<p>I was invited to a very selective one day big four recruiting event a few weeks ago. I was surprised to see that most of the students came from colleges that I never even heard of. Almost all of the student were from no-name small liberal art colleges with "ok GPAs". I not trying to be rude at all or saying im the best, but I was surprised. I was expecting to see students from good state schools and maybe a even few Ivies. What is going on here?</p>
<p>Accounting has blown up, and the Big 4 are "sucking wind" to find warm bodies in some locations.</p>
<p>Each of the four firms have slightly different recruiting strategies that usually match the culture of the firm. One of the firms I interviewed with, for instance, had an air of elitism in the firm, and the dinner (for those who were extended offers) made that very clear. The vast majority of students were from the same four schools (which is very selective when you consider the number of schools in Massachusetts). Another firm I interviewed with focused more on diversity and that showed in their recruiting. I think just about every school in the area was represented. While there were students from "no name" schools, they were usually the best students at those schools.</p>
<p>This is a big differentiation point amongst the firms. Which type of environment do you prefer to work in? Some people feel that it's best to work with the "best of the best" and like to keep an exclusive circle. Others like to work with a diverse group of people, each from very different backgrounds.</p>
<p>You generally don't see many Ivy students, either because they don't offer accounting at all (Harvard) or because they are much more slanted towards finance (Wharton).</p>
<p>Griff is also correct about the Big 4 being on a hiring spree. It's slowed down, but there's still a big need.</p>
<p>Although, are you sure there were students from liberal arts colleges? There usually isn't a lot of recruiting from schools that don't have accounting programs.</p>
<p>I see, good explanation. I guess they have quotes that they must fill. However, it was confusing to see several students there with 3.2 GPAs and lower from "no name" schools. While , I know several 3.9+ students with great personalities at my school (good state) that would have loved to work for the big four. A lot of the students there said they were invited because they have connections. Also, not many of them had real accounting work experience. In my opinion recruiting via connections is flawed because it can lead to the situation above. If you were the CEO of a company would you feel comfortable knowing HR was hiring the well connected guys with average grades and not the smart quality students that could made you a lot of money? My only explanation is my friends with the 3.9+ must be really lazy when it come to recruiting and probably did not make an effort.</p>
<p>"If you were the CEO of a company would you feel comfortable knowing HR was hiring the well connected guys with average grades and not the smart quality students that could made you a lot of money?"</p>
<p>You are absolutely right. But, the CEO may feel confident that the HR person in question has done very well, and trust their judgment on the hiring. On paper the candidate may not seem appealing, but perhaps this person has shown a strong track record that this particular HR person knows of, or the connection knows. </p>
<p>GPA's, Schools, and stats are all important; I am not going to fight that. But some students are just as motivated, despite their GPA. There are unique situations these HR people take into account. My overall GPA is pretty low, but ever since I have switched over to my passion I have a 3.8, with a 4.0 in my concentration. I would hope that some day, someone in HR could overlook this and hire me, and see my enthusiasm and motivation. </p>
<p>Congrats by the way, on being invited.</p>
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GPA's, Schools, and stats are all important; I am not going to fight that. But some students are just as motivated, despite their GPA. There are unique situations these HR people take into account.
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<p>GPA's are generally used as a weeder for profiling students... howver, they are not the end all-be all. Life is dynamic, and doesn't fit into simple categories like it may seem while you're in school. Additionally, sometimes those who don't do as well in the grade area actually learn more, because they have been making mistakes and being ok with this natural aspect of the learning process.</p>
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<p>I absolutely agree. There are many more dimensions to human other than GPA. And your are correct, in that GPA is a quick guide to how well you are motivated. This can be comparable to the arguement as to whether rankings are important of not.</p>
<p>I agree, however I was surprised because I know many students that have great personalities and high GPAs and did not get any offers. While, at the same time the students at the event had great personalities but average credentials. Can you see how it does not make sense?</p>
<p>georgejone,</p>
<p>Maybe this is one of many facets in life that are unavoidable. There will always be a better candidate in any position. Like the saying goes, "There is always someone better." You will always encounter people who are not suitable for their job, or don't perform to their task. All you can do is improve yourself and prove yourself to your task. Whether it be a job, school, or any day task, doing your best is the best option to take.</p>
<p>Try not to dwell on others, and don't worry about the candidates at your own school. Be proud that you had a chance to attend this particular event, and try to maximize your chances of landing your ideal job. As long as you get the job, "can you see how it does make sense?"</p>
<p>Lol, that’s good advise. Thanks. At least I didn’t get screwed over .</p>
<p>I'm not worried , I’m just a curious person.</p>
<p>I;m surprised nobody mentioned that none of the big 4 even have CEO's</p>
<p>maybe becuase that has nothing to do with being hired out of school?</p>
<p>Swanson,</p>
<p>I think many of us know that Accounting firms are essentially headed by Partners. However, in this case I believe georgejone was making a generalization of industries and companies, not specifically accounting firms. </p>
<p>Nonetheless, good catch.</p>