I was wondering if the size/reputation of the company you’d work for would affect your chances of getting into a prestigious MBA program? I’m set on becoming a CPA and likely working at a non Big 4, but reputable, accounting firm in my city. However, I got a message on LinkedIn this week from an alum from my university and recruiter from Amazon who was interested in me applying at Amazon. If I wanted to apply for a top 10 MBA program, which would be more impressive for admissions officers?
What if I went for the non-Big 4 and applied for a job later at Amazon? I’m thinking about working at the former first, at least until I can get my CPA license. Would that be ok?
I’m a CPA and my S recently got his CPA. When you decide consider how big/small is the CPA firm – is it a large international firm (like a McGladrey) or a tiny local firm? Think about what kind of expreince you will get there.
If you want to consider working at Amazon and getting your CPA license you should check your state board rules for getting your work experience at a private company. In most states you will have to do financial work for a CPA at the private company and get a letter/form vouching for your work experience for the work at the company for your time there to count as CPA usable work experience.
Also if you didn’t pass the exam yet, it doesn’t hurt to ask both companies if they would pay for a Becker CPA review course (which are expensive and very helpful).
In terms of admissions to a MBA program it is hard to predict – a lot will depend on what you actually accomplish at the two companies. Amazon may be more unusual but that doesn’t always mean it is “better”.