[Gmiller4230]

Hello,

I’m sure this question gets asked alot, but…..

I’ve asked this question before on this form and it seemed like I had a decent chance. However, I went from being able to get a 3.5 GPA by the time I apply for internship, to a max of a 3.29 GPA. However, my GPA for accounting classes is much higher. This makes me a little bit worried about my chances. At my school, WSU in Washington, there is a 3.2GPA minimum to be considered for an interview. By the time I apply, I will have worked 3 years in Accounts Payable full time, but have no extra-curricular activities, because I have no time. I intend to network as much as I can for the 2015-2016 school year to prepare my application at the start of the 2016-2017 school year.

Any thought on my chances to at least receive an interview?

[Mayo]

I'd say 35.75%.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[vvSPAZvv]

It's really difficult to say. Not having extracurricular activities on there won't be a huge deal since you have maintained a steady job. The GPA is where they might be a bit wary. My advice would be to network a lot (as you plan to). Knowing people and getting your name out there really does make a difference. Also, are you looking to do tax or assurance at the Big 4 level? Or advisory? That also plays a role because each firm's needs will vary per area and could determine how willing they are to deviate from the 3.2 GPA

Just to give you something comparable, I am a recent graduate and accepted a position last Fall to begin work at a Big 4 (assurance) and will begin at the end of the summer. I personally, upon application, maintained two jobs approximating 50 hours a week and took a full credit load holding a 3.9 GPA (cumulative & major)

Interns that were applying for position that I spoke with at the firms were maintaining, on average, a 3.4/3.5.

My best advice would be try, and try your hardest. What's the worst they can say, right?

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[Anonymous]

Any CPA passed? If not, do a few. Starting with REG/FAR and AUD.

[ruggercpa2b]

You said that your GPA will be 3.29 and you need a 3.2 to be even considered for an interview. They do use GPAs to weed people out, however, I worked full time and went to school full time. I switched majors and by the time I graduated I had a 2.5. I worked at the Big 4 for approximately 2.5 years but I did get in by networking. I had one of my mentors who is a Partner tell me that on paper they would never consider me but once you got to talk to me he could tell I had potential. If anything do not put all your eggs in one basket. Apply everywhere and if Big 4 is what you want eventually you can make a transfer as an experienced associate.

Good Luck.

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I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[NotYourTaxAccountant]

I wouldn't be too worried. The GPA is just a mandatory requirement, however 3.29 does hit that threshold. If you have a significantly hire major GPA (Accounting GPA), make sure to put that on your resume. My friend just interned with us with a similar GPA in our Audit group and she is starting full time in the fall.. one of Big 4. If you can get the interview the rest is mostly soft skills. Good luck!

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[NotYourTaxAccountant]

I wouldn't be too worried. The GPA is just a mandatory requirement, however 3.29 does hit that threshold. If you have a significantly hire major GPA (Accounting GPA), make sure to put that on your resume. My friend just interned with us with a similar GPA in our Audit group and she is starting full time in the fall.. one of Big 4. If you can get the interview the rest is mostly soft skills. Good luck!

AUD - 90
REG - 86
FAR - 73, 84
BEC - 85

[Anonymous]

Yeah that is kind low IMO. But if major GPA is 3.5 or so put tgat on your resume and list it as your acctg GPA. Network and make sure tge rest of your resume is stellar. On paper, you are probably not exactly what big 4 are looking for. So cast a wide net.

[ikhan89]

I honestly don't think GPA matters at all. Maybe for the initial interview like you said – which they grant to almost every student who meets the 3.0-3.2 requirement. They already know who they want once they speak to you at the first interview or at the job fair.

Quite honestly, they are pretty ignorant at how they select people. I interviewed for McGladrey. I only got to the 2nd interview because a friend of mine put in a good word. I wasn't going to get past the 1st round because I was too ‘shy' and ‘quiet' for them (according to my friend).

A girl I know submitted her resume after deadline, BS'ed her resume, said she was CPA eligible when she wasn't, said she was 3.5 GPA when she wasn't, came to the 2nd round interview 30 minutes late holding up the entire 40 interview class, and they gave her offer same day because she lied and said she had another pending offer. I waited 2 or 3 weeks to find out I wasn't “qualified”. Girl left them 6 months later. Oh well.

[GotCPA]

Networking > GPA Anyday. Go network in your school events with Big Four recruiters.

[Mayo]

“I honestly don't think GPA matters at all. Maybe for the initial interview like you said – which they grant to almost every student who meets the 3.0-3.2 requirement. They already know who they want once they speak to you at the first interview or at the job fair.”

They don't grant interviews for EVERY student passing their threshold. The firms definitely pick and choose their candidates with the initial interview leaning towards a high GPA. However, if they really like you the GPA requirement can be waived. But usually this is due to some very active recruiting on the candidate's part.

Also, OP is asking about Big 4. Not McGladrey. But yes…recruiting can sometimes seem random, as there are things going on behind the scenes that candidates aren't always aware of.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[Anonymous]

Not true at all ikhan. Maybe if u go to a school they love to recruit from or tge economy in your city is super, they do not interview or hire as many students as you seem to think. There are more students who apply for big 4 that meet the “requirements” that don't get interviews than ones that do. And there are more students who don't get offers from said interviews than those that do. This is true of regional and mid tier firms as well (at least on the west coast).

[ikhan89]

Mayo, how did you manage to take my “almost every student” and remove almost/put emphasis on “EVERY student”. And as far as recruiting goes, there is literally no difference in big 4 and mcgladrey. First round interviews (on campus/phone) are not hard to get. Recruiters grant it to *almost* anyone that meets their minimum requirements.

And Anonny, maybe you are right. At my university (depaul in chicago), *almost* every student in senior level classes was interviewing or had already received an offer. Then again big 4 has a terrible employee retention rate.

[Mayo]

“Mayo, how did you manage to take my ‘almost every student' and remove almost/put emphasis on ‘EVERY student'.”

Pretty easily, really. Regardless of the word “almost” it's still a quite large exaggeration. For which my comment still applies. Not sure I'm understanding the confusion on this. Either way, your comment was misleading to anyone really trying to get an insight on the recruiting process. Which is why I made the clarification.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[ikhan89]

No it's actually not an exaggeration. First round interviews are granted easily unless you went to a school that is subpar compared to other in area. My school had 60-80 slots for 1st round on campus interviews, per firm.

You probably think talent acquisition/recruiters sit there and read everyone resume and cover letter, right? lol

Anyway, no point bothering with trolls. Your bumped a 1 month old thread to pull a random number out of thin air “I'd say 35.75%”. Have fun trolling – I gotta get back to FAR.

[acamp]

^I'd probably read through Mayo's posts before labeling.

Campus recruiters will include campus meet and greets as another tool in deciding on who to grant interviews. For sure, not everyone who uploads a resume gets an interview.

Mayo, nice to see you back.

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