Accounting careers outside of the "Big 4"

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

<p>I'm torn!</p>

<p>It's coming time for me to figure out where I want to work after college. This summer I'm doing a leadership program with both Ernst & Young and Grant Thornton.</p>

<p>I know that at the end of these things, they offer interviews to people who performed well to come back for an internship with the company. While obviously it's a bit early, I’m wondering what I would theoretically do if I were offered one at both companies.</p>

<p>I have a passion for anything within the Real Estate industry and would love to try out an accounting internship where I could do either tax or audit (or hopefully both at some point) at an accounting firm. Anything involving REIT’s, construction companies, etc. I have been trying to find out which of the Big 4 has the largest operations in this industry but have been finding nothing. Maybe it’s too specific? Does anyone know?</p>

<p>I want to do something in real estate. If both Grant Thornton and EY had opportunities in that field, which should I choose? </p>

<p>I really like Grant Thornton. They’ve really reached out to me and I like both their culture and the people I've met there. However, a friend of mine was telling me that I would be limiting myself and hurting my career in the long-term by working at a non-Big 4 firm. EY is also a great company, but I’m not sure if it’s for me. The size of the company and some of the people there sort of intimidate me. </p>

<p>Is working at a non-Big 4 accounting firm really that big of a deal?</p>

2

<p>I can’t speak from experience, but in one of my accounting classes we had presentations from three firms: Baker Tilly, McGladrey, and PwC. Baker Tilly and McGladrey both sounded like awesome places to work for.</p>

3

<p>Yes it is a little early to be thinking about this. You’ll be in a much better position to make an informed decision next year. </p>

<p>Learn more about the two companies during this summer. Next fall, apply for interviews at a bunch of companies. Interview, do office visits, and then make an informed decision. </p>

<p>All else being equal, big4 will give you slightly more opportunity. But mid-sized firms like GT are well-known and great places to start your career also. Plus, if you fit in better at GT, you’re likely to perform better at GT, which will potentially be better for your LT career.</p>