[mburn16]

Hello all,

I have to admit I’m coming here at something of a moment of very high stress. First, a little bit about myself: I’m a new graduate student (straight from undergrad) in Michigan, working on my MSA which I will have at the end of the summer next year. I’ve got a 3.7 overall GPA, and a 3.5 accounting GPA, as well as being a member of Beta Alpha Psi. Unfortunately, I’ve never had an internship in accounting (this may have something to do with the fact that I switched my major at the beginning of junior year, and so was always somewhat behind those who I was competing with).

As I’m sure everyone is aware, we’re back into recruiting season on the college campuses, and I found out today that I’ve been declined for interviews with the three Big Four firms who recruit on our campus (EY does not). I still may have the opportunity to interview with and possibly obtain a position with one of the larger statewide/regional firms – I won’t know until at least the end of this week – but I was extremely drawn to the idea of working for Big Four (partly as a way to punch the golden ticket in three or so years when I want to move into private industry because working B4 hours isn’t conducive to settling down and starting a family)…and the rejections have generally made me feel pessimistic about my chances overall.

What I’m looking for is guidance about how to proceed from this point forward in the hopes that, if possible, I might still be able to pick up an offer from B4 in the near future. Should I begin working on my CPA review now, or does this represent too big of a gamble? Also, how likely is it that a recently-graduated (as I will be next September) MSA student would be able to receive an offer/interview? Or would I be better off trying to find a position at a lower level firm, and how frequently do employees from mid-level move to the Big 4?

I’m sure this issue has been addressed before, but I’m feeling a little lost at the moment and thought I would come to seek out some experienced advice.

Thanks!

[tough_kitty]

Well, from my experience in CA, Big 4 firms hire recent graduates with BS degree and as long as they meet the minimum GPA requirement, they are good enough if their personalities match what the firm is looking for…. So, don't feel bad! There is nothing wrong with you! And in my opinion, you are probably overqualified for the entry level positions they are offering.

In my area, a lot of my classmates with MSA degree got jobs with regional CPA firms or smaller firms. I was disappointed with my job search as well, but ended up accepting an offer with the state and I am happy with my job for now – at least I had time to study for the CPA exam!

The best advice I can give you is – apply everywhere you can and see what happens….if it is meant to be, you'll get the job, and if not – there is something better for you! Sounds like a cliche, I know, but it is VERY true. I know based on my own experience with work search AND with my personal life.

Good luck!

PS. I have a 3.97 GPA in MSA and 3.95 GPA in MBA program and I know some firms hired people with 3.2 or less GPA and with a C in auditing class….and I also was a member of BAP and another accounting society on campus…..so I can definitely relate to your frustration…….

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Well, from my experience in CA, Big 4 firms hire recent graduates with BS degree and as long as they meet the minimum GPA requirement, they are good enough if their personalities match what the firm is looking for…. So, don't feel bad! There is nothing wrong with you! And in my opinion, you are probably overqualified for the entry level positions they are offering.

In my area, a lot of my classmates with MSA degree got jobs with regional CPA firms or smaller firms. I was disappointed with my job search as well, but ended up accepting an offer with the state and I am happy with my job for now – at least I had time to study for the CPA exam!

The best advice I can give you is – apply everywhere you can and see what happens….if it is meant to be, you'll get the job, and if not – there is something better for you! Sounds like a cliche, I know, but it is VERY true. I know based on my own experience with work search AND with my personal life.

Good luck!

PS. I have a 3.97 GPA in MSA and 3.95 GPA in MBA program and I know some firms hired people with 3.2 or less GPA and with a C in auditing class….and I also was a member of BAP and another accounting society on campus…..so I can definitely relate to your frustration…….

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[jeff]

I added Big 4 to the title to hopefully draw someone's attention to it who can give some Big 4 advice.

jeff

[jeff]

I added Big 4 to the title to hopefully draw someone's attention to it who can give some Big 4 advice.

jeff

[tough_kitty]

Also, I just found this thread – may be helpful:

https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/does-big-4-hire-experienced-with-3-5-years-of-private-accounting

And just an FYI – my friend worked for a regional CPA firm for 2 years and then got hired with one of Big 4 and after another 2 years got promoted to senior and he is not even a CPA yet….so anything is possible 🙂

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Also, I just found this thread – may be helpful:

https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/does-big-4-hire-experienced-with-3-5-years-of-private-accounting

And just an FYI – my friend worked for a regional CPA firm for 2 years and then got hired with one of Big 4 and after another 2 years got promoted to senior and he is not even a CPA yet….so anything is possible 🙂

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Amay]

Apply everywhere if not for interest, for practice! Are there any more networking events with the big4 before interviews start? That way you can talk to the recruiters and see if there is any way they can squeeze you in? Honestly, unless you have a connection with someone to get you that campus interview, it might be hard to get at this point. Make sure that every chance you get, you can give your resume to big4 you are interested in, and make those connections with those recruiters and others from the firm. I can tell you from experience, that it was those regular face-to-face meets that helped me when I did my campus interview process.

BEC: 73, 81
AUD: 85
FAR: 71, 77
REG: 74, 75...finally DONE! 😀

*This is my 2nd attempt at the CPA exam. For all of you who have failed this exam many times, given up on it, or taken a break like me, remember that it is still possible to finish what you started...failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently 🙂

[Amay]

Apply everywhere if not for interest, for practice! Are there any more networking events with the big4 before interviews start? That way you can talk to the recruiters and see if there is any way they can squeeze you in? Honestly, unless you have a connection with someone to get you that campus interview, it might be hard to get at this point. Make sure that every chance you get, you can give your resume to big4 you are interested in, and make those connections with those recruiters and others from the firm. I can tell you from experience, that it was those regular face-to-face meets that helped me when I did my campus interview process.

BEC: 73, 81
AUD: 85
FAR: 71, 77
REG: 74, 75...finally DONE! 😀

*This is my 2nd attempt at the CPA exam. For all of you who have failed this exam many times, given up on it, or taken a break like me, remember that it is still possible to finish what you started...failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently 🙂

[UCMCPA]

@tough kitty. Well I'm sure your friend will have a fun time sitting for the exam if he wants to move up the ladder lol.

My advice: Hold an officer position in BAP. The last 3-4 semesters, ALL of our officers have jobs/internships with Big 4's and regional firms.

FAR - 84
AUD - 94
REG - 86
BEC - 86

[UCMCPA]

@tough kitty. Well I'm sure your friend will have a fun time sitting for the exam if he wants to move up the ladder lol.

My advice: Hold an officer position in BAP. The last 3-4 semesters, ALL of our officers have jobs/internships with Big 4's and regional firms.

FAR - 84
AUD - 94
REG - 86
BEC - 86

[tough_kitty]

@UCMCPA – LOL….he actually already passed AUD, then took BEC, FAR, REG all within 2 weeks, passed 2, got a 73 on REG, re-took it recently and got a 72……but almost done. I have no idea when and how he studies….. I can barely find time and motivation to study for AUD and I have a state job…… 🙂

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

@UCMCPA – LOL….he actually already passed AUD, then took BEC, FAR, REG all within 2 weeks, passed 2, got a 73 on REG, re-took it recently and got a 72……but almost done. I have no idea when and how he studies….. I can barely find time and motivation to study for AUD and I have a state job…… 🙂

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Author]

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