Big 4 Tips:
Getting Interview:
-Talk to your accounting professors you will be surprised how many of them have connections that can really help you land that interview
-Go to career fairs meet and greets and any events they have to show interest
-Make looking for a job a full time job. This means dedicating a set amount of time a week/a day to send resumes or follow up etc.. Dedication pays off.
1) Interview Tips: It's all about being calm and relaxed
Basic Tips like getting on time practicing interview questions are all well in good but you also want to be relaxed when you are there so here are some things to think about
-Try to schedule a really nice event the night or day after your interview so that you can have something relaxing to look forward to. You will be surprised how much this relaxes you during an interview and it can even be something you can talk about during interview as well.
-Make sure you drive to the interview location the weekend before your interview so you that you are sure you know how to get there. Navigation systems sometimes don't work when you really need them.
-I tried not to get there too early but at the same time I wanted to avoid traffic, so I got in a half hour earlier and just stopped by a McDonalds to eat breakfast
-Don't drive too aggressive as you approach the interview site as I have heard of instances where people have cut off the interviewing partner (did not end well lol)
-Try to personalize your thank you letters so if the partner talks about his kids or whatever make sure to include something a little about that in the letter to let them know were actually paying attention
The most important thing to remember is that it's just one interview and the good things about a job is that you only need to get one :), so no matter how low of a success rate you may have you will eventually get that job
CPA
For the CPA I would strongly suggest you study in a method that works for you. You will hear a lot of suggestions but at the end of the day just remember that you are the one who has to pass, so if you are the type of person who can study by taking lots of notes and having flash cards then study that way. If you are a person like me who feels better just doing lots of questions (like a math class) then study that way. I also suggest signing up for a date and sticking to it so that way you know when you have to study.
Remember one thing about this test, its' not about how high your score is it's just about passing it.
Career in BIG 4:
Public accounting is very challenging but you will be amazed how much you can learn. The only thing I suggest is that if it ever gets to a point where you are truly not happy there anymore then you should leave. Try to remember that things aren't always better on the other side and if you can take control of your career (which you get more of as you move up in the firm) you may find that the work life balance is actually obtainable. If it does ever get to a point that you feel you need to leave then make sure you use experiences as your guide to your future career options.
.