Big 4 Internship: GPA too Low?

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  • #180729
    onotagain
    Member

    I’d like to know where I stand in terms of competitiveness for summer programs. I should hasten to add that I’m not necessarily aiming for the national leadership programs (which would be amazing to attend, but I doubt I’m competitive enough). I’m setting my sights on PWC’s 1-day Explore program or Start program, or EY’s Launch internship, etc. I would just like an opportunity to explore the companies first hand and be better acquainted with each company’s culture and possible career paths.

    My concern is that my GPA isn’t quite up to par. I’ve read that 3.8 is the golden number and mine is only a 3.77. I MIGHT be able to raise it to a 3.8 by the end of this semester, but if I can’t, would that preclude me from being invited to anything? And would it be acceptable to round a 3.75+ up to a 3.8 on resumes and formal applications? I’ve read varying opinions…

    As for my “stats,” by the time applications open up in the spring (I assume?), I will have had:

    – 1 semester of on-campus leadership experience as an honor society officer

    – 1 four-day “internship” coordinating and setting up stuff for a finance conference

    – 1 summer-long congressional internship

    – 9+ months of volunteer experience for 2 local organizations that I like a lot (one is a food pantry and the other is a museum)

    – 1 summer of (past) retail experience

    – 1.5+ years of my present administrative assistant job

    -Possibly 5+ months of a retail job selling a product I have a hobbyist interest in (will be a second job if scheduling works out)

    I intend to speak to recruiters about these programs at an upcoming career fair this semester, even though they aren’t recruiting for summer positions at the moment, just to show interest, provide my resume, and try to network. (Any advice, by the way? Ha!)

    So, honest opinions, guys. Do I have a shot? What should I do to improve?

    Thanks a lot and I really appreciate it!

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 16 total)
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  • #454548
    Mjs157
    Member

    My best advice is to chill out.

    Your resume is much better than mine was coming out of undergrad, and your GPA is better as well, and I suspect other recent grads. Your experience is good, but please, oh god please, do not go up to the recruiters and blow it by flaunting your resume.

    There is no magic GPA number, but anything above 3.5 doesn't preclude you from anything.

    #454679
    Mjs157
    Member

    My best advice is to chill out.

    Your resume is much better than mine was coming out of undergrad, and your GPA is better as well, and I suspect other recent grads. Your experience is good, but please, oh god please, do not go up to the recruiters and blow it by flaunting your resume.

    There is no magic GPA number, but anything above 3.5 doesn't preclude you from anything.

    #454550
    UCMCPA
    Member

    You wouldn't have any problems getting in around here. Other areas I can't comment on.

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    #454681
    UCMCPA
    Member

    You wouldn't have any problems getting in around here. Other areas I can't comment on.

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    #454552
    acamp
    Participant

    You sound a little neurotic, you'll be perfect

    Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

    California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

    FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

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    #454683
    acamp
    Participant

    You sound a little neurotic, you'll be perfect

    Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

    California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

    FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

    Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

    Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

    California CPA

    #454554

    I interviewed with two Big 4 firms with a 3.0…. I think you're alright.

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    #454685

    I interviewed with two Big 4 firms with a 3.0…. I think you're alright.

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    #454556
    onotagain
    Member

    “Neurotic?” Really? Aw, you guys are mean.

    “Flaunting?” No; can't and don't want to. Just wanted to meet the recruiters, chat about summer positions, and drop off some document such that they won't forget my existence two minutes after I leave the booth. Not sure what else to do shy of not showing up at all (unless that's what you're suggesting. Har har har.).

    But yes, thanks for the perspectives.

    #454687
    onotagain
    Member

    “Neurotic?” Really? Aw, you guys are mean.

    “Flaunting?” No; can't and don't want to. Just wanted to meet the recruiters, chat about summer positions, and drop off some document such that they won't forget my existence two minutes after I leave the booth. Not sure what else to do shy of not showing up at all (unless that's what you're suggesting. Har har har.).

    But yes, thanks for the perspectives.

    #454558

    When I did my internship, I believe the minimum GPA requirement was about 3.5 so I think you're good there. The GPA requirement is basically just the cutoff for who they'll even consider. As long as you meet the requirement, it'll get your foot in the door and then your GPA won't really matter from that point forward. Just be yourself because they want to see if you're someone that they would want to work with for hours on end and if you're a good fit for the firm. Good luck!

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    #454689

    When I did my internship, I believe the minimum GPA requirement was about 3.5 so I think you're good there. The GPA requirement is basically just the cutoff for who they'll even consider. As long as you meet the requirement, it'll get your foot in the door and then your GPA won't really matter from that point forward. Just be yourself because they want to see if you're someone that they would want to work with for hours on end and if you're a good fit for the firm. Good luck!

    FAR - ✓
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    Don't give up!

    #454560
    TinyBear
    Member

    You've got nothing to improve. I'd say you have a pretty stellar resume as it is! Being freshly graduated and having gone through the entire career fair/interview process just a little over a year ago, I can tell you:

    – I had a 3.67 and was recruited by everyone. I'm starting with a big 4 firm in two weeks.

    – You can google what the GPA thresholds are for getting interviews, I promise yours is fine

    – Don't start talking to the recruiters about your experiences, per se… that's what interviews are for. Just ask them if they're accepting resumes… most likely yes… give them your resume and express your interest in the firm/programs

    Good luck, you got this

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    #454691
    TinyBear
    Member

    You've got nothing to improve. I'd say you have a pretty stellar resume as it is! Being freshly graduated and having gone through the entire career fair/interview process just a little over a year ago, I can tell you:

    – I had a 3.67 and was recruited by everyone. I'm starting with a big 4 firm in two weeks.

    – You can google what the GPA thresholds are for getting interviews, I promise yours is fine

    – Don't start talking to the recruiters about your experiences, per se… that's what interviews are for. Just ask them if they're accepting resumes… most likely yes… give them your resume and express your interest in the firm/programs

    Good luck, you got this

    FAR - 79
    AUD - 73, 85
    REG - 88
    BEC - 80

    Becker Self Study, Becker Flashcards, and Some Wiley TB
    TX Candidate

    #454562
    onmywhey
    Member

    Your profile is more than enough to get into Big 4, recruiting with Big 4 really comes down to i they want to work with you and are you personable. If you posses the above, I would not worry at all with your profile.

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 16 total)
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