Hi,
If I want to work in Big4 as CPA, which school is better?
SJSU or Davis+Master Acct?
Thanks
Have you checked the Career center to see if recruiters frequent either campus? I have heard about the Big 4 recruiting from UC Davis Managerial Econ majors but nothing from SJSU.
Again, you need to do some research. UCB/UCLA and UCSB along with USC are the most frequently mentioned campuses for Big 4 recruiting on several of the websites.
Thank you for your reply.
Yes, I have heard that Big4 recruit from SJSU.
I am thinking which one is better landing on Big 4…
Which one is better might not be as important as what you have to offer each company. With most employers, your job skill set can be more important than the school you attend. I would check with the career center of each school to see if they have some insight on the recruiting and how past students have fared.
Keep in mind that to become a CPA you will need 150 college credits (a typical college degree is about 120 credits) so you may need to go on for a one year MS to get the requisite credits regardless of the college you attend.
And as others have send do your research – check with the career centers at each college and ask things like: how many graduates get Big 4 accounting jobs, is there a minimum GPA to be interviewed by the Big 4, etc.
Well my advice is 20 years dated, but back when I worked for a Big 4, we only recruited from very top schools, so UC Davis would be much better. We actually did go to SJSU, but we literally only recruited their #1 graduate (can’t remember the major). Unfortunately often big name companies care about big name schools for new graduates. I feel once you have work experience, this is not as relevant.
Most important is to earn high grades.
Do both schools offer a major in accounting ?
Best way to a Big 4 career starts with a high GPA & an internship after one’s sophomore or junior year of college.
Google KPMG, PwC & EY to see where they recruit for audit / assurance. If I recall correctlt, KPMG lists a few hundred colleges & universities.
Recruiting for advisory & consulting is much different & more selective.
Best courses to attract Big 4 would deal with data analysis / data analytics.
Deloitte has a true consulting practice & may look for different courses regarding technology knowledge.
As some of the previous posters posted, to qualify to take the CPA, you’ll need an additional 30 semester or 45 quarter units beyond the normal 4 year bachelors degree requirements. A Masters in Accounting would generally fulfill this requirement. Besides UCD’s Masters in Accounting, apparently, SJSU also offers this degree. Another way to fulfill the 5th year requirements is by AP credits or courses taken in a community college or extension course taken.
As another previous poster pointed out (perhaps 20 yrs. dated) that the Big 4 likes prestigious colleges. My Big 8 experience (over 20 years ago) and my son’s current Big 4 experience support the same conclusion. The Big 4 have targeted schools that they recruit from and generally the college student recruited are the best and most prestigious schools in the area. S tells me (which was the same years ago) that in the West Coast, the top targeted schools are UCB Haas, UCLA business econ, USC Leventhal/Marshall, UCSB econ accounting and UW (Seattle) Foster. For example, if PWC has 20 spots to fill in the SF office, 10-12 might be hired from Haas, a few from highly regarded schools outside the Bay Area, and the remainder of the openings for Bay Area schools such as SJSU, USF, SFSU, etc. (generally, the top tier students). SJSU is strong in the San Jose Big 4 office and so it may be a toss up between SJSU and UCD. However, if you are from the mentioned targeted schools, you have at least an equal chance.
As another previous poster mentioned to get a high. If you have a 3.5 from the top school mentioned, you’ll have a good chance. From a lessor school, you’ll need top grades, say at least 3.7+. Also mentioned was the summer internship. To get in, apply early for each of the Big 4’s summer leadership program. The program is about 2 days in the summer and almost automatically leads an offer to an intership
I did not finish above previous post and inadvertently posted without proof reading:
Also mentioned was the summer internship. To get in, apply early for each of the Big 4’s summer leadership program. The program is about 2 days in the summer and almost automatically leads an offer to an internship the following summer. Most summer internship offers are from the previous summer’s leadership program. The leadership and summer internship programs are very competitive. Apply early for the leadership programs which most likely will lead to the internship for the following summer. Many or even most permanently position offers, after graduation, are from the summer internships.