Milk Round Offers 2011/2012

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I have taken upon myself to start a thread where we can talk about the milk round offers this year , I have been speaking to various recruitment consultants in the Big 4 and they have all informed me that they are recruiting in the next month or so.

So guys when some companies become available let us all know , I think competition this year will be tougher than any other year with the standard of graduate out there not working at the moment very high.

I'm hoping to get picked up myself , coming from a Ba(hons) Accounting degree with full cap1 exemptions and doing a Msc Accounting starting in September with the hope of gaining my full cap2.

Best of luck ,

LightningBolt

Recruitment for the top six or seven firms will open mid September and close late October. Same as usual.

Dellboy2007

Was reading on an old thread about the milk rounds and the mention of Leaving Cert results kind of threw me. I'm in the same situation as you Little Pea - about to do a Masters - but my results from secondary level were not great. I know that it's not the end of the world if you don't get Big 4, but one of the main reasons I was doing the MBS was in the hope of it improving my chances. Really can't believe that it carries any weight at all in the application process considering it was 6 years ago for me. Obviously it does though. Can people say for 100% that if your L.C results aren't great but you get a 2.1, an equally good Masters, have good skills, etc, you still won't be looked at?

thisguy

Your leaving cert results might be looked at, but they will just be one of a number of factors they consider in the selection process. They will neither rule you in or out based on them.

In fact I can't imagine them being a very significant factor compared to college results, etc.

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thisguy wrote: »

Your leaving cert results might be looked at, but they will just be one of a number of factors they consider in the selection process. They will neither rule you in or out based on them.

In fact I can't imagine them being a very significant factor compared to college results, etc.

I have in-fact been told that if you have less then 400 points in the leaving cert can put an end to your application process by an automated system.

Dellboy2007

Little Pea wrote: »

I have in-fact been told that if you have less then 400 points in the leaving cert can put an end to your application process by an automated system.

BALLS. If so, I wish they would say on the entry requirements, it would save a lot of hassle.

ted2767

Dellboy2007 wrote: »

Little Pea wrote: »

I have in-fact been told that if you have less then 400 points in the leaving cert can put an end to your application process by an automated system.

BALLS. If so, I wish they would say on the entry requirements, it would save a lot of hassle.

I'd advise you to contact the hr people in the firms directly.
I'd imagine having a decent degree and a masters would stand to you well though.

Dellboy2007

ted2767 wrote: »

I'd advise you to contact the hr people in the firms directly.
I'd imagine having a decent degree and a masters would stand to you well though.

I would imagine so as well.

ted2767

Dellboy2007 wrote: »

ted2767 wrote: »

I'd advise you to contact the hr people in the firms directly.
I'd imagine having a decent degree and a masters would stand to you well though.

I would imagine so as well.

My advice is to stick with it do the best masters you can network at grad fairs and you'll hopefully pick up something.

jdooley28

thisguy wrote: »

Your leaving cert results might be looked at, but they will just be one of a number of factors they consider in the selection process. They will neither rule you in or out based on them.

In fact I can't imagine them being a very significant factor compared to college results, etc.

Couldn't agree with you more very true excellent comment

yesman2000

How competitive are the milk rounds for the Big4 ? I know there's an ever-increasing amount of top graduates around at the moment, but would good exam results, a small bit of (relevant) work experience along with some extra-circular activities on your C.V give you a good chance of getting an interview/contract

Muzi5434

Dellboy2007 wrote: »

Was reading on an old thread about the milk rounds and the mention of Leaving Cert results kind of threw me. I'm in the same situation as you Little Pea - about to do a Masters - but my results from secondary level were not great. I know that it's not the end of the world if you don't get Big 4, but one of the main reasons I was doing the MBS was in the hope of it improving my chances. Really can't believe that it carries any weight at all in the application process considering it was 6 years ago for me. Obviously it does though. Can people say for 100% that if your L.C results aren't great but you get a 2.1, an equally good Masters, have good skills, etc, you still won't be looked at?

I applied for KPMG last year and I followed up with them. They told me that my application was perfect but because of my LC results they didn't call me for an interview.

Deloitte and E & Y didn't mind my LC results at all, they were more looking towards what I had done besides going to college (Part-time job, managing events, team-work, leadership positions etc.)
If you do get to Deloitte's interview stage (Audit), let me know I can tell you the kind of questions they ask

PWC didn't ring me back because I did poorly on one their questions.

Muzi5434

yesman2000 wrote: »

How competitive are the milk rounds for the Big4 ? I know there's an ever-increasing amount of top graduates around at the moment, but would good exam results, a small bit of (relevant) work experience along with some extra-circular activities on your C.V give you a good chance of getting an interview/contract

Extra-circular activities are very important along with results. They show time-management, leadership, team-work, adjusting to situations etc.

Dellboy2007

Thanks Muzi5434. Not to sound stupid but what type of extra-curricular activities would they be looking for? For example, would societies be considered a good one? I'm not particularly sporty so trying to think of others.

Muzi5434

Dellboy2007 wrote: »

Thanks Muzi5434. Not to sound stupid but what type of extra-curricular activities would they be looking for? For example, would societies be considered a good one? I'm not particularly sporty so trying to think of others.

They can be many things such as a part-time job, holding a key position in a society (President, Vice president, secretary, treasurer etc.), even knowing your lecturers because in my interview with Deloitte they knew some of my lecturers and you can discuss that with them, other stuff can be like managing events etc.
Hope that helps

lizzie_k

Little Pea wrote: »

I have taken upon myself to start a thread where we can talk about the milk round offers this year , I have been speaking to various recruitment consultants in the Big 4 and they have all informed me that they are recruiting in the next month or so.

So guys when some companies become available let us all know , I think competition this year will be tougher than any other year with the standard of graduate out there not working at the moment very high.

I'm hoping to get picked up myself , coming from a Ba(hons) Accounting degree with full cap1 exemptions and doing a Msc Accounting starting in September with the hope of gaining my full cap2.

Best of luck ,

How come you dont have an offer from last years milkrounds if you have yoiur degree and starting your masters? Myself and my friends all got offers with the big4 who are all sponsoring our masters. Its kinda the norm to look in final year not when doing the masters

20 Times 20 Times

I did look and apply , I never even got called for an interview . I am not bitter about this , so deceided to do a masters in order to secure a training contract.

Dellboy2007

lizzie_k wrote: »

How come you dont have an offer from last years milkrounds if you have yoiur degree and starting your masters? Myself and my friends all got offers with the big4 who are all sponsoring our masters. Its kinda the norm to look in final year not when doing the masters

minagile

Muzi5434 wrote: »

I applied for KPMG last year and I followed up with them. They told me that my application was perfect but because of my LC results they didn't call me for an interview.

Deloitte and E & Y didn't mind my LC results at all, they were more looking towards what I had done besides going to college (Part-time job, managing events, team-work, leadership positions etc.)
If you do get to Deloitte's interview stage (Audit), let me know I can tell you the kind of questions they ask

PWC didn't ring me back because I did poorly on one their questions.

Great, you got a position with Deloitte. Deloitte is my favorite in big 4. I also have the same feeling about KPMG, they care too much about the past results, even you got a great results in college. I am going to apply the big 4 this Sep, hopefully I can get a interview.

20 Times 20 Times

minagile wrote: »

Great, you got a position with Deloitte. Deloitte is my favorite in big 4. I also have the same feeling about KPMG, they care too much about the past results, even you got a great results in college. I am going to apply the big 4 this Sep, hopefully I can get a interview.

Where are you studying your undergrad ?

minagile

Little Pea wrote: »

Where are you studying your undergrad ?

I am doing my undergraduate in Cork.

Tauriel

Is there much point in applying to the big 4 if you don't have relevant work experience?

jg72

Muzi5434 wrote: »

I applied for KPMG last year and I followed up with them. They told me that my application was perfect but because of my LC results they didn't call me for an interview.

Just curious Muzi, what kind of LC results were they looking for?

Muzi5434

mustang shelly wrote: »

Is there much point in applying to the big 4 if you don't have relevant work experience?

Yes there is, I only had 1 month of work experience in a small accounting firm. I did however had part-time jobs throughout my degree such as in O2, Topaz, Next etc.

Muzi5434

jg72 wrote: »

Just curious Muzi, what kind of LC results were they looking for?

They told me 400+ or close to it

d.m.b1990

While I know you have to fill out an online application for the Big 4, is its advisable to bring a copy of your c.v to the interview?

shteve

I am currently doing law but would like to work in tax. Do these companies normally take graduates solely on a law degree or do they look for something extra? i.e. masters in an accounting subject

d.m.b1990

shteve wrote: »

I am currently doing law but would like to work in tax. Do these companies normally take graduates solely on a law degree or do they look for something extra? i.e. masters in an accounting subject

Hey from what I've heard coming from a Law background is a bonus if anything.

pkde1

d.m.b1990 wrote: »

While I know you have to fill out an online application for the Big 4, is its advisable to bring a copy of your c.v to the interview?

No, there's no need to bring anything to the interview - just make sure you know your online application inside out!

Also, buy a couple of business newspapers in the week or so coming up to your interview, and pick out a couple of random stories you're "interested" in, note the details of the people involved etc ... a common question might relate to current issues in the media and your opinions on them, etc.

And note the "buzzwords" that come up again and again on the firm's website, and try to work them into the conversation particularly when describing yourself and your strengths.

d.m.b1990

pkde1 wrote: »

No, there's no need to bring anything to the interview - just make sure you know your online application inside out!

Also, buy a couple of business newspapers in the week or so coming up to your interview, and pick out a couple of random stories you're "interested" in, note the details of the people involved etc ... a common question might relate to current issues in the media and your opinions on them, etc.

And note the "buzzwords" that come up again and again on the firm's website, and try to work them into the conversation particularly when describing yourself and your strengths.

Thanks very much, very helpful information.

20 Times 20 Times

Some applications opened now lads.

d.m.b1990

Little Pea wrote: »

Some applications opened now lads.

What ones have opened? checked some earlier and there was none opened.

v6e5qzawyrc3jn

This post has been deleted.

LOccitane

Based on my experience last year, in terms of professionalism and the speed of response: PwC, KPMG and Deloitte were neck and neck. I heard from all three with initial interview offers/details the following morning immediately after the closing date for applications.

EY were very disappointing from start to finish. Their online form, last year at least - had several glitches. I ended up manually typing the answers to several of the online questions and attaching them as PDFs to the overall submission.

In terms of speed of response - EY phoned me whilst I was in Dublin during interviews/presentations and suggested that I turn up at the other side of the country the following evening for a presentation.

PwC's online application form is exceptionally user friendly, as is that of KPMG. Deloitte follows fairly closely behind. I found the questions asked by PwC were very relevant, practical and gave candidates the opportunity to indicate not only their commercial awareness but to give a flavour of their interpersonal skills and non academic interests.

Whatever business topic you choose to write about in answering the online questions - make sure that firstly, it is uniquely your own answer, not a copied version from Bloomberg Weekly or elsewhere and secondly - that you would feel competent to speak about the topic in more depth/detail at interview stage should that occur.

Most importantly - pay extreme attention to detail and spelling and above all, highlight your strenghts.

EY also stipulated a minimum of 450 Leaving Certificate points, but I am aware of instances where many of the candidates who received final offers from them in fact achieved significantly less than 450 LC points.

Overall, I found PwC and KPMG to be absolutely top notch on all components, extremely personable and genuinely interested. It was a difficult choice between both in many respects.

It's important, when you receive offers - to not only consider the ''here and now'' but Year 1 and onwards.

Above all, be yourself on the application forms and during any subsequent interview process, highlight and demonstrate your interpersonal skills, make an effort on the presentation days/nights to interact with the staff, have a knowledge of each firms' key client base etc.

Regards,

LOccitane

Hanley

d.m.b1990 wrote: »

Hey from what I've heard coming from a Law background is a bonus if anything.

+1

A good knowledge of law and just the general workigns behind it are a huge advantage from a tax perspective.

Pandoras Twist

Dellboy2007 wrote: »

Can people say for 100% that if your L.C results aren't great but you get a 2.1, an equally good Masters, have good skills, etc, you still won't be looked at?

I failed higher level maths for my leaving cert and got a B1 in my ordinary level repeat. This was below E&Y's requirement but I asked and they said it wasn't an issue and it wasn't. Got offered a position with them.

yesman2000 wrote: »

How competitive are the milk rounds for the Big4 ? I know there's an ever-increasing amount of top graduates around at the moment, but would good exam results, a small bit of (relevant) work experience along with some extra-circular activities on your C.V give you a good chance of getting an interview/contract

mustang shelly wrote: »

Is there much point in applying to the big 4 if you don't have relevant work experience?

You should totally apply. I did commerce and a large number of people that got positions had only ever had part time jobs etc. How much experience can they really expect you to have. Totally go for it.

shteve wrote: »

I am currently doing law but would like to work in tax. Do these companies normally take graduates solely on a law degree or do they look for something extra? i.e. masters in an accounting subject

They take on some people that have engineering degrees so a law degree if anything is a bonus. Particularly if you want to do tax.

Dellboy2007

LOccitane wrote: »

EY also stipulated a minimum of 450 Leaving Certificate points, but I am aware of instances where many of the candidates who received final offers from them in fact achieved significantly less than 450 LC points.

Good post LOccitane. These are the requirements this year:


• Leaving Certificate - Grade A in Lower Level Maths or a Grade C in Higher Level Maths & Grade C in Higher Level English

• Leaving Certificate - minimum of 425 points

• 2.1 degree

I failed higher level maths for my leaving cert and got a B1 in my ordinary level repeat. This was below E&Y's requirement but I asked and they said it wasn't an issue and it wasn't. Got offered a position with them.

I emailed them yesterday asking this and still waiting to hear back...

Dellboy2007

When filling out the application form, are you better off putting one of the bigger offices as your first choice, i.e. Dublin, or does it make any difference if you put the likes of Limerick first then second preference Dublin.

ted2767

Dellboy2007 wrote: »

When filling out the application form, are you better off putting one of the bigger offices as your first choice, i.e. Dublin, or does it make any difference if you put the likes of Limerick first then second preference Dublin.

Well there are more positions and more opportunities in Dublin so you might stand a better chance.

Dellboy2007

Ok so would you be limiting your chances if you put one of the smaller places first and Dublin second? Or how exactly does it work? I wouldn't mind going somewhere outside of Dublin but at the same time, I don't want to mess up my chances and get no where!

ted2767

Dellboy2007 wrote: »

Ok so would you be limiting your chances if you put one of the smaller places first and Dublin second? Or how exactly does it work? I wouldn't mind going somewhere outside of Dublin but at the same time, I don't want to mess up my chances and get no where!

If you join audit in a regional office you would probably get into more varied work than in Dublin where it's more specialised so if you're after that then go for it.
However if you want to do anything specialised like financial services then Dublin is the place to go.
There would also be far less trainees so the social side may not be as good I met a lad this week who transferred to Dublin instead of a regional office as he was going to be the only trainee in his dept!
Tax may be similar I'm in audit so can only really comment on that.
As for chances of success I guess that really depends on the number of applicants and the number of positions KPMG in Galway would be very difficult I'd say as a lot of people might want to stay there from nuig so it's ptobably up to you to make yourself stand out.
Will you have you a degree or a masters?

Dellboy2007

Doing a Masters in DCU this year. I completely understand everything of what you're saying, I am just unsure of whether it makes any difference if you put regional city first, Dublin second.

ted2767

Dellboy2007 wrote: »

Doing a Masters in DCU this year. I completely understand everything of what you're saying, I am just unsure of whether it makes any difference if you put regional city first, Dublin second.

Well obviously if there are more positions in Dublin there will be more opps.
Why not wait till the firms come out to your college and ask them directly.
However if your heart is set on getting outa Dublin then go for it.

QueenV

Why does EY get such bad rep from trainees???

Legwinski

QueenV wrote: »

Why does EY get such bad rep from trainees???

From talking to 10 or so EY trainees I've never heard anything bad other than the usual stuff that would be applicable to all Big 4 trainees.... busy season, bad pay (although higher than the other Big 4 but no overtime) etc.

justcallmemoses

How does one calculate their predicted grade? It is what you are aiming for in your exam, or rather an average of your results to date?

LOccitane

justcallmemoses wrote: »

How does one calculate their predicted grade? It is what you are aiming for in your exam, or rather an average of your results to date?

It is in essence a mix of both. If for example, you have been achieving a 1.1 Grade each semester so far, then it's reasonable to assume that you are aiming for a Final 1.1 and that is also your predicted grade.

I think it's best described as what you are aiming to achieve, but tempered (where relevant) with what is feasibly obtainable.

LOccitane

Dellboy2007

LOccitane wrote: »

It is in essence a mix of both. If for example, you have been achieving a 1.1 Grade each semester so far, then it's reasonable to assume that you are aiming for a Final 1.1 and that is also your predicted grade.

I think it's best described as what you are aiming to achieve, but tempered (where relevant) with what is feasibly obtainable.

LOccitane

Well said. It's basically what you think you'll get in your final results. No point putting down a 1.1 if you're on a 2.2 up to date, but it might be realistic to put down a 2.1 if you think you'll move up in final results.

lauma

Hiya, just a quick question I am considering in applying to Big4 this year again. Applied 2years ago and wasn't successful so my worry is : you know the way they asking "did you applied before?" If I click "yes" is this true that my application will be automatically disqualified? haven't had a paid job since I completed degree in 2009 so a bit worry.

thanks in advance!

Pandoras Twist

Why on earth would your application be automatically be disqualified?

And if you try and lie about it they will easily match name/email adress/home address.

Just be prepared to justify what you did while unemployed

lauma

Pandoras Twist wrote: »

Why on earth would your application be automatically be disqualified?

And if you try and lie about it they will easily match name/email adress/home address.

Just be prepared to justify what you did while unemployed

I have no intention to lie. But just wondering do people get second chance and I am sure I read somewhere about disqualification. Hope its not true.