Intern/Co-op At A Big 4

I'm thinking about interning at a Big 4 Accounting Firm to build up my hours to obtain my CPA designation. From what I've heard students can build up half their hours while at school, and complete the rest after graduating. Once they have enough hours, they can write the exam and obtain their designation?

After that I'd like to continue working for a Big 4 for a couple years. After gaining experience I'd like to find more prestigious work on Bay or Wall street.

I'm wondering what others thoughts on this are. I've read about newly designated CPA's being head-hunted for banking jobs. I've also read that having worked at a Big 4 firm looks great on a resume and when applying for jobs.

4 Comments
 

I would try to get an internship during the summer before senior year. That way you could have the chance at a full time job offer as soon as your start your final year of undergrad. This has a few benefits. You can just focus on classes and CPA exam studying instead of recruitment(I doubt the credit requirements will change that much between now and 2017) you don't have to get into a top tier(ie expensive) grad program since you already have the job. Also the firm will most likely pay for your study material which can cost $3k+. Kind of strange that your grad program ends in September. Most Big 4 new hires start in September too. No break but doable

 

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