<p>They didn’t mention GPA but I did. They are crying that its cliquish and what not, but the truth is their GPAs aren’t high enough. High GPA can also compensate for personality too.</p>
<p>The reason I am so succesful at interviews is because of my personality. Just like you said I make it quite clear I am aggressive and ambitious, always looking to undertake new and challenging opportunities. I also exude confidence 24/7. My resume pretty much shows that I am an ambitious individual, with 4 internships during my undergrad and CPA completed on the first try 8 months out of school.</p>
<p>I got laid off mainly due to the economy. I’m also not naive and ignorant enough to believe my personality did not have any factor in it. I did not receive any reviews lower than meeting expectations, but I am sure my confidence, or maybe over confidence in their eyes rubbed some people the wrong way. It’s something I am keeping in check in the present and in the future. You have a chance in public accounting, just get a high GPA like I’ve been preaching. You just need to prove that you are aggressive and confident during the interview, not after :)</p>
<p>If your GPA was so high then why don’t you have a job. A high GPA might be critical to getting in with the “big 4”, but it is not going to be key to retaining a job. </p>
<p>I have an average GPA, but I have a job with a “Big 4” firm.</p>
<p>I’d considering a 3.7+ high. I’d consider a 3.5+ definitely good enough.</p>
<p>Taccount quit crying son because you had a low GPA. I don’t even have a 3.75+ like skooby does but I’m not going to hate on it like you. You might think you are sitting comfortably with your low average GPA right now at Big 4, but soon you’ll reailze it will limit your choices when it comes to the best business or law schools. I’m glad I won’t have that issue. I love people with average GPA’s always finding some kind of way to rationlize it. Can’t just admit having a higher GPA is OBVIOUSLY superior and looked favorably upon. Denying = mediocre.</p>
<p>Skooby, nice GPA keep it up, or even get it higher if possible. Also prepare to laugh as you apply to Top 5 MBA schools and taccount is stuck doing Big 4 accounting. Hilarious kiddo.</p>
<p>The economy is so tough now that companies are extremely picky these days. Also more people have chosen to major in accounting in recent years and what we have is oversupply of accounting grads looking for entry-level positions with CPA firms. Your GPA was good enough back then when the economy was good and there weren’t as many fresh accounting grads. The level of competition and criteria are a lot different now and you can’t use the same old measuring stick. You should be thankful that you got a job when the job market was good.</p>
<p>Of course having the highest GPA would be the best. Nobody shoots for average GPA’s.
I just don’t think it is the end of the world if you don’t. It obviously won’t help you retain a job, as we can see in your case.</p>
<p>My average was 84% overall. My business average was 91%. I had two kids throughout university and working. While I am not blaming my average GPA on being a parent, admission offices should take that into consideration. I have no doubt if I was living in my parents basement I would have a 4.0. If I don’t get into a top 5 or even 20 it is not going to bother me.</p>
<p>Nobody is hating on people who have high GPAs, maybe you should stop ragging on those who have average GPAs.</p>
<p>Taxguy, would you happen to know anything about the area of international tax, and what that entails? Also, if you want to have a job that involves travel (i.e. doing consulting abroad, going to meetings in different cities, etc.), is it possible to have that in the tax area, especially if you do consulting/open your own firm, or is that basically limited to audit?</p>
<p>Also, exactly what avenues does a JD/CPA open for a person that a CPA alone wouldn’t? Does the prestige of the law school matter for that, or is just having a law degree from a half-decent school good enough?</p>
<p>Creamgetharmoney, franklly, I know little about international tax other than the one course that I took in it at law school. A lot of it involved US folks and businesses working abroad and issues that deal with other country’s citizens working in the US. There is a big demand for experts in this area though.</p>
<p>As for travel, generally tax folks don’t do a lot of traveling from what I have seen. If you go work for a consulting firm, you may travel a lot.</p>
<p>A JD/CPA,which is what I have, can open a lot of doors IF you want to do some tax law and draft documents. If you don’t want to draft documents or practice law, it is still nice to have for several reasons:</p>
<ol>
<li>It gives much stronger credibility than a CPA or JD alone</li>
<li>Tax is a legal discipline. Thus, you generally get better training in case analysis and research and in legal brief writing at the law schools than you would simply studying accounting.</li>
</ol>
<p>Hmm, so how exactly do people typically break into the international tax scene? Is that similar to doing work as a tax consultant or are they separate?</p>
<p>Regarding the JD/CPA, people make a big deal about attending a top 14 law school. However, most people mention this in regards to doing Big Law or high-profile criminal law, but do you feel that not attending a very prestigious institution would severly limit you in tax law as well? Also, what is the typical career path for someone if they were to do this? Do they first get work experience/a CPA or what?</p>
<p>There are various ways to achieve high credibility as a tax expert. Having a CPA and a JD is good. Being a licensed attorney with a CPA is even better.</p>
<p>The most efficient way in terms of time and money spent is probably to get an accounting degree followed with work experience and a CPA certification and then a Masters in Taxation within a few years after undergrad.</p>
<p>Being a credible expert in taxation or anything else is largely a matter of attaining expertise and then publicizing that expertise through public speaking, writing and public service within the area of expertise.</p>
<p>College Confidential,
Hello, I am currently an undergrad at University of South Florida. I am majoring in accounting and am wondering what is the best way to sit for the CPA. My college is accredited by the AACSB for thier business program as well as accounting. I have a few options to sit for the CPA. I can get a MBA with a concentration in forensic accounting and tax, or I can get a Macc, or I can double major in accounting and finance. All are the same credits except for the MBA which is an extra six credits. The MBA program will accept accounting students with no work expirience. I am wondering which is the best route? I am able to sit for the CPA after I graduate with only 4 years college credits. The MBA program will most likely take longer because they only offer night classes and is tailored to be accomplished in two years. thanks in advance for any responses.</p>
<p>i didn’t get any internships and i have 3 office visits with the big4. what should i do to increase my chance of getting a full time offer next year? </p>
<p>I would get the MAcc instead of the MBA. The amount of time and money it takes to get the MAcc are much lower than getting an MBA. Besides, you can always get the MBA once you are ready to make a career switch from accounting.</p>
<p>gobluecpa,
thank you for the response. I just set up an appointment this morning to speak to the graduate advisor about both programs. It is important for me to make the right choice. I was leaning towards MBA because it seems to be much broader, but I have much more soul searching to do.</p>
<p>I know it’s a bit early, but I’m an international student, going to US for college in 2010. I’m interested in accountancy, but specifically, I just need to clarify (since all the school credits systems are really confusing) is it possible at all to take the CPA right after you graduate from college, no matter which state you are in?</p>
<p>Asking this because I will be on student visa which will probably expire really soon after I graduate, and my country only recognizes the CPA for accountancy taken in the US.</p>