[The Ex Lurker]

I Really want to join a Big 4 firm for the experience but I feel that I am easily overlooked as there are so many applicants that go through the network vine. Unfortunately, I am not a strong “networker”. Brief info about me.

Accounting Bach/master degree: 2.8/4.0 GPA respectively

School activities/network: none

Worked part time while undergrad, full time during grad and certifications

Financial service: 9+ yrs, last 3yrs in acct dept.

CFE and recent passed CPA exams

A part of me feels like I belong in a Big 4 firm but I know the route I took does not warrant a great chance of getting in. I may scratch the whole Big 4 dream and look into other accounting firms. Any advice or thoughts?

F: Apr 14' Passed
A: May 14' Passed
R: Jul 14' Passed
B: Aug 14' Rematch in Oct *Passed*

[soyanks]

Go for a mid size firm and then transfer over to a Big 4 firm later.

Either way, you will have to start from the bottom (staff auditor position). As long as the mid size firm isn't too small, Big 4 will count your work experience when you eventually switch over (i.e. – if you were a senior at the mid size firm, you will transfer over and start as a senior at a Big 4).

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[Anonymous]

Or just learn to network.

It is a skill that can be learned.

[The Ex Lurker]

Thanks! I will definitely need to start at the bottom for sure. I Believe I'm still sort of young (mid 20s) and still have a lot to learn.

F: Apr 14' Passed
A: May 14' Passed
R: Jul 14' Passed
B: Aug 14' Rematch in Oct *Passed*

[fuzyfro89]

The best thing you can do for yoour career is learn to sharpen your networking/communication/political skills. Not everyone has to be a cunning political master, but just enough to hold your ground and not be too nice to get left behind will serve you incredibly well as well as ensure that you dont get walked all over by some d-bag.

For now, look into all firms and take the best you can get.

Big 4 is not a now or never decision. Plenty start there, or start elsewhere and go to Big 4 later, or start in Big 4 leave and then return to Big 4 years later.

Any thoughts on where you'd like to aim to be in 5 years? 10? No idea (it's okay if you're not sure)?

Right now, the biggest thing working against you getting a job in Big 4 is that their recruiting is already under way for summer and fall 2015, and many offers have already been extended. Did you do any on campus recruiting?

[The Ex Lurker]

Thanks for the advice. I have no idea where I want to be in 5 years in terms of job status. I have some experience in financial reporting but I would love to get into auditing and tax. I won't know what I like until I try it. thats the reason why I would like to leave industry and get some experience in public accounting.

Unfortunately, I haven't been on campus since spring 2013. I'll need to ask around to see if there's any campus recruiting.

F: Apr 14' Passed
A: May 14' Passed
R: Jul 14' Passed
B: Aug 14' Rematch in Oct *Passed*

[Author]

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