[Peanut Butter is Good]

Can you still get hired entry-level when you’ve been out of school?

[Anonymous]

Small CPA firm is any time – B4 is a bit more on-campus or bust, though still not entirely.

[Anonymous]

Big 4 did not really do much (any) recruitment on my college campus. Is there another way to network if I decide that's something I want to get into one day?

[fuzyfro89]

Yes, but it's more difficult in large part because the number of open positions are drastically lower off the campus recruiting cycle than when the firms are on it.

It can definitely be done, and I've seen many people do it as an experienced hire. When you say “have been out of school”, do you mean graduated and working elsewhere (i.e. experienced hire) or graduated and little to no full time experience?

[Peanut Butter is Good]

About to graduate with MS from good university. No-one reputable would hire me (and I interviewed with almost everyone). No experience yet, and not sure what to go back to school for after MS to do campus recruiting.

[fuzyfro89]

Hmm… I wouldn't go back to school at this point.

A MBA would be just about the only thing, but without experience you'll have two grad degrees and potentially almost have a CPA… with no experience.

You'll be the prototypical “over-educated” candidate if that's the case.

Keep at the job hunt. Some people have spent quite some time doing that. What location/market are you looking in? That could play a part in the number of opportunities available and demand for entry level candidates.

[Peanut Butter is Good]

NJ/NYC/Philly

[cool_kid]

I'm in a similar position but I'll be graduating in the spring though. It seems like NY/NJ is quite competitive though. I wouldn't mind relocating but it seems like it would be tough for an entry level position with no experience.

[Anonymous]

I'm in a similar position except i graduated in march 2014 (BS), and have no work experience since graduating.

I got my 150 credits (random classes) after graduating and i have my last exam scheduled in april.

i graduated from a w/e state school, 3.2 GPA & 3.5 upper div GPA (finance).

Big 4 never really did recruiting at my school, so I never had the chance to apply…

I've been looking for any openings for CA/NY areas

but I feel like it's almost impossible to get an entry-level position at Big 4 without campus recruiting…

if you guys know what I should do/where to apply/any suggestions, please let me know!!!

thanks in advance 🙂

[rp 12]

@ Peanut Butter is Good – are you currently working in public accounting? I mean mid-size to small CPA firms in tax or audit practice? If so, I think you will get a shot as an experienced associate vs. a senior. Unless, you are switching from a Big4 to Big4 is not a problem. Or if you are a mgr in your current place you get apply for a senior role.

When I used to work in PwC I had quite a few people who came from various mid-size and small firms. I would say roll a dice and see what happens. Also, use LinkedIn to find recruiters (experienced hiring) to ask/follow-up. That helped me.

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[cool_kid]

dcdmdawg, I would suggest focusing on smaller and mid size firms rather than big 4 at this point. Its tough but networking is really the only way if you're out of school.

[acamp]

Its tougher after school, but doable. Network, network, network. Internal employee referrals are a good way to reach Campus recruiting who can hire entry level people “off the street”

I did this for a friend of a friend (met with him, seemed like a good fit) and I sent hit app directly to the campus recruiter, he was subsequently interviewed and hired. (this is at a Big4)

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