[Anonymous]

Hi Ninjas,

Do you guys know is there an official (or unofficial) age limit that Big4 would consider when recruiting on campus? I am in my later 20s, 28 to be exact, doing my Macc at the moment, will be done in 12/2014. I would like to start off at a Big4, but I don’t know if they would think I am too old as a campus hire. Thanks much for your input and suggestions!

[philb]

@fuzzyfro “Perhaps I should have said “wiser” woman in early 30s?”

Say that to her face, let us know how that one goes 🙂

Ah, to be 24 again…

[Anonymous]

@ Mayo

Thanks for the great tips! I would never thought about that. Now I know what to do with my resume and Q&A in an interview.

@ WeWillSee & errdayimcpa

It is great to hear about you guys' experience! Apparently you turned that into one of your competitive advantages. I hope I will be able to do that. I am a normal guy, laid-back, and have the drive to be successful. I like to work at a place where you can be who you are.

[Anonymous]

@ 2014 CPA

Thanks for sharing your experience! Now you guys have made me feel much more confident about my age. I can now take it off my chest and keep going with the exam 🙂

[Anonymous]

@ BillfromAccounting

I am sorry to hear what happened to you with PwC. That was what feared me the most. But after reading all the comments on this post, I felt age should not be an issue in our job hunting. I am single, dont have any string attached, ready and willing to relocate and work like a mad horse after graduating.

[Tncincy]

28? oh lord I'm 49…..Things will work well for you, but me? I guess it doesn't pay to get started so late in life. I am hoping to pass this test to get a little more leverage.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Anonymous]

tncincy,

I am 41 and decided to do this for the exact same reason.

AM NGU,

There are so many more options available out there for newly minted CPA's than just the Big 4. Explore the market and you may find a fit that is much more interesting and rewarding than working with the big boys.

DM

[Anonymous]

Tons of people get hired at that age. Statistically I'd bet you even have an advantage over normal aged students (ex a greater percentage of mid 20 to mid 30s campus hire applicants get the job than the percentage of young 20s applicants). If you don't get it it is because you weren't competitive enough – don't blame it on your age.

[stag]

I think they worry more about fit than age. I'm in my late 30s with couple kids. I'm starting with a Big 4 firm in the fall, and I know couple people who are starting with me are in my age group and couple of them have kids too. So, you being 28 is not a big deal, just make sure you find the firm that you will fit in.

FAR - Aug 2013 Passed
REG - DEC 2013 Passed
BEC - FEB 2014 Passed
AUD - MAY 2014 Passed

BSEE = who needs accounting degree to pass CPA exams?

[wannabeCPA123]

I got hired at 30, and I was self-conscious about being older as I was being recruited by the Big 4.

I am definitely not the oldest Campus hire in my starting class. There are a few 40+ staff that I know personally. I also work under a senior that is at least 15 years older than me.

My age has never been an Issue on my teams though. I get along with anyone… young, old, black, white, purple, pink.

I am really shocked at the work habbits of this newer generation. I realize that I am on the tail-end of the Gen Y/milennial group. However, I really don't see myself as being so undisciplined and Social Media addicted as so many of the staff. I don't get it

Why mess around online at work? My Manager has an objective-based approach, so when the work is done we go home. We don't stay late “just because”. Fooling around at work just eats into your own time.

FAR 78
REG 87
BEC 78
AUD 78
Passed all exams on first try! Good luck to everyone!

[ssw3809]

I am 28 and just got hired in April. When I got my Macc in 2012 I know at least 3 people in my MACC program that were in their early 30s. So I guess 28 is not even considered as old at all.

Another interesting fact, the oldest person that my MACC program accepted in 2014 was 65! one is NEVER too old to be an Auditor!

https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/MPA/Prospective-Students/Traditional-MPA/MPA-Class-Profile

In my own case, I was worried that I looked too young…still get carded when buying alcohol..

https://www.flickr.com/photos/29010609@N08/14370586308/

REG 08/27/2013 81
FAR 01/09/2014 88
BEC 02/27/2014 82
AUD 10/08/2014. 86
Just started the CFA Level 1 -let the journey continue!

[Author]

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