[zchen42]

Hi guys, I decide to move on and try to get into big 4 through experience hire next year. So how should I network with big 4 professionals in the next few months. What should I do after I connect them on linkedin.

[win2bet]

do you even have work experience, stellar grades, part of a club? if you don't i don't think anyone on linkedin can help you

,

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[zchen42]

What kind of clubs do you refer to

[Lucky2015]

For experienced hires you need at least 1 year experience somewhere. Do you have this?

[zchen42]

So far I have six months relevant experience and 4 months internships with financial institutions. I want to apply in 6 months when I have one year work experience. So I think I should at least do something during the six months

[Lucky2015]

if you want I can put you into the system for PwC. Just shoot me your resume and what location your interested in. luckiiimiii@gmail.com

[jm962011]

^really? That seems a bit scam-y… lol

[Anonymous]

did you quit your job to pursue a big 4 job?

[zchen42]

No. I have been working here Since I graduated in August 2015

[Anonymous]

oh ok just making sure… I would wait until you get the 1 year experience, try to learn as much as you can at your current job (you will need a good referral), if you know someone that works at big 4 see if they can pass your name off to the recruiter. I always feel it's more about WHO you know than WHAT you know… to a certain extent.

[zchen42]

Do they have to work in the office where I apply? I do not how to connect them. When I applied through campus recruitment, many managers passed along my resume to recruiter but I never heard back.

[Anonymous]

I think your personality, GPA, and school involvement plays a roll at the campus level. But after you have some experience those aren't as relevant- it's more about do you have the cpa exam passed and if during the interview the interviewer can picture him/her working with you for an extended amount of hours. I think every office might have it's own recruiter but there might be an internal referral system the company has in place. I don't work in big 4 but I know at my company we can refer others and we get a cash bonus if they get hired. Maybe others can chime in…

[zchen42]

I passed all sections of CPA exam in college. I just need 6 months work experience to get 1 license. What kind of personalities are they looking for. I always how I can show I have the personalities. most of them did not give me chance to interview. I do not know whether it is because I graduated in August or I am an International student

[taxsage]

1 year is the minimum experience for an experienced hire, but I would say 2 years is ideal. Most Big 4 recruiters will pass on applicants with 1 year. 1 year shows that you will leave for the next best thing, and at Big 4 job offers and head hunters come after you fairly soon. You would be considered a risky hire. Not to be a buzz killer but most experienced hires come from other national firms and large multi-state regional firms. Exceptions exist but I would say the Grant Thornton or Moss Adams candidate with two years of experience will likely get the job. The CPA exam passed will make you stand out at a college recruiting fair, but if you have the CPA and hope to be an experienced hire you will find yourself in line with dozens of other CPAs.

Personality is huge. Basically you need enough personality to have the interview flow like a conversation.

[zchen42]

Yeah I understand. As an International student, I can not get hired by non big 4 national and regional firms. That is a really big problem

[taxsage]

I was under the impression that the top 6 firms offered Visas. I am not saying you should not go for a Big 4 job, but you should know that it is much easier to get into Big 4 out of college. In my office we have had one experienced hire in the last 6 months. If you currently have a job in the states i would recommend you trying to find fullfillment in that job and trying to learn all you can. Give the employer you have at least 2 years and then try to go to a larger firm. But the Big 4 is only one path and its not right for everyone. There are a lot of great local firms and companies that have great cultures, pay, and hours.

[Author]

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