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Richie75 · 12-11-2008, 22:09

So was the Milk Round what people though it would be? Going into the process, I thought all 4 firms would be the same but there were big differences or maybe my opinion was based on the people I met throughout the process;

KPMG: Very long interview process. Got the feeling they were the stiff upper lip types. Wasn't impressed by presentation.

PWC: Very formal and I felt the dinner was a bit stuffy. Nice enough people but felt the place was nearly too big and you are just a number. The two people interviewing me seemed to have only met each other for the first time that day and when I mentioned some of their staff whom I had opportunity to meet, they didn't know them

Deloitte: Surpirsed me in that they were larger than I thought but they were also genuinely nice people (both the staff and partner and manager I met). At present, my top choice.

E&Y: They didn't seem to care. Honestly. It felt like they were doing me a favour by giving me an interview.

Any thoughts?

schumacher · 12-11-2008, 22:23

Agree with everything you said!! But deloitte are only the third biggest in Ireland so id go for the other two! i wouldnt consider ey tbh

Richie75 · 12-11-2008, 22:43

I was thinking the same thing about them being bigger but then when I was speaking to a qualified friend of a friend he made the valid point that no matter how big they are, as long as you are good you will get to work with some of the largest companies in the country, be it any of the Big 4.

tywy · 13-11-2008, 00:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by schumacher

Agree with everything you said!! But deloitte are only the third biggest in Ireland so id go for the other two! i wouldnt consider ey tbh

Deloitte are 2nd biggest in the world if you feel like travelling...

schumacher · 13-11-2008, 12:43

yeah they all have top clients so it doesnt really matter which one you chose!! Best to go for the one that gives you the best vibe

Innervision · 13-11-2008, 16:03

Definitely agree with you about the best vibe being from Deloitte, seemed the most down to earth place. Thought PWC was a close second though.

Richie75 · 13-11-2008, 17:15

When we are on the topic, does anyone know whats up with E&Y? While I have expressed a preference for Deloitte, and then PWC and KPMG a close second, E&Y were not at the races at all and people have said don;t go there.

Does anyone know what the story is with them?

clearya · 13-11-2008, 19:06

I only managed to apply to pwc and ey as I'm a bit of an idiot sometimes! but I got an interview with both.
I found the pwc people to be lovely, I was talking to one of the partners before the dinner and he gave me all the time in the world, inside at my table the 3 that were there were lovely, as was the girl there before my interview. However, the 2 in the actual interview were a bit cold I'd say, asked a lot of 'future manager' q's and they didn't try and draw me into any conversation. And when the interview was over I was hurried out the door..it was the last interview of the day but they certainly didn't make me feel confident!
The ey night was also very good, they a firm that listens to their workers and they implemented a new training program in Feb that won an award. The people were really nice and the 2 interviewing me were lovely, they said they wanted to get to know ME and not 1 economy question in sight. They did ask me how i managed project groups etc but no 'what would you do if...' or 'can you tell us a time when...' questions. Was deffo a personality interview and 1 of them saw me to the door and was really nice and told me he enjoyed the interview. I definitely enjoyed the ey interview more and if I get offered both it will be tough as both have their perks and drawbacks.
And regarding ey, i have read on here that some said the firm was in trouble and that it wasn't the best place to work...don't know how much of that is true as there could be someone else in the firm that loves it and will tell you different!

Richie75 · 13-11-2008, 19:22

I asked someone in practice the question I had posted above and it appears that E&Y didn't pay much attention to their graduate recruitment over the past few years and hence were not getting the best people in and the place went down hill.

So maybe those places who say their graduates are important to them weren't telling lies just to get us in the door.

The same guy, who works actually works for KPMG, also advised me to go to Deloitte on the basis that they actually treat people well and its not just a marketing slogan- some of his house mates work there.

clearya · 13-11-2008, 19:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richie75

I asked someone in practice the question I had posted above and it appears that E&Y didn't pay much attention to their graduate recruitment over the past few years and hence were not getting the best people in and the place went down hill.

So maybe those places who say their graduates are important to them weren't telling lies just to get us in the door.

The same guy, who works actually works for KPMG, also advised me to go to Deloitte on the basis that they actually treat people well and its not just a marketing slogan- some of his house mates work there.

I can see what he means, for the ey presentation I did have to travel to dub, the first 3 nights were all dub applicants and the last night there was about 60 of us from the rest of the country..I would go to ey but pwc would prob just be my top pref, just cos of the new building! But they did make some mistakes recently which does make me question their quality..but haven't heard back from pwc in a week so haven't the foggiest how that will go, I've read on here that others got offers within 2 days so I prob relyin on ey!

Alyosha · 13-11-2008, 21:52

First up I'm going for Tax, but going to be doing a postgrad in either UCD or DCU next year first.

KPMG: Didn't get a good vibe from their presentation, but thought the interview process with business exercise was really well done. And the partner who interviewed me was dead on. He said he would recommend me for a position, but that was 3 days ago and haven't heard anything back yet so not sure if I will get an offer judging by other people on here. Also, managing partner had me wanting to jump up and punch him a few times during his presentation!

Deloitte: Had an interview Monday and got an offer today. Everything from the firm has being good so far and think i would like working there. Still though, would prefer to get...

PWC! My interview was only yesterday. I think this is the firm for me so really hoping for an offer. 5 out of the 6 people I really talked to during the presentations/interviews were dead on, one of my interviewers was a bit sticky but I think she was just trying to test me out. And she said in the lift afterwards that I did a good interview. I know a few people who work there already and who will be working there which is an added incentive also. I know they are sending out letters tomorrow so am hopeful of getting the call....!

EY: Have my interview tomorrow and still complentating wheter or not I should go. Probably will, but only as a backup incase I get neither PWC or KPMG and Deloitte see sense and change their mind about me!

So all in all, happy to have gotten an offer of Tax in Deloitte - but if either KPMG, or especially PwC, offer me a position I will mroe than likely accept it.

Alyosha · 14-11-2008, 21:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alyosha

PWC! My interview was only yesterday. I think this is the firm for me so really hoping for an offer.

Fo87 · 15-11-2008, 02:09

Hey,

I'm new to boards.ie. I was trying to surf the net to find information on which of the big 4 to pick and I came across this thread.

I've been offered KPMG and PwC. I cancelled my EY interview because I knew I was never going to pick them over the others. Basically I was influenced by rumours, family/friends opinions and the people I had met at the gradireland fair in the RDS and their presentation evening in the Radisson. By the way what did people think of the panel, the crazy lady hosting the forum and the ridiculous clapping and motivational music entrance? Personally, it just wasn't for me.

Anyway, back to my real question. I have my Deloitte interview on Monday and I was just wondering was anyone asked any tricky questions? Did they throw in any awful questions that had you panicking?

Also, if I'm lucky enough to get an offer from Deloitte I really will be in two minds as who to pick. It would be PwC Vs Deloitte for me. And I just can't see the difference. In the back of my mind I'm thinking that PwC carry the biggest weight behind them with regards to reputation and "looking good" on your CV? Love to hear more suggestions or who others are leaning towards.

Cheers!

Alyosha · 15-11-2008, 11:03

My Deloitte interview was grand Fo. Very informal with them leaving you to do most of the talking. There was a little bit more emphasis on general business knowledge than any other interview - I was asked to talk about a businessman I admire for example, and what I would have done in the Budget.

Have the same Deloitte/PwC decision to make and am leaning towards PwC for the reasons you outlined. And I know a few people going in there aswell. Plus they ahve a regional office back home whereas Deloitte don't, so might be a chance to move there at some point down the line.

Richie75 · 17-11-2008, 12:00

Not sure if the PWC thing carrying weight on your CV actually carries water.

Globally, they are all of the same size roughly and they all have the same large client bases. I would view the reputation of all 3 as being equal in Ireland with E&Y lagging behind somewhat closer to the second tier.

On the basis of their reputations all being the same I am going for the one that I think I will enjoy working for, being Deloitte. (In my Deloitte interview, they accepted they were not as big as PWC and KPMG- but they are growing faster than either over the past 5 years so they must be doing something right plus that means there are more opportunities for someone like us coming through the ranks)

12-11-2008, 22:09	#1
Richie75 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 26 Adverts \| Friends	Big 4 Interviews- which one will you go for? So was the Milk Round what people though it would be? Going into the process, I thought all 4 firms would be the same but there were big differences or maybe my opinion was based on the people I met throughout the process; KPMG: Very long interview process. Got the feeling they were the stiff upper lip types. Wasn't impressed by presentation. PWC: Very formal and I felt the dinner was a bit stuffy. Nice enough people but felt the place was nearly too big and you are just a number. The two people interviewing me seemed to have only met each other for the first time that day and when I mentioned some of their staff whom I had opportunity to meet, they didn't know them Deloitte: Surpirsed me in that they were larger than I thought but they were also genuinely nice people (both the staff and partner and manager I met). At present, my top choice. E&Y: They didn't seem to care. Honestly. It felt like they were doing me a favour by giving me an interview. Any thoughts?

13-11-2008, 19:06	#8
clearya Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 62 Adverts \| Friends	I only managed to apply to pwc and ey as I'm a bit of an idiot sometimes! but I got an interview with both. I found the pwc people to be lovely, I was talking to one of the partners before the dinner and he gave me all the time in the world, inside at my table the 3 that were there were lovely, as was the girl there before my interview. However, the 2 in the actual interview were a bit cold I'd say, asked a lot of 'future manager' q's and they didn't try and draw me into any conversation. And when the interview was over I was hurried out the door..it was the last interview of the day but they certainly didn't make me feel confident! The ey night was also very good, they a firm that listens to their workers and they implemented a new training program in Feb that won an award. The people were really nice and the 2 interviewing me were lovely, they said they wanted to get to know ME and not 1 economy question in sight. They did ask me how i managed project groups etc but no 'what would you do if...' or 'can you tell us a time when...' questions. Was deffo a personality interview and 1 of them saw me to the door and was really nice and told me he enjoyed the interview. I definitely enjoyed the ey interview more and if I get offered both it will be tough as both have their perks and drawbacks. And regarding ey, i have read on here that some said the firm was in trouble and that it wasn't the best place to work...don't know how much of that is true as there could be someone else in the firm that loves it and will tell you different! Last edited by clearya; 13-11-2008 at 19:21.

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12-11-2008, 22:23	#2
schumacher Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Galway Posts: 193 Adverts \| Friends	Agree with everything you said!! But deloitte are only the third biggest in Ireland so id go for the other two! i wouldnt consider ey tbh

12-11-2008, 22:43	#3
Richie75 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 26 Adverts \| Friends	I was thinking the same thing about them being bigger but then when I was speaking to a qualified friend of a friend he made the valid point that no matter how big they are, as long as you are good you will get to work with some of the largest companies in the country, be it any of the Big 4.

13-11-2008, 12:43	#5
schumacher Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Galway Posts: 193 Adverts \| Friends	yeah they all have top clients so it doesnt really matter which one you chose!! Best to go for the one that gives you the best vibe

13-11-2008, 16:03	#6
Innervision Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 373 Adverts \| Friends	Definitely agree with you about the best vibe being from Deloitte, seemed the most down to earth place. Thought PWC was a close second though.

13-11-2008, 17:15	#7
Richie75 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 26 Adverts \| Friends	When we are on the topic, does anyone know whats up with E&Y? While I have expressed a preference for Deloitte, and then PWC and KPMG a close second, E&Y were not at the races at all and people have said don;t go there. Does anyone know what the story is with them?

13-11-2008, 19:22	#9
Richie75 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 26 Adverts \| Friends	I asked someone in practice the question I had posted above and it appears that E&Y didn't pay much attention to their graduate recruitment over the past few years and hence were not getting the best people in and the place went down hill. So maybe those places who say their graduates are important to them weren't telling lies just to get us in the door. The same guy, who works actually works for KPMG, also advised me to go to Deloitte on the basis that they actually treat people well and its not just a marketing slogan- some of his house mates work there.

13-11-2008, 21:52	#11
Alyosha Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 108 Adverts \| Friends	First up I'm going for Tax, but going to be doing a postgrad in either UCD or DCU next year first. KPMG: Didn't get a good vibe from their presentation, but thought the interview process with business exercise was really well done. And the partner who interviewed me was dead on. He said he would recommend me for a position, but that was 3 days ago and haven't heard anything back yet so not sure if I will get an offer judging by other people on here. Also, managing partner had me wanting to jump up and punch him a few times during his presentation! Deloitte: Had an interview Monday and got an offer today. Everything from the firm has being good so far and think i would like working there. Still though, would prefer to get... PWC! My interview was only yesterday. I think this is the firm for me so really hoping for an offer. 5 out of the 6 people I really talked to during the presentations/interviews were dead on, one of my interviewers was a bit sticky but I think she was just trying to test me out. And she said in the lift afterwards that I did a good interview. I know a few people who work there already and who will be working there which is an added incentive also. I know they are sending out letters tomorrow so am hopeful of getting the call....! EY: Have my interview tomorrow and still complentating wheter or not I should go. Probably will, but only as a backup incase I get neither PWC or KPMG and Deloitte see sense and change their mind about me! So all in all, happy to have gotten an offer of Tax in Deloitte - but if either KPMG, or especially PwC, offer me a position I will mroe than likely accept it.

15-11-2008, 02:09	#13
Fo87 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 7 Adverts \| Friends	Hey, I'm new to boards.ie. I was trying to surf the net to find information on which of the big 4 to pick and I came across this thread. I've been offered KPMG and PwC. I cancelled my EY interview because I knew I was never going to pick them over the others. Basically I was influenced by rumours, family/friends opinions and the people I had met at the gradireland fair in the RDS and their presentation evening in the Radisson. By the way what did people think of the panel, the crazy lady hosting the forum and the ridiculous clapping and motivational music entrance? Personally, it just wasn't for me. Anyway, back to my real question. I have my Deloitte interview on Monday and I was just wondering was anyone asked any tricky questions? Did they throw in any awful questions that had you panicking? Also, if I'm lucky enough to get an offer from Deloitte I really will be in two minds as who to pick. It would be PwC Vs Deloitte for me. And I just can't see the difference. In the back of my mind I'm thinking that PwC carry the biggest weight behind them with regards to reputation and "looking good" on your CV? Love to hear more suggestions or who others are leaning towards. Cheers!

15-11-2008, 11:03	#14
Alyosha Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 108 Adverts \| Friends	My Deloitte interview was grand Fo. Very informal with them leaving you to do most of the talking. There was a little bit more emphasis on general business knowledge than any other interview - I was asked to talk about a businessman I admire for example, and what I would have done in the Budget. Have the same Deloitte/PwC decision to make and am leaning towards PwC for the reasons you outlined. And I know a few people going in there aswell. Plus they ahve a regional office back home whereas Deloitte don't, so might be a chance to move there at some point down the line.

17-11-2008, 12:00	#15
Richie75 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 26 Adverts \| Friends	Not sure if the PWC thing carrying weight on your CV actually carries water. Globally, they are all of the same size roughly and they all have the same large client bases. I would view the reputation of all 3 as being equal in Ireland with E&Y lagging behind somewhat closer to the second tier. On the basis of their reputations all being the same I am going for the one that I think I will enjoy working for, being Deloitte. (In my Deloitte interview, they accepted they were not as big as PWC and KPMG- but they are growing faster than either over the past 5 years so they must be doing something right plus that means there are more opportunities for someone like us coming through the ranks)