[mtwst113]

So I’ve been working for a Big 4 firm for about 6 months. I had some coaching discussions with my manager about what it takes to really stand out from other co-workers at the same level. I can’t seem to think of anything. I want to do something beyond just getting into work early and being enthusiastic (which commonly goes unnoticed). I want to add as much value as possible.

Can anyone add their own personal experiences with this endeavor?

BEC | √
AUD| √
FAR| Spring 2015

[hasy]

I've never personally worked at the big 4, but this is something I've noticed that employers may like is that you're almost one step ahead of them. I was working in corporate tax and my manager gave me a task of renewing the business license for a particular county. However, in my research, I noticed that you also had to fill out a license for the city as well and came back with new info to give him. He was really impressed that I went beyond my task and did more that was asked for.

Again, this is what I've noticed my boss liked when I worked with him. So maybe try doing more than the task asks and go above and beyond! Hopefully, this helped.

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[mtwst113]

Thanks @hasy. It's tough when you're busy with multiple clients to have time to do more than what you are assigned. The tasks that I'm assigned are pretty cut and dry, so the expectation is for you to complete it. It's just hard to think of things that will really impress others, especially since I'm just starting out.

BEC | √
AUD| √
FAR| Spring 2015

[PurpleK]

1. Learn quickly and show your peers and managers that you have strong technical capabilities. Over time, become the go to person for technical questions and once you become a senior, ask to moderate or teach training sessions to the interns/staff.

2. As you progress into your second year, start to take an active interest in building client relationships. Ask to be copied on emails to clients, ask to be on calls that your seniors/managers make with the clients, ask your seniors/managers if you can draft the emails being sent to the clients.

3. Schedule monthly coffee breaks or lunches with different managers/senior managers/or partners if they will give you the time. During these 15-30 minutes, ask them about their experience, how they got where they are, and try to gain as much insight from them as possible.

4. During your free time, read up on industry news. During team meetings, ask how industry developments will impact the work you are doing.

5. Join committees and make an effort to network within the firm and outside the firm.

[mtwst113]

@purpleK those are all great ideas.I feel like I have already made progress in building client relationships. To me, things like getting coffee with a director/partner are a good idea, I just still don't know if thats the impact I'm looking for. I will defintiely look to join committees.

One of the big things at my firm is being able to identify ways to add value or make things more efficient.

This post is turning into a rant from my thoughts. Anyone else have anything to add?

BEC | √
AUD| √
FAR| Spring 2015

[fuzyfro89]

Who exactly do you want to impress? To get good reviews and have your professional feedback be positive in a performance context, it seems like you have the right idea. Work hard, ask good questions, learn as much as you can, and work well with the team.

To really progress, the secret is that networking will get you further ahead than any amount of work. Join one of the social committees, service line recruiting, become a leader for some volunteer events, join a community organization, etc. In each of these situations, you'll have a chance to meet managers and PPD-level from around the firm and across service lines. That will open up opportunities more than any amount of keeping your head down and working hard.

[mtwst113]

Completely agree Fuzyfro. I definitely need to make an effort to branch out across my line of service.

BEC | √
AUD| √
FAR| Spring 2015

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