I'm really amazed at some of the attitude towards professors here. I'm sure its true that there are those that can't cut it, but I have found many who just enjoy teaching and research. I think some of you should try to remember that these men and women have accepted a lower salary to teach YOU.

I am graduating now as an older student and I realize the value in loving what you do. I made very good money in my former career and got into accounting because I like it. I accepted a big four offer because I hope to learn a lot. That being said there is much more to life than your salary. I think being a college professor would be really rewarding and enjoyable.

If you want to make a lot of money, work for yourself. If you can't make a lot of money working for yourself, your probably not worth a lot of money.

I think the comments of the professor are just a bad over generalization. Similar to how going to a prestigous private/ivy league school will give you a better chance of having a very succesful career, working for the Big 4 will give you the best shot at earning a high salary later on down the road.

There really is no explanation for this fact, other than that the market (employers) places a great deal of value on Big 4 experience, and are willing to pay higher salaries to get it. Do you really learn more working at a Big 4 firm as compared to a smaller/regional firm, idk, but for some reason the perception is that ex-big 4 accountants are better workers than those coming from different backgrounds. Going back to the school reference, some employers only hire grads of big name private schools because perception is that those people are more qualified, smarter, etc. truth is, the majority of rich people out there did not go to an ivy league school.

imo, if you can get into the big 4 after college, you would be dumb not to go, but if you can't get in, it's not the end of your career.