Whats the average grade for those who get an offer in big four?

shadowysmile

As above mentioned, everyone knows that big four require candidates to provide a overall academic result at 2.1 plus but as I heard, seems like people who successfully get placements normally have first degree, is that true?

Can anyone from big four give me a "truth"? Thanks~

ari101

shadowysmile wrote: »

As above mentioned, everyone knows that big four require candidates to provide a overall academic result at 2.1 plus but as I heard, seems like people who successfully get placements normally have first degree, is that true?

My understanding is that in the recent past given the over subscription for places it did prove an issue. It was said to me re KPMG in 2009 re applications for Sept 2010 start that you would want to have something pretty noteworthy on your CV if you didn't have a 1.1 in accountancy (or similar) to be called for interview given they were getting so many applications. This came from a query through an employee not an official HR comment so obviously it may not be correct (i.e. dont sue me for repeating this).

However I am big 4 (not KPMG) now and I understand that having a 2.1 doesn't prevent you in any way from being called for interview if the rest of your CV looks good. In recruitment a lot of emphasis is placed on your aptitude for the environment assessed by competency questions (team work, problem solving, etc.) and professional skill assessments (comprehension, clerical speed and accuracy, communication skills, etc) at interview.

That said if after all that you are rated equally as the next candidate based on interview, extra curricular, assessments (if applicable), etc. except for degree grade, it may probably be used to differentiate and the better result will get an offer.

Hope that helps in someway!

shadowysmile

It helps a lot! Thank you ari101~ Nearly the same situation as you said, my dean and HRs from big 4 emphasis on the best way to get a interview opportunity is trying to keep the results above 1.1 with application becoming more and more competitive!

Seems like need to work harder and get a pretty look overall marks...

Pandoras Twist

shadowysmile wrote: »

As above mentioned, everyone knows that big four require candidates to provide a overall academic result at 2.1 plus but as I heard, seems like people who successfully get placements normally have first degree, is that true?

Can anyone from big four give me a "truth"? Thanks~

While I'm not sure of anyone who got interviews with 2.2 grades, I do know people with quite low 2.1 grades who got interviews and positions, and people who didn't make the 3.2 GPA requirement of Smurfit and kept their jobs (just did their masters elsewhere).

shadowysmile

Pandoras Twist wrote: »

shadowysmile wrote: »

As above mentioned, everyone knows that big four require candidates to provide a overall academic result at 2.1 plus but as I heard, seems like people who successfully get placements normally have first degree, is that true?

Can anyone from big four give me a "truth"? Thanks~

While I'm not sure of anyone who got interviews with 2.2 grades, I do know people with quite low 2.1 grades who got interviews and positions, and people who didn't make the 3.2 GPA requirement of Smurfit and kept their jobs (just did their masters elsewhere).

That sounds like a not too bad news. I got overall marks around 66% in first year. However, I failed on the economics but got a pass by compensation. I got 70% so far in my 2nd year though, still wondering if that subject I fail last year would destroy me when I wanna apply a big four job in the near future....

Umaro

I have a failed subject too from undergrad days. I didn't include it when I was applying to Big 4, and they would have only discovered it when they looked at my transcripts.

By then it was too late for them to do anything about it.


tldr; Leave it out. Don't give them an excuse to exclude your app.

shadowysmile

Umaro wrote: »

I have a failed subject too from undergrad days. I didn't include it when I was applying to Big 4, and they would have only discovered it when they looked at my transcripts.

By then it was too late for them to do anything about it.


tldr; Leave it out. Don't give them an excuse to exclude your app.

Wooo, that inspire me...but do you think this is a reasonable way to deal with? Would they may fire out you when they find it? I thought the accountancy firms are very serious about honesty...

Pandoras Twist

Definitely put it on your application. One pass by compensation won't get you stricken off.

Covering it up might.

shadowysmile

Pandoras Twist wrote: »

Definitely put it on your application. One pass by compensation won't get you stricken off.

Covering it up might.[/QUOTE

I did get a pass by compensation...like what you said I'd better put them up...quite dangerous if hide it and afterwards been noticed by them.:(