Big 4 Summer Internship

[paheli]

I am likely going to be a university accounting student, and I would like an opportunity to work for the Big 4 in the summer of 2009. When and where do the big four firms recruit for summer internships?
What kinds of questions are asked during the interview? What is the best way to succeed in these interviews?
Are grades/extra curricular activities considered? How much extra curricular is necessary?

I live in Vancouver, and I would ideally like a position there. However, as I am desparate to get my foot in the door, I am willing to move anywhere in Canada for a summer internship with the big 4. Is it very easy to get a summer internship at the big 4 in Calgary? If yes, how easy?

[brucemeng]

oh my... do u really need to ask here for that info? U need to go out more and make some friends in the commerce program... or failing that to contact your undergrad commerce society...

[paheli]

My only friends in the commerce faculty are in marketing, and they hate accounting. Why are you against me asking?
Does anybody know?

[Legend24]

Big 4 firms rarely give out summer internships; at least, that's what I was told by a KPMG recruiter. And when they do, I doubt they give them to students who are fresh out of their first year. I think they start recruiting later this year. From what I hear, they have their summer spots filled from early January or something like that, so if you want a shot (albeit a slight one), you should get out there once school starts up. They recruit on campus for the most part... but since you're already at a disadvantage, you probably shouldn't wait for them to come to you.

Our co-op advisors tell us that extra-curriculars are very important. The firms want to see how well you can manage your time and what not. I think some of that is BS because they want you to join some school clubs, but one or two extras would not hurt imo. Grades are considered when you are in co-op, but if you're going about it on your own, I don't know if they ask for marks. If not, I would assume that you would need a pretty impressive resume to get a spot.

[will1087]

]Big 4 firms rarely give out summer internships; at least, that's what I was told by a KPMG recruiter. And when they do, I doubt they give them to students who are fresh out of their first year. [/B]I think they start recruiting later this year. From what I hear, they have their summer spots filled from early January or something like that, so if you want a shot (albeit a slight one), you should get out there once school starts up. They recruit on campus for the most part... but since you're already at a disadvantage, you probably shouldn't wait for them to come to you.

Our co-op advisors tell us that extra-curriculars are very important. The firms want to see how well you can manage your time and what not. I think some of that is BS because they want you to join some school clubs, but one or two extras would not hurt imo. Grades are considered when you are in co-op, but if you're going about it on your own, I don't know if they ask for marks. If not, I would assume that you would need a pretty impressive resume to get a spot.

All the accounting firms recruit heavily - even after your first year. Recruiting will begin around the end of first term (thought it varies by schools and regions).

OP: You will have the opportunity at offices all over the world should you choose. Once you get into University, you can worry about your choices and how to better interview.

You arent the first person to have these concerns so google will be your best bet. These concerns have been addressed thousands of times over.

[paheli]

I actually already am in university, but I am switching my major to commerce for next year. If I get admitted to the faculty of commerce, I would like to have a big 4 summer internship. I know it is possible because many accounting students at my school have summer internships right now?

So I understand recruiting for summer internships is done in September/October? Or is it done in January?
Do they come to the university to recruit for summer internships?

[kramerz80]

I actually already am in university, but I am switching my major to commerce for next year. If I get admitted to the faculty of commerce, I would like to have a big 4 summer internship. I know it is possible because many accounting students at my school have summer internships right now?

So I understand recruiting for summer internships is done in September/October? Or is it done in January?
Do they come to the university to recruit for summer internships?

If you know that students at your school already have internships, why not just ask one of them? :cheesygri

[brucemeng]

If you know that students at your school already have internships, why not just ask one of them? :cheesygri

exactly... im not making fun of you, it's seriously the better alternative... its about networking, which is something u will never get out of here... those interns recommend other students for consideration

[A_guy]

Networking is vital in just about any job hunt. And I agree, go to your peers or someone who is already working and ask them if they know anything.

Of course, you don't expect them to have much, if any, pull on getting you employed, but the least they can do is tell you things you were not aware of before.

Insider information include invites for office tours and other social/networking events host by the firms for students. Even if you are not in university, you can still find out about some of these.

Also, did you know that at least one of the big 4's have an application event? It is an event that requires you to send in an application form then they select the ones they like to attend it. How do you get your hands on one of said invitations/application forms? By networking with someone who works in the firm. As a matter of fact, these forms are usually only in the hands of the CA students working there. Of course, an alternative is to get to know someone in the recruitment team really well and get a form that way... but isn't your own peers easier?

Good luck!

[zoltorg]

Most of the answers so far were incomplete. I am an accounting student and a Big 4 employee in montreal doing my summer intership now.

1) Yes, All big 4 recruit. If you go to a less than well known school, you have to go to them. September-October is recruiting season. AKA the big 4 and other recruit for Summer of the next year. Remember to dress to impress, schmooze, go to ALL of the events to have a chance, dont drink too much, NETWORK, try to find things you have in common.

ie) I go to mcgill, concordia students come to our recruiting events because the big 4 does not recognize the school very well.

2) Big 4 and other firms recruit when you start U2. So 3rd out of a 4 year program assuming you go U0,1,2,3.


Ok How to get the job

A) Grades, I had a 4.0 GPA but that was a bonus, not expected. If you are >3.3 GPA from a respected school ala U of T, Mcgill, HEC etc. If not, maybe >3.5 but grades are not the only thing that count

That being said..

B) Extra Curr : Have a lot of leadership activites inside school and out. In my interview all 3 intervierers I had (3 x 20 min ) wanted to hear about my refereeing experience (5 years), I think that + my grades got me that job.

C)Interview: Format (In my case) 3 people x 20 min each, Partner, Senior Manager, Manager. The interview was very relaxed but be prepared to be yourself and sell your accomplishments. I networked before so I know every one of my interviewers, an added bonus when they interview 20 people. Dont rehearse anything, just think about what you want to say and let it flow naturally. Dress in the best you have, take a shower too!

BTW: The poster that said Big 4 does not give out is VERY mistaken. KPMG Montreal is 40 students/summer for example.

D) Is it easy?


Well, think of it this way. At mcgill, there are about 600 accounting students plus or minus. (these kids are incredibly smart, they scare me). Big 4 40 each = 120. Lets say 100 because I know PWC and others dont go as heavy on the hiring.

So 1/6 McGill accounting students will have a summer intership with a big 4. There are TONS of medium size and small firms, they are an excellent option and the work stress is probably less.

So yea its pretty hard.


Quick checklist of stuff to work on:

a) Grades >3.3 GPA bare minimum
b) Network
c) Find out where/when the recruiting activities are
d) Get into leadership



Hope this helps

PS. I do realize that I

[paheli]

A-guy: Yes, I already know about most of that information about recruiting and networking for student articling positions in the fall. My father is a CA and he went through the same process. However, he doesn't think there were any internships available when he was in university. Therefore, I decided to ask about internships here.
There is also the accounting club at my school which will be able to provide networking opportunities. I'm just asking right now so I can see whether or not I have enough extra curriculars to date.

So far, it seems like recruitment for summer internships takes place in the fall, and that a lot of extra curriculars are needed. I don't have any extra curriculars right now (starting now, though, I'll try to volunteer). So I suppose I shouldn't go through the stress of applying this fall, and try next fall (2009) for a 2010 summer internship once I have done enough extra curricular. Once I join the accounting club everything will become clear though...

But one concern I have is the difficulty of school. I know accounting may be difficult, even though I do work hard in school. What if I'm simply not able to do extra curriculars and school simultaneously? I can't sacrifice my grades for extra curriculars. Remember, grades stay with you for life....not submitting a transcript is academic fraud! Would the firms frown upon me only studying during the school year? Am I screwed for life then?

[Legend24]

Most of the answers so far were incomplete. I am an accounting student and a Big 4 employee in montreal doing my summer intership now.

1) Yes, All big 4 recruit. If you go to a less than well known school, you have to go to them. September-October is recruiting season. AKA the big 4 and other recruit for Summer of the next year. Remember to dress to impress, schmooze, go to ALL of the events to have a chance, dont drink too much, NETWORK, try to find things you have in common.

ie) I go to mcgill, concordia students come to our recruiting events because the big 4 does not recognize the school very well.

2) Big 4 and other firms recruit when you start U2. So 3rd out of a 4 year program assuming you go U0,1,2,3.


Ok How to get the job

A) Grades, I had a 4.0 GPA but that was a bonus, not expected. If you are >3.3 GPA from a respected school ala U of T, Mcgill, HEC etc. If not, maybe >3.5 but grades are not the only thing that count

That being said..

B) Extra Curr : Have a lot of leadership activites inside school and out. In my interview all 3 intervierers I had (3 x 20 min ) wanted to hear about my refereeing experience (5 years), I think that + my grades got me that job.

C)Interview: Format (In my case) 3 people x 20 min each, Partner, Senior Manager, Manager. The interview was very relaxed but be prepared to be yourself and sell your accomplishments. I networked before so I know every one of my interviewers, an added bonus when they interview 20 people. Dont rehearse anything, just think about what you want to say and let it flow naturally. Dress in the best you have, take a shower too!

BTW: The poster that said Big 4 does not give out is VERY mistaken. KPMG Montreal is 40 students/summer for example.

D) Is it easy?


Well, think of it this way. At mcgill, there are about 600 accounting students plus or minus. (these kids are incredibly smart, they scare me). Big 4 40 each = 120. Lets say 100 because I know PWC and others dont go as heavy on the hiring.

So 1/6 McGill accounting students will have a summer intership with a big 4. There are TONS of medium size and small firms, they are an excellent option and the work stress is probably less.

So yea its pretty hard.


Quick checklist of stuff to work on:

a) Grades >3.3 GPA bare minimum
b) Network
c) Find out where/when the recruiting activities are
d) Get into leadership



Hope this helps

PS. I do realize that I

You seemed to agree with me that the big 4 does not recruit first year students much, if at all, so how would I be mistaken? You also said that it is hard to get a spot, which would imply that there are not many spots to go around, which is what I said.

If the big 4 hire 40 students each, that would be 160 rather than the 120 you stated. I know for a fact that individual big 4 offices in Ontario don't take 40 new students each per summer.

The way you state your case makes it seem as if all of these interns are coming from McGill, which I know would not be the case.

[brucemeng]

A-guy: Yes, I already know about most of that information about recruiting and networking for student articling positions in the fall. My father is a CA and he went through the same process. However, he doesn't think there were any internships available when he was in university. Therefore, I decided to ask about internships here.
There is also the accounting club at my school which will be able to provide networking opportunities. I'm just asking right now so I can see whether or not I have enough extra curriculars to date.

So far, it seems like recruitment for summer internships takes place in the fall, and that a lot of extra curriculars are needed. I don't have any extra curriculars right now (starting now, though, I'll try to volunteer). So I suppose I shouldn't go through the stress of applying this fall, and try next fall (2009) for a 2010 summer internship once I have done enough extra curricular. Once I join the accounting club everything will become clear though...

But one concern I have is the difficulty of school. I know accounting may be difficult, even though I do work hard in school. What if I'm simply not able to do extra curriculars and school simultaneously? I can't sacrifice my grades for extra curriculars. Remember, grades stay with you for life....not submitting a transcript is academic fraud! Would the firms frown upon me only studying during the school year? Am I screwed for life then?


well, u better get pretty damn good grades then... we're talking 90+... the firms do like to hire potential gold medalists, so if that's ur angle... it's not exactly easier than having school@75% + extracurriculars

[XtraHardcore]

My father is a CA and he went through the same process.

Hey, your dad probably got tons of CA friends, can't he hook you up somehow. :cheesygri

[george benjamin]

Yes, my dad has a lot of CA friends, but they don't work in public accounting. All of his friends hated public accounting and they left the firm immediately after they got their CA.

And how important are extra curriculars, anways? Why do accounting firms believe that extra curriculars are so important? Who says you need to be an athlete or a club president to be able to crunch numbers? Anybody with the relevant education can...

And is it possible to BS in the interview? My dad told me that he BS'ed his extra curriculars in his PwC interview, and he got hired with his low grades (about 73%). He told me that is good dressing got him hired, and that it was extremely competitive when he was applying....

Honestly, what is wrong with you?

Can you maybe stop comparing yourself to your dad, since your dad was hired 20 or 30 years ago?

In accounting you don't just crunch numbers. You deal with team mates. You deal with social problems. You deal with clients.

Yes, EC's are very important. Club president and varsity athlete are not the only EC's. You really need to start doing some research.

If you haven't done anything during school, either EC or work, you can kiss Big 4 good bye.

[Error916]

Honestly, what is wrong with you?

Can you maybe stop comparing yourself to your dad, since your dad was hired 20 or 30 years ago?

In accounting you don't just crunch numbers. You deal with team mates. You deal with social problems. You deal with clients.

Yes, EC's are very important. Club president and varsity athlete are not the only EC's. You really need to start doing some research.

If you haven't done anything during school, either EC or work, you can kiss Big 4 good bye.

Not entirely true, I know someone who never did anything in school, had a 4.0 and E&Y took him for a term...

But of course, getting involved is recommended.

[zoltorg]

In terms of montreal, about 80% of the English CA internships come from mcgill when it comes to big 4. Didnt mean to discredit your point Legend24

In terms of the original poster's comments, we should all try to help him acheive his dream.

[A_guy]

A-guy: Yes, I already know about most of that information about recruiting and networking for student articling positions in the fall. My father is a CA and he went through the same process. However, he doesn't think there were any internships available when he was in university. Therefore, I decided to ask about internships here.
There is also the accounting club at my school which will be able to provide networking opportunities. I'm just asking right now so I can see whether or not I have enough extra curriculars to date.

But one concern I have is the difficulty of school. I know accounting may be difficult, even though I do work hard in school. What if I'm simply not able to do extra curriculars and school simultaneously? I can't sacrifice my grades for extra curriculars. Remember, grades stay with you for life....not submitting a transcript is academic fraud! Would the firms frown upon me only studying during the school year? Am I screwed for life then?

There is no set formula for what the firms want. However, given that today's public accounting, be it audit or tax, is done in teams 90%+ of the time, it would be prudent for you to provide yourself with some experience for teamwork.

Interviews and resumes and recruiting have their failures. HR have to make a choice based on what little they can learn of you with limited information. You just need to ensure that they get as full of a picture of you as possible. Being able to manage time, especially stressful and tight schedules, is a good skill to display.

I don't doubt that grades play a big factor, but it really isn't the only important factor. For example, a people-friendly 80+ may just be as good if not better choice than a 90+ no EC person. I have seen 90+ being passed over for a 85. EC and how you interact with recruiters and other people definitely play a role.

[passthatversace]

ie) I go to mcgill, concordia students come to our recruiting events because the big 4 does not recognize the school very well.



I've been involved in recruiting for one of the Big 4 for the past 2 years, and we actually hire MORE JMSB students than McGill students for both summer internships AND full-time. Moreover, we definitely DO hold seperate events for each school (as do the other 3 members of the Big 4), and we recognize JMSB very, VERY well.

TO THE ORIGINAL POSTER:

In short...

-Here in Montreal, September is where accounting firms both big and small hold events both on and off campus (ex: cocktails at hotels and on firm premises, firm tours, etc.) for summer intern recruiting (if you're still in undergrad) and full-time recruiting (if you will be getting your B.Comm the following September). Check with the Career advisors at your school to see if such events exist
-Interview questions will depend on the firm that's interviewing you. Ex: Deloitte and EY will ask very structured questions (ex: Why should we hire you relative to other candidates), whereas PwC and KPMG's interview will tend to be more informal (ex: anything from sports, to current events, to recent travels, etc.)
-Best way to suceed in ANY interview: Be yourself. They want to see who you are, not some b.s cookie-cutter response
-The only reason we look at grades is because we want to be confident that you're capable of passing the UFE. The harsh reality is that if you can't pass the UFE, you're pretty much useless to us
-If you have not-so-great grades but do lots of extra-curricular stuff, it WILL be taken into consideration

PS: All of the above was written from the perspective of Big 4 firms in MONTREAL. It may vary significantly depending on the culture/environment at your local branch

[passthatversace]

In terms of montreal, about 80% of the English CA internships come from mcgill when it comes to big 4. Didnt mean to discredit your point Legend24

In terms of the original poster's comments, we should all try to help him acheive his dream.

Please don't take offense to this, but your 80% is totally un-validated. Like I mentioned before, we have a tendency to hire MORE JMSB students because the population of accounting students is significantly larger than McGill's, not to mention that their program is very strong (contrary to popular belief)

The hiring rate of McGill students relative to JMSB is NOWHERE near 80% and is much, much lower.

PS: From what I've observed, the 'trend' is to hire MORE JMSB students on the English side (vs. McGill), and MORE HEC students on the French side (vs. UQAM)

[zoltorg]

I guess it depends on the firm. I have a lot of JMSB friends who I want to work with me some day.

Which firm do you work for by the way?

[paheli]

I've been involved in recruiting for one of the Big 4 for the past 2 years, and we actually hire MORE JMSB students than McGill students for both summer internships AND full-time. Moreover, we definitely DO hold seperate events for each school (as do the other 3 members of the Big 4), and we recognize JMSB very, VERY well.

TO THE ORIGINAL POSTER:

In short...

-Here in Montreal, September is where accounting firms both big and small hold events both on and off campus (ex: cocktails at hotels and on firm premises, firm tours, etc.) for summer intern recruiting (if you're still in undergrad) and full-time recruiting (if you will be getting your B.Comm the following September). Check with the Career advisors at your school to see if such events exist
-Interview questions will depend on the firm that's interviewing you. Ex: Deloitte and EY will ask very structured questions (ex: Why should we hire you relative to other candidates), whereas PwC and KPMG's interview will tend to be more informal (ex: anything from sports, to current events, to recent travels, etc.)
-Best way to suceed in ANY interview: Be yourself. They want to see who you are, not some b.s cookie-cutter response
-The only reason we look at grades is because we want to be confident that you're capable of passing the UFE. The harsh reality is that if you can't pass the UFE, you're pretty much useless to us
-If you have not-so-great grades but do lots of extra-curricular stuff, it WILL be taken into consideration

PS: All of the above was written from the perspective of Big 4 firms in MONTREAL. It may vary significantly depending on the culture/environment at your local branch


Finally, a straightforward answer....
I have another question for you. My mother may be moving to Montreal, so I think I may be eligible to pay the $1800/year Quebec resident McGill tuition. So transferring there seems attractive. Furthermore, she may work at McGill, so perhaps I could get a discount....
Anyways...I'm in Vancouver right now. How bad is the competition in Montreal? If I go to McGill, can I request to work at an other office in Canada? In that case, will I be competing with all of the people across Canada (at McGill or other universities) wanting to work for a particular office, or will I be competing with all McGill students regardless of what firm each McGill student wants to work at?
Is it possible to go to the recruiting events without the intention of being recruited? I want to do this so I can learn networking techniques through observation.

[passthatversace]

Which firm do you work for by the way?

I'd rather not say...but judging from your description of your interview experience, I have a pretty good idea of which firm you work at. I'll tell you this much - I don't work at that one. That narrows it down to 3! ;)


paheli:

In terms of competition, I'd say that Toronto is the toughest, with Montreal being similar to Calgary and Vancouver. If you land a job in Montreal, most CA firms will only consider transferring you (not just within Canada, but anywhere in the world) once you've been with them for at least 3-4 years (at this stage, you would most likely be at the upper senior level). However, if your native city is Vancouver, I think the circumstances are different and I think it'd be easier for you to transfer back there. In general though, it's rare for a firm to accept interns/full-timers from outside the province (ex: The Montreal firm accepts students from Sherbrooke) unless they're studying in Montreal/situated in MTL for the time being, which seems to be your situation in the future. And YES - it's possible to attend the recruiting events even if you don't have intentions of being recruited.

[zoltorg]

Hey man take a guess. I'll tell you if you are right or wrong.


Wouldnt it be freaky if we worked together without even knowing it next summer....

[passthatversace]

Hey man take a guess. I'll tell you if you are right or wrong.


Wouldnt it be freaky if we worked together without even knowing it next summer....

At least when I did it, the interviews at E&Y, PwC, and Deloitte consisted of a senior manager and a partner. My interview at KPMG, however, consisted of a whole SLEW of people, including HR :)

I'd say KPMG :)

[zoltorg]

Ding Ding Ding.

Your prize is another Ding.