[vessli]

Hi,

During recruiting season, I had several interviews lined up– mid-size firms, and 1 Big 4. I had my mid-size firm interviews…however, Hurricane Sandy blew in, and my Big 4 interview got pushed off. Shortly thereafter, I received 3 offers (YAY) from those firms, and still hadn’t been interviewed by the Big 4. After speaking with recruiters and my school, I decided not to take the chance of turning down offers in the off chance that I got picked by Big 4.

I’m wondering if I shut a lot of career doors for myself by doing this– from what I see on this thread, the Big 4 is the way to go if you want to “open as many doors as possible”. What kinds of doors do you mean, really?

I am starting with a “Top 20” accounting firm, but no one seems to give me the impression that that’s a good enough accomplishment! I know what really matters is what I think and all that…but of course I’m confused. I love the culture at this particular firm (I turned down a top 10 for it), but I’m wondering if it’s “good enough” to open doors for me when I want to leave public accounting some day.

Your professional opinions are appreciated!

And please do not get me wrong– I am extremely grateful and appreciative that I even HAVE a job lined up like this.

[oilgaslb]

I am in complete favor doing what makes you happy, which for me that meant avoiding the Big 4. Granted, my personal life doesn't allow me to work much more than 40 hours per week, so that was my main motivation. That being said, I do know that since hiring 2 new people in my department in the past week, I heard “yeah they're from this Big4 or that Big4”. It definitely helps, but I think once you've got your foot in the door and have some experience under your belt, that's what matters. It's kind of similar to 5 years after you graduate, no one puts too much emphasis on that, they look at your experience. 5 years at a non-Big 4, they'll look at your consistency and experience in your field.

[Freyer002]

I laughed reading this because your story is so similar to mine! I interviewed with a top 15 firm, IBM, and a Big 4 firm. I took interviews from places that I thought I would enjoy working at and wanted to see what kind of offers might come my may. I received offers from all 3 and went with the Top 15 firm. (They actually offered less money then Big 4 and IBM, but not by much. Big 4 only 1k a yr more…) Overall, I simply loved the culture of the Top 15 firm I looked at and knew that this was a place I would ENJOY working at.

So here's my advice/what I am doing. I declined the Big 4 offer by kind of keeping a connection with the recruiter and senior accountant I met with them saying to contact them in the future if I changed my mind. So I will give my Top 15 firm a good year or so and see what happens. If I love the place then I will stay, If not I may contact the Big 4 people. All in all I know I made the right choice because the culture fit me perfectly and it sounds like you did the same. Don't worry about not being at a Big 4 now, if it matters that much to you the go there in a year or so. I think plenty of doors are still open for you, just have to walk through. lol cheesy I know, best of luck!

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DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again"

[Author]

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