Will I get an offer off the BIG 4?

niallm2034

Hi I'm in DIT applied to all the BIG 4 accounting firms, in first year I failed ecomomics & in 2nd year I got a 2.2. I have some work experience in a small accounting firm at home for the summer.

I'm just wondering what do people think my chances are of getting an offer?

(I'm applying to audit)

Any help would be great.

Cheers

SBWife

From what I understand for some firms the first cut off is your leaving cert points - how do you do here?

jonnybravo

I'd be extremely surprised if you even got an interview to be honest. As far as I know the minimum require for entry is a 2.1. Demand for the Big 4 has increased massively with alot of non accounting people looking for jobs in this area too. Its not the end of the world if you don't get the Big 4. A lot of people qualify in a small / medium practice and then move to the Big 4 once qualified to get it on their CV. One other option you could do is to work very hard this year and try and get your degree level up to a decent 2.1 and apply next year and either do the Masters that year or take a year out.

niallm2034

SBWife wrote: »

From what I understand for some firms the first cut off is your leaving cert points - how do you do here?

yea i heard kpmg are very picky on leaving cert results! i got 425..

niallm2034

jonnybravo wrote: »

I'd be extremely surprised if you even got an interview to be honest. As far as I know the minimum require for entry is a 2.1. Demand for the Big 4 has increased massively with alot of non accounting people looking for jobs in this area too. Its not the end of the world if you don't get the Big 4. A lot of people qualify in a small / medium practice and then move to the Big 4 once qualified to get it on their CV. One other option you could do is to work very hard this year and try and get your degree level up to a decent 2.1 and apply next year and either do the Masters that year or take a year out.

Thanks for the honesty, was kinda what I was expecting! I'm defnitely working much harder this year and should get the 2.1. So you think if I do my masters and apply when I'm finished it I should get a job no problem?

orchidsrpretty

You should apply anyway. They are also looking for consistency with your results so even if you have a 2.1 this year, they will take into account the previous years so have a good excuse at the ready for when they ask about your previous lower results. Having said that, I had pretty bad leaving cert points, a 2.2 in second year and no experenice and got offered a place in KMPG. I decided not to take it this year and do a masters instead though.

Put a lot of work into your application, ask your career advisor to help you as they will know exactly what the companies want to see on your application forms.
Good luck!

havingthecraic

Does anyone know what would happen if they offered you a job now and you accepted it but ended up getting a 2.2? Can they go back and take it away from you like? I'm on a 2.1 at the moment but I'm afraid of what happens if my grades slip a bit this year. Thanks.

SBWife

havingthecraic wrote: »

Does anyone know what would happen if they offered you a job now and you accepted it but ended up getting a 2.2? Can they go back and take it away from you like? I'm on a 2.1 at the moment but I'm afraid of what happens if my grades slip a bit this year. Thanks.

Normally offers are contingent on your final results.

jonnybravo

niallm2034 wrote: »

Thanks for the honesty, was kinda what I was expecting! I'm defnitely working much harder this year and should get the 2.1. So you think if I do my masters and apply when I'm finished it I should get a job no problem?

I wouldn't say you'd get a job no problem but it should increase your chances by a lot. A good 2.1 degree should get you in the door of the interview and then from there its about impressing the interviewer. I didn't get my offer till I did the Masters and alot of people were the same boat as me in my Masters. Some got big 4 offers and some didn't.

jg72

Id say you have a great chance Niall. Id say you have a very good chance of getting an interview with EY at least ... If you did a good application, with your results so far id be surprised if you didnt.