<p>I graduated from Villanova w/ a degree in Finance. Obviously not good enough to get an accounting job so I started a masters of acctg with a concentration in tax. I'll finish up in about 2 years. Just wondering if my series 7 license would help me get a job with the big 4? Also, since I'm 28 now do I even have a chance of getting an entry level job when im done with my masters? If so, what's the best way to go about it.. internship or go straight for a full-time position?</p>
<p>Forget about passing the Series 7, you need to be affiliated with a FINRA regulated broker/dealer to keep the license. Big 4 firms are NOT registered broker/dealers. (If you leave a broker/dealer and do not affiliate with another one within a specific period of time, your Series 7 expires and you would need to pass it again if you eventually go back into the industry.) Concentrate on passing the CPA!</p>
<p>Where are you getting your MAcc/MSA? If the Big 4 actively recruit at the school, you should be able to get campus interviews - assuming you meet the GPA requirements. I don’t believe your age will be held against you, but be prepared to discuss how and why you have arrived at this moment in your life. Be prepared to answer why you majored in finance if you immediately then go on for masters in accounting.</p>
<p>If you can get an internship, definitely do so!! Since you were not an accounting major, you are on the two year plan for the masters - there should be time for an internship in between years. Most Big 4 firms hire 90%+ of their interns - basically, unless there is an economic collapse, you are hired as long as you don’t screw-up.</p>