[Zaxx21]

Hello everyone!

I was wondering if some of you could give me your opinion or advice in this situation:

I graduated this year with a master’s degree in acct. and have a job offer with a midsize (top 10) firm since 1.5 year (since I interned). They helped me pay Becker and thankfully I’ve passed 2 parts. This past week I book my flight for training and I’m ready to start working in January. When I did my internship I didn’t have any issues with anyone or anything.

BUT the thing is I always wanted to work for a Big 4 (yes, for greater opportunities in the future & the name). I applied to 3 out the 4 when I was in school but I got rejected (ouch). However, several of my friends(some really close) got offers from these firms. So, I just got one of my friends txt me that her firm is hiring and she can put a recommendation for me. So, I’m not sure what to do. I’m not going to lie. I thought about the possibility of switching after 1 year, but I’m not sure if I would better off if I do it now.

What stops me from applying is:

1) I have been rejected before, so I’m scared that will happen again

2) I have a good relationship with my firm and I know I’ll have to say goodbye to future relationship with them

3) I heard one of the HR ppl from my firm is now working at my friends. So she will know me.

So what would you do? Would you apply now in hopes you get an offer OR would you stick to original plan and work 1 year to get experience( I just have a 4mo accounting internship as experience)??

Sorry for the long post, and appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

[Jdn9201]

If you apply will it be for January 2016? I'd apply if I were you. Don't be afraid of your prior experience – just think you have 0% chance if you don't apply.

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[Zaxx21]

Hey Jdn9201, thanks for your reply.

I haven't asked her when would the start date be, but I'm sure it'll be in January bc she told me they need ppl and they been hiring intensively. I'm still not sure I'll apply. I hate being indecisive sometimes…anyway, how's your studying for AUD going?

[Zaxx21]

Hey Jdn9201, thanks for your reply.

I haven't asked her when would the start date be, but I'm sure it'll be in January bc she told me they need ppl and they been hiring intensively. I'm still not sure I'll apply. I hate being indecisive sometimes…anyway, how's your studying for AUD going?

[abranaugh]

I was in a similar situation. I was rejected by all of the big 4's that I applied to initially out of school, didn't even get an interview. I had friends hired into two of the Big 4. They both referred me and I ended up getting an offer from both.

From my prior experience, the Big 4 really values referrals and you have a much better chance at getting a phone interview/in person interview because of that. Also, the interviews were very simple because I was a referral. Both consisted of a phone interview, and then an in-person interview with a partner and senior manager.

I would say to give it a shot

[Zaxx21]

Hello abranaugh, I appreciate the reply.

Well, I just asked my friend for more information. I was crushed when I got rejected from the Big 4's I applied to, but I moved on and finally got an offer from this midsize firm. I know I would feel awful if I had to tell them I'm not working for them anymore. I know I'm making a lot of assumptions, I'm already thinking I could be hired when history proves wrong (my rejection from almost 2 years ago).

I know I want to work for a B4 so I'll keep in touch with my friends, and see what happens.

[Zaxx21]

Hello abranaugh, I appreciate the reply.

Well, I just asked my friend for more information. I was crushed when I got rejected from the Big 4's I applied to, but I moved on and finally got an offer from this midsize firm. I know I would feel awful if I had to tell them I'm not working for them anymore. I know I'm making a lot of assumptions, I'm already thinking I could be hired when history proves wrong (my rejection from almost 2 years ago).

I know I want to work for a B4 so I'll keep in touch with my friends, and see what happens.

[mystical guy]

You said the magic words, “1.5 years experience.” I would say, that's more than enough time to prove that you are a committed individual and you show up to work and put in the time. It also indicates that you may not need as much training as someone fresh out of college.

You are in a mid-size firm, and I'm guessing you've learned quite a lot, in different areas, so if I were you, I would go for it and just apply to the Big 4. Everyone will understand.

PS: For whatever reason they rejected you before, I would advise you to work on that immediately. Big 4 are, at times, very picky about people skills, even when someone is very qualified and they have a serious shortage of staff.

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[Zaxx21]

Hello Mystical guy, thanks for your reply.

I made a mistake in the 2nd paragraph. I don't have 1.5 years of experience in public accounting. What I meant is that I interned 1.5 yrs ago with the firm, and I got an offer to start working FT in January. My internship lasted 4-5 months. After my internship, I dedicated my time to finish my masters (I'm a recent grad).

So, everything is ready for me to start in January, but now that my friends tells me they need ppl at her firm is making me want to apply there. Is not guaranteed I'll get a job, but I think my chances will be higher bc of her recommendation.

Would you think it'll be better to get more experience with my midsize firm, and then ask my friend to put a recommendation OR should I apply now anyway?

[Zaxx21]

Hello Mystical guy, thanks for your reply.

I made a mistake in the 2nd paragraph. I don't have 1.5 years of experience in public accounting. What I meant is that I interned 1.5 yrs ago with the firm, and I got an offer to start working FT in January. My internship lasted 4-5 months. After my internship, I dedicated my time to finish my masters (I'm a recent grad).

So, everything is ready for me to start in January, but now that my friends tells me they need ppl at her firm is making me want to apply there. Is not guaranteed I'll get a job, but I think my chances will be higher bc of her recommendation.

Would you think it'll be better to get more experience with my midsize firm, and then ask my friend to put a recommendation OR should I apply now anyway?

[Zaxx21]

Hello Mystical guy, thanks for your reply.

I made a mistake in the 2nd paragraph. I don't have 1.5 years of experience in public accounting. What I meant is that I interned 1.5 yrs ago with the firm, and I got an offer to start working FT in January. My internship lasted 4-5 months. After my internship, I dedicated my time to finish my masters (I'm a recent grad).

So, everything is ready for me to start in January, but now that my friends tells me they need ppl at her firm is making me want to apply there. Is not guaranteed I'll get a job, but I think my chances will be higher bc of her recommendation.

Would you think it'll be better to get more experience with my midsize firm, and then ask my friend to put a recommendation OR should I apply now anyway?

[abranaugh]

Zaxx, where in the process where you rejected? Did you interview? Or was it that you submitted your resume online and you weren't offered a phone interview?

Also, I would apply now. You have to do what is best for your career and not worry about making your current firm happy.

[Zaxx21]

Hey abranaugh,

I interviewed with 3 of the Big 4 firms. This happened at my school in person, so I didn't go to an office visit.This was 1.5 years ago, and I didn't have any work experience in accounting. I screwed 2 of the interviews bc they kept asking behavioral questions and I didn't have any examples since I didn't have much experience + I was nervous.

Anyway, now I think I could give examples from when I interned if they start grilling me with these type of questions. I'll go over the job descriptions today, and see if I can qualify. I know most jobs require a 1-3 year experience, and I only have 5 mos accounting experience. So, maybe I can wait until my first busy season.

[abranaugh]

I still would apply now. The job I ended up receiving was requesting 2-5 years of experience and I had none.

[mystical guy]

@Zaxx21 – It's seems to me that your heart is in Big 4, and if you work at the other firm you'll always be thinking about Big 4. That is why you should apply to Big 4, go for the interview and do your best. One time I had a final interview with EY. I didn't take the job but it was good practice. If you need more help/advice, let me know. For now, I can tell you, go ahead and apply for the Big 4, and let them know that you already have an offer. All the best !

CPA - Since 2015
CISA - Smashed 2012
CIA - Passed 2015

[Author]

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