Big 4 in the Nordics as a foreigner

I'm an economics student pursuing a bachelor's degree at a non-target university, currently in my second year. I’d like to do a master’s program in one of the Nordic universities, preferably a Master’s in Finance, though a program like Finance and Strategic Management at CBS also interests me. I would like to work during a gap year in one of the Nordic countries, and I was wondering, as a foreigner, how difficult it would be to get hired off-cycle at a Big Four (in strategy or similar roles) and whether the salary would be sufficient to support myself there.

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights regarding your situation:

  1. Difficulty of Getting Hired Off-Cycle at a Big Four in the Nordics:

    • Recruiting in Europe: European Big Four Corporate Finance (CF) businesses are well-known and have a higher reputation compared to the US. Recruiting straight from undergraduate and master's programs is typical, and competition among applicants is strong. Top grades, a finance or accounting major, and good internships are essential.
    • Visa and Work Permit Challenges: As a foreigner, you might face additional challenges related to visa and work permits. Companies may prefer local candidates to avoid the costs and complexities associated with hiring foreign nationals.
  2. Salary Considerations:

    • Sufficiency of Salary: While specific salary figures for off-cycle roles at Big Four firms in the Nordics are not provided, it is generally known that Big Four firms offer competitive salaries. However, the cost of living in Nordic countries can be high, so it is important to research the specific city you plan to work in and compare the expected salary to the cost of living there.
  3. General Advice:

    • Networking: Networking is crucial. Attend events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and seek informational interviews to increase your chances of landing a role.
    • Internships and Experience: Gaining relevant internships and work experience during your studies will strengthen your application and make you a more competitive candidate.

In summary, while it may be challenging to secure an off-cycle role at a Big Four firm in the Nordics as a foreigner, it is not impossible. Focus on excelling academically, gaining relevant experience, and building a strong professional network to improve your chances.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/finding-a-finance-job-in-usa-as-a-foreigner-living-abroad?customgpt=1, Working Abroad - Regrets/Benefits, Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice, The Forgotten IBD: Big 4 Corporate Finance - Q&A, 6 Things to Consider Before Accepting an International Work Assignment

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Went to CBS for undergrad and interned at MBB but did my MSc in the UK. I have never seen a European non-target work at Monitor, S&, etc. Honestly, even at B4 implementation jobs or boutique strategy consulting (i.e, Qvartz, Footprint, etc) the universities represented are almost always SSE, KU, Lund, CBS, DTU, and Aarhus. Without an MSc from one of these schools, I'd say its proper challenging to enter the Danish consulting market. If you get into the FSM or AdvEF programs, you'll have a much easier time. 

 

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