Summer Internship Programmes in Big4

seanieclarke

has anyone ever done an internship programme in one of the Big4(i think only 3 actually do it but cant remember which one doesnt)?

how useful are they or would trying to get a summer job/work experience in a small practice be better?

thanks

Kinetic^

A very close friend of mine did one of these and found it good. They offered her a job on condition of her getting a 2.1 at the end of her internship, which she got. It's a good way to get your foot in the door tbh.

Running Bing

Kenny 5 wrote:

A very close friend of mine did one of these and found it good. They offered her a job on condition of her getting a 2.1 at the end of her internship, which she got. It's a good way to get your foot in the door tbh.

How tough are they to get into? Are they really selective? Thanks.

Kinetic^

TBH, I can't ever remember her talking about them. I'd imagine they just use it as another form of getting employees. Although you're not going to be given anything major to do, you'll have a review etc at the end of it.

seanieclarke

is it better experience wise to do one of these(if accepted) or try and get a summer job/work experience in a small practice?

do the interns get paid at all?

Kinetic^

I think it would be a good idea to take one as it'll show you've got an interest in the work and your future. If you want to work in a small practice in the future then get a summer job in one. You should do whatever's relevant to where you want to be after college.

Yes you get paid. Probably minimum wage but trust me it'll be worth it. Plus it's 9to5, no weekend work like you would in some other summer job.

Running Bing

Thanks for the info Kenny5. Im planning to fill out the application form now. Any tips or advice on what they look for?

Kinetic^

I reckon it's going to be all pretty much standard stuff in relation to your college results. If you do naything interesting oustide of college put it down.........do not put down socialising as an interest though, it's hardly something they'll be looking for

seanieclarke

sorry for all the questions kenny but is the work generally difficult?

im asking because my background is in general business as opposed to pure accounting/finance,so i dont wanna be thrown in at the deep end

Kinetic^

You won't be given anything too taxing (I'm gonna get flamed for that one ). You'll be fine. It'll be the same when/if you start in the Big 4 after your degree.......do nothing for 3/4 months and then all hell breaks out!!!

Pythia

I did an internship last summer with one of the big four. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.

Running Bing

Pythia wrote:

I did an internship last summer with one of the big four. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have.

Any idea of the applicant to place ratio Pythia? Anything they look for in particular in applications and interviews? What do you think made your application successful Pythia? Thanks.

Pythia

My place took on the most number of people last year. Just under 40.
Not sure how many people applied, maybe 1,000? No, probably smaller.
A lot of people are weeded out before you get to interview stage, so if you're there, you've got a much better chance.

Good grades would definitely be a huge plus. Most people who were interns seemed to have high 2:1s or firsts.
They like team players, also people who have shown some leadership.
They like people who are confident and can hold their own.
I had a great Leaving Certificate, and I was asked about it.
I also won an academic scholarship and this other major prize thingy which they seemed to like.

Be able to answer why you actually want the position. Simple really, but a lot of people fall down on that. Show you like accounting too, that accountancy is your dream job!
Try and read up on the area you're applying to. Ie if you're applying to the tax practice, maybe know something about the budget or Revenue.

Make sure to think up examples of things like 'When did you show leadership?' 'When did you turn around a bad situation', 'When did you last work with a team and what were the results?'
That kind of thing.

I've found the forum of a website called doctorjob helpful for my job search this year (decided I didn't like accounting!). People report about how interviews went and what they were asked, etc.

HTH.

Kinetic^

That's someg good advice Phtyia. Academic prize, eh? NERD