<p>Hi guys!</p>
<p>Like many students Ive seen on this site, I have my hopes set on employment with one of the Big 4 accounting firms. My question is about the steps I should take both immediately and in the future to improve my chances, given my current circumstances.</p>
<p>My goal (which I hope isnt too ambitious) at this point is to aim for one of the programs designed for students who are two years or so from graduation. Though I have enough credits to be considered a junior, I will not be graduating until the spring of 2016. I believe that would qualify me to apply, but please correct me if Im wrong. </p>
<p>A bit of background: </p>
<p>-Currently attending a community college with intent to transfer next spring to our state university (from which 3 of the Big 4 recruit).</p>
<p>-I have about a year of part-time non-accounting work experience. Im employed at a small company where I do mostly graphic design work for them, but I also remade and currently manage their website using my (basic) web design skills.</p>
<p>-Recently elected to a VP position for our schools chapter of an honor society.</p>
<p>-Accepted offer to complete summer congressional internship at a local district office.</p>
<p>-Some sporadic volunteer work. However, I'd like to be involved in ongoing volunteer work on a regular basis. This week, Ill be meeting with a local nonprofit to work out a schedule to volunteer with them over the summer. I believe I'll be tutoring/mentoring kids, probably helping out with other miscellaneous tasks, etc. </p>
<p>-Attended several school workshops geared toward professional/leadership development, etc. </p>
<p>-Cumulative 3.75 GPA. I know its not an awful GPA, but it isnt the highest. Im honesty a bit worried about it. I would feel much more comfortable if I was sitting at a 3.8. Am I putting too much emphasis on this? </p>
<p>The GPA is from my associates degree, which was just in general studies in science. (Im an accounting major now, though.) I didnt quite know what I wanted to pursue at the time and, consequently, I wasnt as focused and motivated as I am now. I dabbled around in several majors, eventually migrating from the social sciences to the life and physical sciences. I know I could have done better, but Im doing what I can now to move forward and bring it up a bit more. It could be a 3.79 by the end of this upcoming fall term if all goes well (my last semester here at the community college). </p>
<p>Am I on the right track? What else should I be doing right now? What should I do in the future and when?</p>
<p>I just dont feel competitive enough. I know its not easy to be invited to attend a summer program, even a local one. However, I feel that doing a summer program next summer would help me to get an internship in the future. And of course, I've read enough threads on here to appreciate the benefits of interning at the Big 4! :P </p>
<p>Thoughts, please?</p>