<p>i kno work experience is necessary to get into almost all mba programs, especially the top ones, but i was wondering how the top programs(top 10-15) look at working for one of the big 4 accounting firms? is this viewed favorably or will it be looked down upon?</p>
<p>i am a junior at Rutgers University pursuing an UG degree in accounting, my gpa is currently a 3.55 (should get to a 3.65-3.7 by graduation) and i am hoping to work for one of the big 4 accounting firms after i graduate for a few(3-5) yrs before i head back to pursue my MBA. </p>
<p>also, i plan on getting my Masters in Accountancy while working full time and i also plan on getting my CPA after completing my masters, how do top MBA programs view candidates that have Masters and their CPA license? thanks guys, ur insight is very much appreciated.</p>
<p>An MBA is a means to end. If you have a MSAcc and work for a big 4 you may not need the MBA to get where you want. I do what you want now and wait and see where you are when that time comes.</p>
<p>well i am hoping to get into a top MBA program so i can get into IBanking or other lucrative fields in finance....the thing abt public accounting is that the money isnt great unless u stick it out for 10+ yrs and hope to make Partner around year 13-14 and the salary along the way only increases steadily for the first 8-10 yrs, u only see a drastic jump once u make Director.</p>
<p>but how is working for the Big 4 looked at? i know its nothing close to working for IB, but would top programs see this as sufficient work experience to accept u into their program granted that ur GPA and GMAT scores are up to par?</p>
<p>you sound just like me right now... already planning for an MBA even before starting work in public accounting LOL.</p>
<p>the big 4 is a funny place. a crucial factor for success is how well you play in the office politics. if you can bust BALLS and work 100 hours a week for an entire year and make senior in 1 yr, you will be looked at favorably by MBA adcoms. although the down side to this is if you work the same 100 hours and you don't have anyone to speak up for you when it comes time for your annual review, i don't think you'll be sticking around for years 2-5.</p>
<p>i was in your case and i figure i should just go with the flow. i don't see any point in aiming to say in public accounting for X number of years because it only takes a poor review in a promotion year to get you walking from your firm.</p>
<p>just work your butt off, play the office politics game well and don't **** anyone off and let things sort itself out from there. by the way, no point in getting a MAAC if you plan to get an MBA, just pass the CPA exam.</p>