<p>I'm currently a junior and pursuing double concentrations in CPA-track Accounting and Finance. Out of undergraduate college, I want to work as an accountant (hopefully in the Big 4) for a couple of years, and although this is far into the future, I want to eventually possibly go get a MBA and do investment banking in New York. How do business schools view CPA-Accountants with a few years of work experience AND I guess potential employers in the investment bank industry? I've heard from some people that accountants are sometimes looked down upon by investment banking and a recruiter said not having "CPA-track Accounting" in the resume altogether won't hurt if I am looking for a finance internship.</p>
<p>that is a pretty solid route to get into IB, imo. Big 4 is great corp. experience for an MBA program.</p>
<p>^Maybe for the average MBAs. Definitely NOT for the top MBAs.</p>
<p>Perhpas… I do think the coming few years of top MBA applicants will be different though. Keep in mind that there are extraordinarily few post-undergrad positions in consulting and investment banking due to economic circumstances. Given these circumstances, there will not be many applicants with any corporate work experience at all, making Big 4 experience very solid.</p>
<p>By the time you get enough big 4 experience to be considered competitive for a top MBA program, you’d be up for a manager promotion and would be making close to what the average starting salary for the MBA you just paid 100 grand for in addition to the 2 years salary you forgone by attending the program. </p>
<p>You might was well stick around to make senior manager/director/principal/partner at the B4 if you already put that much effort into your career.</p>