I'm not sure where accounting got the reputation of being the cool major. The steriotypical 'boring accountant' is known like that for a reason. Accounting work is well, mostly boring, dry, and generally tedious repetitive work. 

I noticed this trend change back in 1999-2000, when I was in college. I still see it when reading my alumni newsletter, plenty of accountants who look more like jocks are taking on the  major. What are they thinking? Do they think they are going to be big time wall street executives making million dollar deals?  Those personality types should be in marketing.

I've noticed that acconting firms also are trying to change the way accountants are viewed, like they are all outgoing, cool, social people. Which is fine, but is that really the best way to bring value to these companies?

BSMUP,

I am not limiting myself to just Chicago. I have to be open to relocation. For the record, I will work in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, or the West Bank, assuming there's opportunities there with the Big Four, or even midsize firms. My preference is US of course, but tis the season to be firing and not hiring.

Maybe cuz it's summer or they have too much Sox auditors or maybe just the downturn in the economy in general.  But all the Big Four increase revenue like crazy last year (wikipedia), so I don't know. My professors do not have any good contacts at even local or mid size firms.

The Big Four do come in September to recruit a new bunch of students who have already interned with them, so I'm going to meet their recruiters by making an appointment with them when they visit my school. Hopefully they're not biased agains 30 year old alumni who just got their CPAs. Nevertheless, I have been trying..but I'm gonna keep trying..recruiters..job fairs..school contacts..etc.

Too bad no one is hiring CPAs right out of the gate anymore..

I'm in a similar situation as you Southsideirish, almost 29 and just getting my CPA. I'm going to recruit using the on-campus recruiting with my school in September also. I actually did do this a couple of years ago and got interviews with all big 4 firms, and 2nd interviews with 2 of them. Not one job offer....

I'm going to give it a second try with my CPA test passed and also try to greatly improve my resume and interview skills.

I'm suprised you can't get your foot in the door anywhere, especially with the CPA test passed. Why are you considering working in those foreign countries? Are you or your parents originally form the middle east?  Just don't understand why anyone would consider those places.