[netalvin]

I have accepted an full time offer after my internship this summer with one of the big 4 firms. However, they did not give me the starting date I want. I just saw that other big 4 firms just posted the full time position with my preferable starting date at my school. Do you guys think should I apply other firms even I already have an offer? Thanks.

Reg: 08/14 Passed
Far: 10/14 ????
Aud: 11/14 ????
Bec: 01/15 ????

[NEY_000]

What is the difference between the start dates? Is it really going to make a difference long term? Since you've already interned, you know the culture and are slightly familiar with how things are done.

Is it really worth it to burn bridges?

AUD - 81 (5/5/14)
REG - 67 (7/28/14) b00; (10/3/2014)
BEC -
FAR -

[ssmagnus]

@netalvin. I would be careful because although they are competing for the same population of students, the recruiters all talk to each other. I know because I used to help out with recruiting activities at a Big 4 in a prior life. If you are going to apply with other firms, I would tell the other firms, up front, that you are unsure about where you want to be and this is such a huge decision in your life so you are still exploring all options before you ultimately decide where you want to work once you are done with college (that would include letting them know you jumped at the first opportunity for an internship in the spirit of prudence). They will respect you for being honest.

AUD 93 (5/14)
FARE 80 (8/14)
BEC 77 (11/14)
REG 81 (4/15)

[fuzyfro89]

Don't really understand your point. Are they trying to push back your start date from fall 2015 to January 2016? If you want September and they are giving you October, then I can't help you.

Otherwise, it's a legit reason to look elsewhere.

Perhaps consider telling them you strongly prefer to start in fall 2015.

Few options, which are all a slight risk in their own ways:

– If they don't budge, then see if you can get a competitor to offer you a position in fall 2015, and bring it to them to demand the date you want.

– Get another offer, and take the new offer, and withdraw your prior acceptance.

Both situations will run the risk of burning a bridge (at least with HR), so you'll have to judge that cost. To be honest, in a medium/large city, they'll forget you within a few months. Only HR will know directly, and maybe the practice partner-in-charge of recruiting when they find out there will be one more hire than originally forecast. Most people don't really care about you as much as people will lead you to believe… HOWEVER, it's still a risk since it's a smaller world than you probably think.

[thechapman]

With the number of people on A71 that I've seen doing everything they can to get ANY accounting job they can get their hands on, I would just adjust your schedule around the start date you were given. It's not really worth the risk considering they could find someone else within the hour…

Passed - 2014

[Anonymous]

Pretty much what chapman said.

Do you think it's realistic to risk burning bridges just for leverage over a starting date?

Think long term: you've already interned there, do you think they would give you a good recommendation to a potential employer after that?

I hate to burst your bubble, but until you hit the five (or so) year mark, you are quite replaceable.

[netalvin]

Thanks for the advice. I think I will adjust my schedule and stick with my current offer. 🙂

Reg: 08/14 Passed
Far: 10/14 ????
Aud: 11/14 ????
Bec: 01/15 ????

[Author]

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