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Background on myself first: 21 yr old, going into my 4th year (doing 5 years double majoring in accounting & finance for 150 credits) 3.6 GPA, go to a big/fairly well regarded state university, had a 2.5 month long internship in the spring in a major global marketing/PR firm's finance department (particular accounts payable, not the most glorious I know but it was paid and corporate experience. cool company too.) work about 20 hrs/week during the school year, have worked since I was 17, have good experiences with my jobs, good leadership experience to talk about in interviews, somewhat involved in a club/member of a national honor society
A month ago I went to this 3 day networking event with a regional top 25 firm. There were 9 other students from local universities that attended. On the third day we all got an interview for both winter and summer internships. Was feeling like I would have a good chance with the limited competition and the fact they would pick at least a few, but alas I just got a denial letter last week. Thought I made a good impression, did well in the interviews. However, these kids... their credentials were also pretty solid. At least 2 interned with a Big 4 in the spring, pretty sure all of them had an internship, good grades, involved, etc.
I guess this just goes to show competitive accounting has become? I mean I'm fairly optimistic I can at least land another internship before I graduate, but will I even be able to cut it in public accounting? If I couldn't get in with these guys, not sure what my chances would even be with a Big 4 where the competition is even greater.
Background on myself first: 21 yr old, going into my 4th year (doing 5 years double majoring in accounting & finance for 150 credits) 3.6 GPA, go to a big/fairly well regarded state university, had a 2.5 month long internship in the spring in a major global marketing/PR firm's finance department (particular accounts payable, not the most glorious I know but it was paid and corporate experience. cool company too.) work about 20 hrs/week during the school year, have worked since I was 17, have good experiences with my jobs, good leadership experience to talk about in interviews, somewhat involved in a club/member of a national honor society
A month ago I went to this 3 day networking event with a regional top 25 firm. There were 9 other students from local universities that attended. On the third day we all got an interview for both winter and summer internships. Was feeling like I would have a good chance with the limited competition and the fact they would pick at least a few, but alas I just got a denial letter last week. Thought I made a good impression, did well in the interviews. However, these kids... their credentials were also pretty solid. At least 2 interned with a Big 4 in the spring, pretty sure all of them had an internship, good grades, involved, etc.
I guess this just goes to show competitive accounting has become? I mean I'm fairly optimistic I can at least land another internship before I graduate, but will I even be able to cut it in public accounting? If I couldn't get in with these guys, not sure what my chances would even be with a Big 4 where the competition is even greater.
Sounds like you have a good background. You might have to settle for a regional firm. I'm guessing your personality or your look just didn't fit.
I mean I think I do... I still think I could have an outside shot at a Big 4, but with how competitive they are... I just feel a 3.6 + internship experience + work during school year + some club involvement should be enough. I feel confident in my interviewing as well.
Give us an update Bert. The large regional public accounting firms have come on strong in their markets. Have you had any luck landing an internship with one of them? Those spots usually result in permanent job offers when you graduate. Remember to not let passing the CPA exam slow down your progress. You can get a free look at sample test questions at http://fastforwardacademy.com/index-...rial_embed.htm. This will build your confidence plus prepare you to pass the exam sections on your first attempts. That always impresses employers.
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