"What's your take on experienced hires? I'm at a national mid-size, and once I have my designation I was hoping to move into the big 4. Is it pretty tough to get established, or even to get into a big 4 at the moment?"
Good question. In the past, after 3-4 years at a mid-size or boutique, you could get in since there was always a need for senior associates/managers. At this very moment, it's highly unlikely. HR will have to come up with a darn good reason for hiring people from outside the firm when they laid off people at the same level just a few months ago. Down the road, it's very likely. It also depends on the firm and the location though. If KPMG Chicago is way short of seniors right now for example, then you have a shot there.
As far as transition goes, it's not that bad. It'll take a few months to get used to the different software applications, and i guess public companies since most publics have big 4 auditors. The biggest transition would obviously be the culture, but hey, where's the fun if it's the same monotonous culture across all offices right?
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Could you tell me the do's and the dont's when it comes to being an intern?
Or pretty much just any tips or mistakes you've seen other interns make that I can learn from.
Thanks.
let me know if you're looking for some more specifics
tips for interns:
1. be professional.
2. don't be too goofy.
3. don't hang out in other people's cubes to 'get on the good side.'
4. ask questions.
5. ask via email and in person to the seniors if there is anything you can do: scanning, copying, tickmarking, checking out the first-checks for the financials before they are sent as draft to the clients.