[Nami]

Big 4 doesn’t recruit through my campus. I heard that you can have their employees refer you.

I do not have anyone that I knew who works at Big 4. How should I begin with this ?

Illinois CPA 02/15

[umkcfuturecpa]

You can still apply through their websites. Also, LinkedIn to start building a network; look for alumni from your school. Find some seniors/managers at the firms you're interested in and start sending some emails, let them know you're interested in learning more about what they do, etc etc. DO NOT immediately ask for help to get an interview. Ask thoughtful questions, see if they have time to meet for coffee or something (they may not).

REG - 87 (Becker)
AUD - 96 (Becker & Ninja MCQs)
FAR - 85 (Becker, Ninja MCQs, Audio and Blitz)
BEC - Last one! Waiting on score release 11/24!

Remember: a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

[ScarletKnightCPA]

Yeah you are not supposed to immediately bring up an interview or getting a referral, I've heard this being said previously and it makes sense, how do you get them to do it? Just hope that they like you and do it?

I have messaged dozens of individuals asking if they had any time to talk on linkedin and I have had 0 responses.

Far: 76 (Wiley Test Bank)
Aud: 77 (Wiley Test Bank)
Reg: 61, 76 (Wiley book, Wiley Test Bank)
Bec: 86 (Wiley Test Bank)

MBA in progress

[umkcfuturecpa]

All you can really do is keep at it and hope someone bites eventually. If you can score an “informational meeting” (aka coffee) with someone, that's the best strategy for them to get to know you. Unfortunately you just have to rein in any urge to be aggressive with it and hope that eventually someone is having a generous day and says yes. It worked for me once (all my other networking/interviews came from BAP/on campus recruiting), and I ended up with an eventual offer from it.

EDIT: And this is also why tracking down alumni works best!

REG - 87 (Becker)
AUD - 96 (Becker & Ninja MCQs)
FAR - 85 (Becker, Ninja MCQs, Audio and Blitz)
BEC - Last one! Waiting on score release 11/24!

Remember: a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

[thechapman]

You could also start asking anyone you know that you feel comfortable with if they know anyone working at one of those firms. That might be a substitute for emails based on things you find on LinkedIn since there's some sort of connection you have there

Passed - 2014

[005]

perhaps consider going regional/national and later applying to Big4

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[kmaahs]

Find a school they recruit at and show up to all their events. If you don't already legitimately know someone, this is your best chance. Sure, you aren't technically a student at whatever school, but if you are a good candidate and get along with the recruiters you may just sneak into their interview pipeline. If nothing else, you will be on their radar.

C.P.A.

[Author]

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