[TalentedCPA]

I have huge dilemma choosing between a unique opportunity or a standard opportunity. I have offers from 3 of the big 4 – EY, PwC, and KPMG. Two of which are for full time position start date next fall and the other is for a position for a year long internship with the National Quality Organization (in their National Office).

The NQO position is unique because only 6 people are offered the position and the intern will work only with the senior managers and partners in the office on various projects. The pay nearly equates to first year salary, so this is not an issue. The downside is that I would be delaying graduation by a year and the start of my career. This firm also has 1 extra year tagged onto it for Senior Associate promotion so essentially what I can do in 2 years in on of the other firms will take me twice as long with this firm (their year added + my year delay by declining FT work).

If this were a normal internship it wouldn’t even be considered, but to have the opportunity to work in the National Office with some of the smartest/brightest managers and partners of the firm is a pretty big deal (so they say). I am aware that when I complete the internship I will have seen/experienced things the manager(s)/partner(s) on my engagement team may never see. I have also been informed on how competitive it is for managers and partners to get into the national office; a requirement to make partner (they “tour” there for a few years). It seems the experience will give me the opportunity internally network, work with some of the brightest and most accomplished senior level staff, and work on very complex issues that many will never be able to share in.

Any suggestions? Will the value of the internship counter the delay? Is it a way that will differentiate me within the firm and build a unique internal network that is worth the extra time?