[yalwas]

Even though I have lower than 3.0 GPA on my undergrad and have a gap in employment due to visa issues, I passed ALL 4 sections of the CPA exam, so why am i not getting calls back?? I dont understand???

I need help with CV.. I tried left and right, I tried going to my school career section and they say my CV is good, but then nothing happens.

I tried to read multiple guides on how to get a job at Big 4, no luck

I tried small firms, they are even worse, they take 2 or 3 people from 400-500 people????!!

I ask them what I can do, and all they say is: “Please undestand it is extremely competitive…..” What does this mean to me, absolutely nothing

These “competitive” people only managed to be lucky and get the right kind of help and referrals.. What if i have aspergers syndrome and I cant get “friends” to help me.

The only career for me that is viable is accounting because of my autism, so why am I being discriminated here….

S.O.S….

[kcosgrove1]

It's most likely the GPA… if you don't have much experience, employers are looking at your education first. I would advise trying to get your foot in the door through any accounting position or going back to grad school to improve your GPA.

BEC - 68, 75 (2/3/14)
AUD - 75 (11/30/12)
REG - 73, 75 (10/8/12)
FAR - 78 (8/31/13)

DONE!!! Waiting for License!!

[Anonymous]

If you passed all 4 parts of the CPA exam I have no idea why they are still asking for GPA from college. I interviewed with Grant Thornton and managed to “sneak” in with my below 3.0 GPA for an interview, but my last interviewer was so gung-ho about high GPA I didn't get the position.

Even though I had to work full time, school, full time, plus a part time internship (7 days a week, non-stop) in order to support myself because I wasn't on the “Mommy and Daddy Support Plan” they still don't even consider my hard work ethic versus my low GPA.

I can run circles around these 4.0 kids who lack common sense/street smarts/social skills in the real world.

[Anonymous]

If you passed all 4 parts of the CPA exam I have no idea why they are still asking for GPA from college. I interviewed with Grant Thornton and managed to “sneak” in with my below 3.0 GPA for an interview, but my last interviewer was so gung-ho about high GPA I didn't get the position.

Even though I had to work full time, school, full time, plus a part time internship (7 days a week, non-stop) in order to support myself because I wasn't on the “Mommy and Daddy Support Plan” they still don't even consider my hard work ethic versus my low GPA.

I can run circles around these 4.0 kids who lack common sense/street smarts/social skills in the real world.

[Anonymous]

Have you performed the sacrificial ritual to the Big 4 gods?

[Anonymous]

Have you performed the sacrificial ritual to the Big 4 gods?

[Anonymous]

It's your GPA. I often do on campus recruiting for the Big 4 I work with and our GPA cutoff is usually 3.5.

The three choices you essentially have are – start in private, go to grad school (preferably at a target school) or network your butt off.

And lastly, working at a Big 4 is not the be-all, end-all. Life goes on. Trust me.

I wish you the best of luck.

[Anonymous]

It's your GPA. I often do on campus recruiting for the Big 4 I work with and our GPA cutoff is usually 3.5.

The three choices you essentially have are – start in private, go to grad school (preferably at a target school) or network your butt off.

And lastly, working at a Big 4 is not the be-all, end-all. Life goes on. Trust me.

I wish you the best of luck.

[Mayo]

“Even though I had to work full time, school, full time, plus a part time internship (7 days a week, non-stop) in order to support myself because I wasn't on the “Mommy and Daddy Support Plan” they still don't even consider my hard work ethic versus my low GPA.”

@dunkindonuts, I was in the same boat as you. Had 3 small part time jobs to make ends meet. It sucked and I had zero social life. We're not all on that plan you mentioned either.

@determinedbig4, +1

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

“Even though I had to work full time, school, full time, plus a part time internship (7 days a week, non-stop) in order to support myself because I wasn't on the “Mommy and Daddy Support Plan” they still don't even consider my hard work ethic versus my low GPA.”

@dunkindonuts, I was in the same boat as you. Had 3 small part time jobs to make ends meet. It sucked and I had zero social life. We're not all on that plan you mentioned either.

@determinedbig4, +1

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Anonymous]

@DunkinDonutsJunkie

I actually managed to get a job with Grant Thornton and I worked 20 hours a week in college while maintaining a 3.5 GPA. The accounting program I was in is also very well regarded and probably the toughest major in the college of business. To say you would “run circles around these 4.0 kids who lack common sense/street smarts/social skills in the real world” is silly. Just because someone got a a good GPA in college does not mean they are a mouth breather on mommy and daddys dime.

[Anonymous]

@DunkinDonutsJunkie

I actually managed to get a job with Grant Thornton and I worked 20 hours a week in college while maintaining a 3.5 GPA. The accounting program I was in is also very well regarded and probably the toughest major in the college of business. To say you would “run circles around these 4.0 kids who lack common sense/street smarts/social skills in the real world” is silly. Just because someone got a a good GPA in college does not mean they are a mouth breather on mommy and daddys dime.

[jopa16]

Leaving your GPA aside, and I'm really sorry to say it, but personality is EVERYTHING in the Big 4. You need to have solid interpersonal skills to work with your engagement team and client personnel. Later on, as manager, you need to be able to present to the audit committee of your client, which will be filled with seasoned professionals. By the time you hit partner, it's largely a sales gig. People with awkward/shy personalities have zero chance.

REG 2/26/14 - 90
BEC 4/08/14 - 92
FAR 5/31/14 - 90
AUD 7/09/14 -

[jopa16]

Leaving your GPA aside, and I'm really sorry to say it, but personality is EVERYTHING in the Big 4. You need to have solid interpersonal skills to work with your engagement team and client personnel. Later on, as manager, you need to be able to present to the audit committee of your client, which will be filled with seasoned professionals. By the time you hit partner, it's largely a sales gig. People with awkward/shy personalities have zero chance.

REG 2/26/14 - 90
BEC 4/08/14 - 92
FAR 5/31/14 - 90
AUD 7/09/14 -

[Mayo]

Ugh…who wants to be partner? Seriously…

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Mayo]

Ugh…who wants to be partner? Seriously…

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Author]

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