<p>I have a situation that may be just alittle bit different than most college undergraduates but can't be the only one in this situation. I attend Robert Morris University, a small private business school near Pittsburgh. I am a Marine Corps veteran of 4 years and currently using the G.I. Bill as an undergraduate accounting student with a 3.62 GPA. I am in my second year; however, this is my 4th semester and because I do summer semesters as well and I got 21 credits from military experience, I am right along with the Juniors in terms of graduation date. In fact I will have more credits than them when they graduate needing only 15 more to get the 150. The problem arises in me being ahead, yet behind. I am far ahead of the the sophmores, yet alittle behind the juniors in regards to accounting courses compelted. I am taking Intermediate I and AIS this semester and Intermediate II and Tax in the Spring. I thought because I didn't have that many accounting courses completed going into this semester that I should wait to apply for interships, especially big 4. Then I found out that the most accounting firms around here do all of their recruiting in September. Even though Deloitte and PwC are the only big 4 firms recruiting at my school. So I started applying for interships in October to smaller firms and filling out talent profiles on thet Big 4 websites. I do plan on attending University of Pittsburgh's MAcc 1 year program after graduation so I would in a sense have another summer opportunity to get an internship. My question is, should I in the mean time try and get an internship doing individual tax returns or private accounting at a chain retail company? (I have offers for both) Ideally I want something in Public, and eventually that is what I want to; however, would either of those internships help me at all in the long run towards getting an internship with the BIg 4 next year? Also like I said only those 2 seem to recruit at my school. Is there anyway to really have a chance at E&Y or KPMG? Thank you in advance.</p>
<p>I don’t have an exact answer, but I would take the offer at either one of the smaller firm since you didn’t get an offer from Deloitte or PwC. A related internship is better than having no internship. Since you are only in your second year then you should still be fine. As most start applying to the Big 4 in their junior year. Just keep up with networking and apply next year. I can’t answer your chances at E&Y or KPMG, but I would apply anyways even if they don’t recruit at your college.</p>
<p>Thank you for you response; however, sorry if I was unclear in my post. I am technically in my second year, but credit wise and on pace graduation wise with the third year (junior) students. This is where my confusion and stupid aprehension came from.</p>
<p>Hmm I see your problem now. Unfortunately I am limited for much of a response. I would still apply next year and try to get any summer internships as well. If anyone else would like to chime in please do so.</p>
<p>Any relevant work experience helps, but given your background I don’t see it as necessary. Just depends on how much you want to hedge your bets.</p>
<p>I’m not personally familiar with recruiting in Pittsburgh, but I can’t imagine E&Y and KPMG would pass on Pitt. You’ll have your chance at those firms as a MAcc student.</p>
<p>Also keep in mind Pittsburgh is a small business market. For perspective, the Big 4 have more people in Irvine, a suburb an hour from LA, than they do Pittsburgh. You may want to consider a market with more opportunity.</p>