Accounting Internships

College Majors Business Major
1

<p>I am an accounting major, and I am in the middle of the fall semester of my sophomore year. My ultimate goal is to work for a Big 4 firm. I have talked to all of the Big 4, along with many other middle-sized accounting firms, and they have all said the same thing: they don't hire sophomores (for the summer after sophomore year), but to do a shadowing program and then apply next year. These shadowing programs are informal and do not require an interview. In addition, the Big 4 have explained their leadership/start/discover programs, which are 3-4 day conferences at a regional office. These require an interview process, but if accepted, they pretty much guarantee an internship the following summer. As of now, I have no office experience, but have a very solid resume (3.96, president of a club, multiple leadership positions, excellent networking). </p>

<p>With the ultimate goal of a full time position with the Big 4, would it be sufficient to do a few shadowing programs with mid size firms, and the three day leadership conferences that the Big 4 have, or should I pursue a full time internship outside of public accounting?</p>

2

<p>Big 4 Summer Leadership Program should be a priority. You can try for a regular internship with a private company if you so desire, but as a former SLP participant and a future intern, you will at the least get a great crack at an internship from the SLP, and more likely get a internship right from it. </p>

<p>But don’t get discouraged if you don’t get an SLP. You sound like you know what you’re doing, but these programs are more competitive than internships.</p>

3

<p>Do whatever you can to get into the leadership programs, try to tutor at your school, go to career fairs/get in touch with Big 4 recruiters.</p>