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Subject Topic: What are the requirements to join Big 4? (Topic Closed Topic Closed) Post ReplyPost New Topic
  
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kait
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Posted: 14 Jul 2008 at 15:42 | IP Logged  

Hi, I'll be graduating next year with a Masters degree in Accounting & Finance. I would appreciate if anyone (esp. those who are currently working in Big 4 firms or have been accepted) could share what it takes to land a job with the big 4 firms. For example, what are the minimum/cut-off CGPA those firms looking for? I checked on their websites and they didn't specify the minimum CGPA requirement. Instead, they just mentioned strong academic background.
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bsmup
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Posted: 14 Jul 2008 at 18:50 | IP Logged  

There are no hard requirements. Strengths in some areas can make up for deficiencies in others. Think of it more as general guidelines.

I would say these items stick out:

1. ~3.5 GPA or above
2. Active involvement, especially leadership positions, in organizations
3. I know many people were in Beta Alpha Psi (I wasn't because my school did not have it but many were)
4. Strong part-time work and/or volunteer background
5. Past internships

The number one most important factor however is some sort of connection and/or networking. If you have a teacher that was a former big four employee or who is close with big four recruiters, then make sure you visit with that professor. And when firms come on campus talk to them, whether you are close to graduation or not.

Another skill that you should brush up on is interviewing. If your school career center offers interview advice and practice sessions use them. Your resume may not be outstanding, but it's main use is to get your foot in the door for the interview. If you can wow them in the interview, any holes in your resume can be easily ignored.


Edited by bsmup on 16 Jul 2008 at 00:30
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kait
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Posted: 14 Jul 2008 at 22:03 | IP Logged  

Thank you BSMUP for your reply.
My current CGPA is only 3.3. Would I stand a chance to be interviewed, supposing I fulfill all the remaining four general requirements you mentioned in your reply.
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SPL81
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Posted: 14 Jul 2008 at 22:12 | IP Logged  

kait wrote:
Thank you BSMUP for your reply.
My current CGPA is only 3.3. Would I stand a chance to be interviewed, supposing I fulfill all the remaining four general requirements you mentioned in your reply.


If the rest of your resume looks great, I think you would at least land an interview.

If your school has some kind of career center, check if they offer any help in developing resume writing and interviewing skills. If not, at least have somebody in the know look over your resume and give you some feedback. That little piece of paper is crucial in getting a recruiter's attention, so it doesn't hurt to spend some time and effort on it.

Good luck!
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kait
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Posted: 14 Jul 2008 at 22:17 | IP Logged  

Thank you for the fast reply. I appreciate it :)
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