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Milkround Offers 2013/2014

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    #842
    Gael23
    Registered Users Posts: 12,091 ✭✭✭✭Gael23


    What happens if you miss out on a CAP1 exemption? Are you pretty screwed?


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    #843
    April O Neill II
    Closed Accounts Posts: 536 ✭✭✭April O Neill II


    ryanf1 wrote: »
    What happens if you miss out on a CAP1 exemption? Are you pretty screwed?

    Which one? Some people go into training contracts with no exemptions.


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    #844
    Gael23
    Registered Users Posts: 12,091 ✭✭✭✭Gael23


    Financial Accounting. I messed up an exam yesterday which means I will fall short of the criteria.


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    #845
    April O Neill II
    Closed Accounts Posts: 536 ✭✭✭April O Neill II


    ryanf1 wrote: »
    Financial Accounting. I messed up an exam yesterday which means I will fall short of the criteria.

    I dunno, I mean, I know of someone who got a training contract coming from a science degree!


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    #846
    AdamD
    Registered Users Posts: 12,484 ✭✭✭✭AdamD


    Check the details of your contract


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    #847
    jubella
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,528 ✭✭✭jubella


    ryanf1 wrote: »
    Financial Accounting. I messed up an exam yesterday which means I will fall short of the criteria.

    Can you not repeat it to get the exemption?


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    #848
    Gael23
    Registered Users Posts: 12,091 ✭✭✭✭Gael23


    jubella wrote: »
    Can you not repeat it to get the exemption?
    No I dont think so. You need an average grade over certain modules to qualify for exemptions so for me to get Financial Accountiing I needed a B2 to bring my average to where it needed to be and I dont think I got that.
    If I fail it, which I dont think I did, then I can repeat but not otherwise


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    #849
    jubella
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,528 ✭✭✭jubella


    ryanf1 wrote: »
    No I dont think so. You need an average grade over certain modules to qualify for exemptions so for me to get Financial Accountiing I needed a B2 to bring my average to where it needed to be and I dont think I got that.
    If I fail it, which I dont think I did, then I can repeat but not otherwise

    Ah ok, I know in my college we can repeat even if we don't fail in order to get exemptions - it's probably different in other colleges though. Either way go to your department and ask, no harm!


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    #850
    hamm
    Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭hamm


    I applied to all of the top ten accounting firms and a countless number of industry graduate jobs during the milkrounds. Unfortunately, I only got one last minute interview in which I was rejected.

    Being honest, I have found the complete lack of interest in me quite surprising because I have good grades (2.1,2.1 & 1.1 in 1st - 3rd year) and I held managerial roles in accounting and finance positions. I feel the problem lies with my 300 point Leaving Cert.

    When I was applying for graduate programmes during the Milkrounds I didn't tick the box to state that I would be interested in doing a Masters in Accounting, but I've slowly come to the realization that it's probably a good option if I don't secure a trainee contract before my final 4th year exams in May. But I can't afford to do a masters without funding from a firm. I know this is a long shot but does anyone know if any of the big firms would be likely to consider interviewing me on the basis of giving me sponsorship towards a masters if I contacted them and told them that my circumstances have changed and that I'm interested in doing a masters, or has that ship sailed a long time ago?


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    #851
    April O Neill II
    Closed Accounts Posts: 536 ✭✭✭April O Neill II


    Hi hamm, did you apply to the Microsoft grad programme, out of interest? Did you hear anything back?

    As to your query... I dunno. You not ticking the box might not be why you didn't get more interviews. I made around 15 applications in total (~ 7 at the milkround time and some later ones) - I have 480 LC points, including a higher B in Maths and English, a 2.1 degree (science though) and am doing an Accounting PgDip which gives me a number of exemptions.

    I got one interview, with KPMG (unsuccessful). Most firms, I didn't even hear back from. It's likely my applications just weren't up to scratch. But I wouldn't contact firms that didn't give me an interview on the basis that my application fell short. They made their decision.

    Training contracts tend to be advertised again later in the year, so I'd focus your attention on that, if I were you! :) It is likely that your LC might be an issue too, but I don't know. They do seem a tad hung up on points, I think because it shows you're consistent across different types of exams, I guess.


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    #852
    Aine20
    Registered Users Posts: 42 ✭Aine20


    Anyone accept Deloitte Audit for Dublin :)


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    #853
    Gael23
    Registered Users Posts: 12,091 ✭✭✭✭Gael23


    I'm starting to look into smaller firms now. Seen one called beechwood partners that I like. Ad says they are seeking "high calibre graduates" but it doesn't specify anything in particular.


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    #854
    cat_xx
    Registered Users Posts: 255 ✭✭cat_xx


    ryanf1 wrote: »
    I'm starting to look into smaller firms now. Seen one called beechwood partners that I like. Ad says they are seeking "high calibre graduates" but it doesn't specify anything in particular.

    I interviewed for them through a recruitment agency haven't heard anything back. They specify in tax. The recruiter called them a "tax boutique" He was very scrutinising of my results so i'd say they are looking for a very high standard. Hope that helps!


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    #855
    Gael23
    Registered Users Posts: 12,091 ✭✭✭✭Gael23


    cat_xx wrote: »
    I interviewed for them through a recruitment agency haven't heard anything back. They specify in tax. The recruiter called them a "tax boutique" He was very scrutinising of my results so i'd say they are looking for a very high standard. Hope that helps!

    What kinds of things did they ask about your results?


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    #856
    cat_xx
    Registered Users Posts: 255 ✭✭cat_xx


    ryanf1 wrote: »
    What kinds of things did they ask about your results?

    Why weren't they better essentially! I have a 2.2 corporate law degree and then I did a LLB to get a 2.1 and now im doing tax exams. I got nowhere with a 2.2.

    The thing about applying to smaller firms is they only take on 1 or 2 people. Keep trying for the bigger firms and try to get help with your applications from career services because they know exactly how to answer the questions.


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    #857
    Gael23
    Registered Users Posts: 12,091 ✭✭✭✭Gael23


    cat_xx wrote: »
    Why weren't they better essentially! I have a 2.2 corporate law degree and then I did a LLB to get a 2.1 and now im doing tax exams. I got nowhere with a 2.2.

    The thing about applying to smaller firms is they only take on 1 or 2 people. Keep trying for the bigger firms and try to get help with your applications from career services because they know exactly how to answer the questions.

    I'm expecting to get a 2:2 business degree too, I find the bigger firms have no interest if you don't have a 2:1.
    I do have some personal things which I would hope might help in explaining why my grades are not top notch but for me are very good considering what I've dealt with. Maybe not though.


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    #858
    cat_xx
    Registered Users Posts: 255 ✭✭cat_xx


    ryanf1 wrote: »
    I'm expecting to get a 2:2 business degree too, I find the bigger firms have no interest if you don't have a 2:1.
    I do have some personal things which I would hope might help in explaining why my grades are not top notch but for me are very good considering what I've dealt with. Maybe not though.

    Is there no hope of getting a 2.1? Surely you have summer exams that could pull you up? I do know it is easier said than done though from my own experience!


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    #859
    Gael23
    Registered Users Posts: 12,091 ✭✭✭✭Gael23


    cat_xx wrote: »
    Is there no hope of getting a 2.1? Surely you have summer exams that could pull you up? I do know it is easier said than done though from my own experience!
    It would take a miracle but never say never, I'm a good bit away from it so it would mean getting A's in nearly all exams which is not a realistic aim.


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    #860
    jus_tin4
    Registered Users Posts: 432 ✭✭jus_tin4


    I was sitting on a high 3rd lower 2.2 in after Christmas exams, pulled it up to 3% off a 2.1 so it's not impossible, of course it depends on your attitude and the college system on exams, and likewise I had personal issue for most of my college life, so you can do it, but it's a lot of work and sacrifice!


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    #861
    Gael23
    Registered Users Posts: 12,091 ✭✭✭✭Gael23


    With regard to salary, does the minimum wage apply to training contracts?


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    #862
    April O Neill II
    Closed Accounts Posts: 536 ✭✭✭April O Neill II


    ryanf1 wrote: »
    With regard to salary, does the minimum wage apply to training contracts?

    20,500 - 21,500 seems to be the going rate for the big 4 and mid tier firms this year inc. Dublin. Might be a bit higher for tax?

    cat xx, do you know what your starting salary will be if you don't mind me asking?


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    #863
    xiongnu
    Registered Users Posts: 24 ✭xiongnu


    I think 22,500 is the starting salary for a bachelor's, don't know what other firms are though, just assuming they wouldnt be any less.


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    #864
    hamm
    Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭hamm


    Hi April

    I meant to apply to Microsoft but forgot to in the end. Did you?

    I think most of the firms use LC points as the first filter for applications. Not to sound bitter but it's annoying to hear about my classmates with a better LC get multiple interviews with the big firms while I have been consistently getting 20-30% more than them in exams over 3rd and 4th year and I got one lousy last minute interview with a top 10 firm and countless PFO emails after the deadline.

    That's good to know that more contracts will be advertised again.
    April O Neill II wrote: »
    Hi hamm, did you apply to the Microsoft grad programme, out of interest? Did you hear anything back?

    As to your query... I dunno. You not ticking the box might not be why you didn't get more interviews. I made around 15 applications in total (~ 7 at the milkround time and some later ones) - I have 480 LC points, including a higher B in Maths and English, a 2.1 degree (science though) and am doing an Accounting PgDip which gives me a number of exemptions.

    I got one interview, with KPMG (unsuccessful). Most firms, I didn't even hear back from. It's likely my applications just weren't up to scratch. But I wouldn't contact firms that didn't give me an interview on the basis that my application fell short. They made their decision.

    Training contracts tend to be advertised again later in the year, so I'd focus your attention on that, if I were you! :) It is likely that your LC might be an issue too, but I don't know. They do seem a tad hung up on points, I think because it shows you're consistent across different types of exams, I guess.


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    #865
    hamm
    Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭hamm


    Does anyone know how many weeks study leave the big firms give for ACA exams each year, and what is the norm in industry for ACCA?


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    #866
    April O Neill II
    Closed Accounts Posts: 536 ✭✭✭April O Neill II


    hamm wrote: »
    Hi April

    I meant to apply to Microsoft but forgot to in the end. Did you?

    I did. Filled in an evaluation form they sent, no reply yet. If I pass, the next stage is a phone interview. I have no idea if they send the evaluation form to everyone who applies though.

    LC points aren't always a guarantee of an interview. One of my classmates got 500+ points and a 2.1 and only got one interview.

    Did you analyse your applications to see where you might have gone wrong? Perhaps they came across a bit complacent or something?


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    #867
    hamm
    Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭hamm


    April, I don't know. I'd guess only some of the applicants get the evaluation form as they look to cull the numbers at each stage.

    It got to the stage where I was so fed up by the umpteenth application that I was just rejigging my answers from other applications, in order to meet the deadlines, so I'm sure I made loads of stupid mistakes.


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    #868
    April O Neill II
    Closed Accounts Posts: 536 ✭✭✭April O Neill II


    hamm wrote: »
    It got to the stage where I was so fed up by the umpteenth application that I was just rejigging my answers from other applications, in order to meet the deadlines, so I'm sure I made loads of stupid mistakes.

    Well, there'll have to be places available later on in the year because some people get multiple offers and can only accept one! :)


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    #869
    Gael23
    Registered Users Posts: 12,091 ✭✭✭✭Gael23


    If you send an application via email can you expect any form of acknowledgement?


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    #870
    April O Neill II
    Closed Accounts Posts: 536 ✭✭✭April O Neill II


    ryanf1 wrote: »
    If you send an application via email can you expect any form of acknowledgement?

    I haven't for most of my email applications. A couple of them, yes, but most, no.


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    #871
    Gael23
    Registered Users Posts: 12,091 ✭✭✭✭Gael23


    Even a line saying thank you for your application or something like that would be nice. Lets you know it got to them.


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