<p>I'm a 3rd year business major. Last night my school's career center had the accounting "meet and greet"; all the big firms were there, each gave presentations, had booths set, answered questions, etc...</p>
<p>Anyways, I'd be interested in working for one of those firms, I know it opens doors to amazing opportunities. But they all said that they want people with the total package - you know, math wiz quantitative skills, the social skills of a Bill Clinton, and enough accounting knowledge to be a walking encyclopedia! </p>
<p>How crazy are these jobs? If someone is not a genius with a 'superstar' personality, will you even last a month, if you're lucky enough to talk your way into one of these firms? </p>
<p>I would love to work for the Big 4. While I'm no idiot (GPA 3.40, upward trending), I don't know if I can hold my own with the calibre of person the recruiters seem to take in (from the presentations last night). </p>
<p>How much an a superstar do you have to be to make it at these places??</p>
<p>You don't have to be a superstar to GET in. You are going to have to be a little better than average obviously. They want well rounded people, good grades, good work experience, decent communcation skills, and maybe one or two extra activities. </p>
<p>Getting in and performing excellent on the job are two different things. Big 4 is pretty much college all over again. You enter your job with your "class" of whatever # of new hires who are all on a level playing field. Most of your class are recent college grads around the same age. Your evaluations will set you apart from your class. You could potentially be promoted to senior faster, and then to manager based on your performance. Obviously being a superstar (Excellent in all areas) will help you achieve this.</p>
<p>3.4 will cut it with some work experience, extra, blah blah blah and some networking. If your GPA is lower, it also helps to be at a school known for its accounting program or more prestigious school in general. Just be aware that the lower your GPA is the higher the risk of not getting in. I don't care what anyone says about not necessarily NEEDING a high ass GPA to get a job at Big 4 because it's true there are other factors, but having a high GPA really puts in you amazing shape to get in.</p>
<p>You can, emphasis on can, but most of those chosen for on campus interviews are picked based on GPA. There are outliers, i was an outlier, but i can tell you that your chances are much greater when you have a higher GPA.</p>
<p>My friend at UConn has a 3.2 and its getting a job at a Big 4. I think other factors like the strength of a school (UConn is ranked high for accounting) and being able to network and join clubs is more important.</p>