(Big 4) should I try to transfer groups or just quietly try to find a new job
I've been working at a Big 4 firm doing data analytics for their audit practice for a little over a year as an associate. Before that, I worked for about 3 years doing the same type of work, just not audit focused.
To put it simply, I hate audit (analytics) or at least the culture and I want out. There's an advisory group that does data analytics for the firm but I think it's more broad than just audit and it includes more management consulting/strategy stuff. They use the same tools and technologies we use on top of the cool stuff like machine learning and stuff. They have a senior associate position open and I feel like I meet the requirements.
I want to ask for a transfer but I'm worried management in my group is going to get butt hurt about it and dent me and then find a way to fire me after busy season. My group feels competitive with this other advisory group and I don't think they'd be too happy losing someone to them. I don't feel comfortable asking my performance manager because I've never felt comfortable talking to him and in my opinion he hasn't been very helpful since I've been here.
Should I try to ask for a transfer and risk getting screwed? Or should I just try to find a job outside the firm? I'm in the Bay Area and I feel like the market should be pretty decent for my skills/experience.
My recommendation is to forget about your PM, he/she is worthless and most likely doesnt want to get bothered with your career aspirations. If I were you, and I did this many times as someone who transferred departments within big4, go straight to the group you are interested in and find someone to talk to "unofficially" to get a better sense for whether you may be a good match for the position. Dont go straight to a partner, unless you know someone and feel comfortable with him/her, instead find a senior or manager who can answer some of your questions. Then when you know whether you qualify for the position, ask if he/she (senior or manager) can recommend someone you can speak to (director or partner etc) and then go from there.
While you are doing this, it wouldnt hurt to also look outside. To be honest, most likely you can find a better job outside of the big4 anyway. But if you do want to switch service lines, then explore other alternatives at the same time if something goes south (which I really dont think they will).
Hi sorry I clicked the banana icon but I'm not sure what that is exactly.
I met a senior from the group I want to transfer into at a training event a few months ago. He was the instructor but he works in another office on the other side of the country. Shoud I try reaching out to him? There's a manager in the same group that works in the same office I do but I've never met her. Should I try reaching out to her instead?
I've slowly started applying but do you think it's not worth it to stay at least another year? A lot of people I've talked to seem to think having 2+years in Big 4 opens more doors than having only 1 year. Or does it not matter much since I have work experience at other jobs and I'm not primarily an accountant?
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