p>I’m probably not going to be really helpful because it has been too many years since I’ve interviewed (try 25), but I do want to wish you well. Accounting is a difficult major, especially if one struggles in the foundation courses (Intro and the first Intermediate). This semester, I tutored a neighbor’s son who was struggling in his first classes and I honestly find the way in which universities now teach the intro classes to be pretty atrocious. He was frustrated and I felt so bad for him. I finally had to sack the laptop and his online lessons and pull out good ol’ four column and a mechanical pencil to try to build some understanding of basics. So I understand what you are saying.</p>
<p>A 2.0 GPA in Accting coursework will need explanation even with a regional firm. Working two jobs out of economic necessity is a very respectable explanation. Bottomline…I wouldn’t NOT try…and you should not rule out taking any internship with any public firm. One strategy may be to interview only with smaller firms (if they are recruiting on campus) this round and wait to put your resume in front of the big firms next year when you are able to rehabilitate your GPA a little. You want your first impression with those firms to be rock solid. And in the meantime, do whatever necessary to get that Accting GPA up. Many firms will focus heavily on the accounting coursework over all else. </p>
<p>At the end of the day, the CPA exam is the great equalizer in public accounting…and where you attended school and GPAs will fade in importance. But as a student, it is really all you can put in front of a prospective employer. Wish you the best…you CAN get it done.</p>