Hi,
I know the topic of big 4 audit is discussed somewhat frequently here, but I am looking for some guidance as to what career path would set me up for a better chance to go to a top MBA (top 10). Ultimately, I'd like to do IB or sell-side analysis after.
Choice 1: Big 4 audit. I could work on insurance clients if that helps, but its still just boring accounting.
Choice 2: Buy-side equity analyst for a small mutual fund with ~3B in AUM.
I'm not sure if big 4 audit is a kiss of death as some imply, or if the name would be more beneficial than the experience I would have in buy-side analysis at fairly unknown firm.
I'd appreciate if anyone could shed some light on this topic.
Thanks
Take the second one. There's lots of Auditors out there, few buy-side analysts out of undergrad. What matters is the experience anyway. Audit isn't a kiss of death, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you wanna be a controller or CFO or something (which you could get from starting out with your second choice anyway)
Thanks for the input. I would imagine you're right, but everyone says accounting is a big part of investment banking... more so than equity analysis is. I assume that just isn't very important after a top 10 MBA anyways?
The other (real) issue is I accepted my audit job a few years ago (as a naive sophomore) and would have to renege. Does the negative of burning a big4 bridge outweigh the benefit of an analyst position out of undergrad? Or would it still be worth it? I'm very scared of burning any bridges, much less one this big.
they had you sign a FT offer as a sophomore? how desperate are these guys? Renege and go for the mutual fund boutique
It is, but knowing the accounting concepts is different than doing credit memo testing, etc. I mean, you're a sophomore and plans change. You're one kid and they'll replace you. It is what it is. No one should be expecting a sophomore to honor a commitment 2 years into the future anyway. Talk to a manager or HR to smooth it over and explain how your interests changed or something. (which as a college student is understandable)
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