<p>I have 3.93 overall and 3.77 accounting major GPA. I do Junior Achievement and some other volunteering works. I’m also a member of Beta Alpha Psi and BGS, currently helping in accounting department for Red Cross. I applied for internship interview at school’s career fair for all Big 4, and didn’t get any campus interview appointment. Is there something I’m missing? What should I do? I’m so so desperate right now.</p>
<p>The activities you listed are the same ones that thousands upon thounsands of accounting majors submit to the Big 4. If you haven’t had any leadership positions, you’re not getting an interview. Any joe schmo can show up to meetings. If you arent putting yourself in a leadership position you’re not doing what it takes to get interviews.</p>
<p>Did you know that Morgan Stanley does so much Harvard recruiting that they have an office there for recruiting ? Near or on the campus . My son has several friends with elite jobs , and they all were connected to someone working in the BIG 4 , or interviewed through H-Y- P .</p>
<p>^^Wrong Big 4.</p>
<p>Accounting, what school do you go to? Additionally, did you network? Did the recruiters know who you were, besides a name on paper?</p>
<p>You are doing yourself a disservice by limiting your internship search to the big 4. The national and international accounting firms outside of the big 4 will offer equally valuable experience. Some of these firms are as big, if not bigger than many in the original big 8. Assuming you get a full time job in a national/international accounting firm post graduation you may find that the big 4 may come recruiting after you reach the senior or manager level.</p>
<p>“international accounting firms outside of the big 4”</p>
<p>The Big 4 are the ONLY firms large enough to be international firms. All other firms operate in partnerships with firms in other countries to do work for multi-nationals.</p>
<p>christkd, what are some of the other “big” firms outside the big 4? Grant Thorton and mcgladrey? others?</p>
<p>workingATbig4 “The Big 4 are the ONLY firms large enough to be international firms. All other firms operate in partnerships with firms in other countries to do work for multi-nationals.”</p>
<p>The Big4 aren’t really single firms but rather operate as partnerships as well. You might have a KPMG USA or perhaps North America and a KPMG UK, KPMG Germany etc. Sometimes the local names may have a slightly different name but they are indeed separate partnerships. Of course, you have a governing board etc to coordinate the different partnerships. When AA went under you could see how the different partnerships within the group went their own way. I’m pretty sure that RSM McGladrey, Grant Thornton, BDO Seidman operate in the same fashion as the big 4, i.e., there are local offices overseas using the same name. In contrast, a much smaller regional firm “xx, xa, and yy” may cooperate with “bb, tt and j” in performing audits of their international clients.</p>
<p>ythot26 - in addition to the three firms noted above, the Crow Group may be international. Large national firms include CBIZ, BKD, Plante & Moran. I don’t think the audit experience at the Big 4 or any of the other very large firms is going to differ significantly.</p>
<p>I disagree with Inmotion that experience counts the most. My D had virtually no work experience but had a decent GPA (3.5), good leadership in the accounting club, personable with good networking skills since she was an active participant at the mixers, etc. As far as having to attend a top rated business school, not sure that’s needed, either. At her Big 4 internship this past summer local CA state u’s were well-represented. I’m sure that these interns all had solid GPAs first and foremost.</p>
<p>this might sound stupid, but would it help to be a division 1 golfer to get a job at the big 4?</p>
<p>^ no. not at all…</p>
<p>quick question, if I go to Stern what sort of gpa would I need to get into accounting? most of the top people here want to do ST or IBD, so I assume a lower gpa would be ok?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say that being a top golfer or other athlete wouldn’t help you at all at landing an internship/job. You’re not going to get one just because, but I must imagine that you are more sociable and confident, which will help make an impression on recruiters. Also, talking about your sport may help you connect with the interviewer/recruiter if they are interested in it as well. I would think that anybody should find a way to parlay activities that they are passionate about/experienced in so that they can make an impression on people. But don’t be arrogantt ab out it, either</p>
<p>mwh015 writes “this might sound stupid, but would it help to be a division 1 golfer to get a job at the big 4?”</p>
<p>It definitely won’t hurt. Let’s say you are applying for a job in City A. If the firm has golf tournament competitions with an office in City B then the hiring partner may view your application with more favor than another equally qualified applicant.</p>
<p>^What ********. Partners are typically Old, rich white people who obviously play golf. It gives other rich white kids who play golf that extra advantage. </p>
<p>********.</p>
<p>can anyone answer my question above?</p>
<p>I would assume you should still aim for a pretty good GPA, 3.5 or 3.6. Granted, your school is more prestigious than others are, but that doesn’t mean the grades don’t matter.</p>
<p>sour12,
Going to Stern for accounting is not a good idea. Basically, you will get 200k in debt for 55k salary. There are plenty of good/cheaper schools in NY that can get you a job at a big 4 or anywhere else.</p>
<p>I know so many people who work for big 4 firms, and there is one in particular which a majority of those people are at. Honestly, getting a job at a big four will not require much extra effort besides getting a 3.5 in accounting classes and some networking with your career center, recruiters, and friends. You first land the senior year internship which leads into your graduate work and then your full time after you sit for the CPA completing your MAA or MTA. </p>
<p>The big 4 four track is pretty straightforward in my opinion.</p>