Breaking into Corp. Strat./Dev.
Hey guys,
I'm a junior at a non-target in Florida, not even in the top 100 in fact. I chose to go here before I really knew much about careers in high finance and the like. And realistically, staying in-state was the only way I'd be able to afford it anyway.
After doing research I decided on trying to go for Big 4 audit, which recruits decently at my school, and take it from there as far as exit ops. I was pretty satisfied with the salary I'd eventually make and work I'd be doing after moving over to private, but then I researched a little more and found this site. It made me think that I could do better than just being an accountant. I think business/corporate strategy/development is what I'd really like to do.
Because of my school, I think thats a pretty unrealistic path out of undergrad, and obviously things like IBD and consulting are pretty much out too. Big 4 audit seems like my best option at this point.
Once I'm into Big 4 audit, is there something I can do to break out and into corp dev/strat? How realistic is it? Is it something I should do after only a year or two in audit so I'm not branded an accountant? I'm hoping to go to Chicago or NYC for Big 4 audit so I'm at least in a big city environment to network. Would from audit to TAS/TS as soon as possible help the cause?
Any advice is appreciated.






Mr. Vandelay, Check out my
Mr. Vandelay,
Check out my interviews with Nefarious, a user that works in Strategy at a major Fortune 500 company. He's got some tips for breaking in and some info on the field. Here are the links:
Part One: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/blog/qa-with-nefari...
Part Two: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/blog/qa-with-nefari...
Check out my WSO Blog
yea read through Nefarious'
yea read through Nefarious' interviews and tips, but his is more related to corporate strategy.
As for OP's question, you can go the audit -> industry route. I know a lot of people who do audit -> FP&A -> corporate development (also business development, strategy, R&D finance, manager of acquisitions). this route is all too common, esp. in SF. I know an alumnus who took this route and recently got an offer at a big pharma's VC arm an an associate.
I've also seen the audit -> TAS -> corporate dev. route. but the number of audit associates gunning for a position in TAS/TS is ridiculous compared to the number of positions available. so you are better off going the f500 route and gaining industry specific knowledge.
Again, our paths cross. I go
Again, our paths cross. I go to the same school as you [UG: Finance, Grad: MBA] and currently work in strategy at a large employer in the area. Not only that, but I have another offer in development for another f500 in the area. Bottom line, don't make excuses why it isn't possible - it is. Get the right internships and do excellent work - if you do that, you can skip big 4 all together.
Feel free to PM if you have any questions. I just had an awesome internship open in my group but YESTERDAY we gave it to a Math + Econ major (junior)... would've loved to interview a WSO guy.
I'll do what I can to help ya'll. But, the game's out there, and it's play or get played.
Any more input guys?
Any more input guys?
OMS: I know an alumnus who
I know an alumnus who took this route and recently got an offer at a big pharma's VC arm an an associate.
Can you have her do a Q&A on WSO? Extremely interested in learning more about this role. I thought you'd need a science background, or need to come from IB.
Ordinary men avoid trouble. Extraordinary men turn it to their advantage.