Q&A | Getting Job With Big 4 From Non-Target College

Open for all the info!! 💗
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Answering some of the questions I've gotten on my videos. If you want another Q&A next month, leave a comment below!
Jump, jump... jump around:
00:24 How to stop comparing yourself to others
02:55 Is it too late to work in public accounting if non-traditional graduate (older, second career choice, started college later, etc.)?
05:49 Do you spend a lot of time away from family and friends due to work?
08:11 Do accounting firms drug test you?
08:27 Do you work in teams or by yourself at the Big 4 and mid-tier firm?
09:16 Will employers get a bad impression if you have tattoos, colored hair, piercings?
11:08 Who pays for lunch when you go out with a group at the Big 4?
11:40 How do you get a job with the Big 4 accounting firm if you don't go to a college/university they recruit from?
13:27 How much of your personal life should you share with you company or client?
15:02 How to deal with office politics?
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---------------------------DISCLAIMER-----------------------------
All opinions are my own and are from my personal experiences/ observations. I'm just sharing to provide a different perspective. Base your opinions on what is true for yourself.

[@Nirrini]

This was so informative, thank you for taking the time to answer all these questions. You seem very sensible, reliable and professional. A good balance between morals and intelligence.

[@Seancarter2010]

This is so helpful. I often worry about my age but you are very encouraging

[@WithStephie]

+Seancarter2010 I'm glad it was helpful! You got this :)

[@deisyvaldez537]

omg, your channel is legit a blessing ! 🙌🏻❤️ thanks for these videos girl !

[@WithStephie]

+Deisy Valdez 😙😙😙 thank you babe!

[@natalieramirez6551]

A couple months before graduating from HS I didn't know what I wanted to be but thanks to your videos I choose Business Administration in Accounting, I love these videos they help me out so much when in doubt!

[@WithStephie]

+Natalie Ramirez I'm so glad it was helpful and I hope you enjoy it!

[@bokc]

Love your content, Stephie! You commentary on office politics is spot on.

[@WithStephie]

+xoVenus365 Thank you doll!

[@keli2568]

love love love your Q&A's. Especially all the accounting and work questions

[@workingonmetime6801]

I won't be out of college until I'm 24~25 so I feel like I am already behind

[@Sandwichplss]

Similar boat due to graduate at 23 and feel really behind, but whatever hand we're dealt its on us to make the most of it!

[@mphomolapo1562]

No worries, im sure you've done some more meaningful things than work. Like, I still want to work @PwC but im 23, married w/2 kids @ haven't graduated college yet. Getting the associates instead, bach later (28ish or earlier). But *I am soo much happier with my path than any other I could've also had.* Comparison is the theif of joy 🤷 Dont let it rob you! 💯

[@moniquebrown9]

I love your channel! Your videos really help me stay focused and motivated in school! Thanks!

[@barbi1326]

Thanks for always being so helpful with insider info into the accounting world.

[@WithStephie]

+Barbi Martin thank you Barbi ❤

[@nadamessenger]

I love love love your videos! Thank you for making them!

[@SoAnxious718]

This Q&A is my favorite by far! I truly appreciate your info since I often wonder if I want to start my career in public Accounting or stay in the non-profit world.

[@WithStephie]

+Anaka awww thank you doll! If you're happy in the nonprofit world and it fits your future goals, I'd say stay there and grow. But if you have an itch to try something different or get exposure to more, PA might be the way to go. Firms also do nonprofit audits so that might be an option for a blend.

[@radellafy]

Thanks for answering my question! You’re like a big sister! Love you!

[@WithStephie]

+radellafy love you boo!! That's exactly what I wanna be for y'all ❤

[@radellafy]

Hehe. Steph, another question i have is do you think having an MSA is worth it or is having the CPA is good enough? What do you think?

[@sammyferrera1564]

hey quick question for anyone who's ever interned at the Big 4 or any accounting firm...what do you do? do you get coffee for people? do they put you out there and are like, "ok you learned this in school. you should know how to do it!" are the people mean? are they helpful and do they honestly entertain your questions? Thank you

[@w4kj4k1992]

When you intern at a Big 4 or nationals firms, you will generally do the same work as a normal staff, with less responsibility and expectations. It is definitely a good experience to get an internship!

[@sammyferrera1564]

thank you.

[@clandestine73647]

I interned with one of the Big 4 and was on one of the larger engagements for our market. I did the same work as a new associate. We did work late, so I would order dinner every night but it would always be delivered. I didn’t have to go pick it up. Every task I was ever given was explained well, but I always took notes and typically asked questions at the end of my task if they could wait until then, but if the question needed to be answered in order for me to finish I would ask right away. I was given the advice “Make any mistake once, just not twice”. I loved my internship.

[@sammyferrera1564]

thank you so much. I guess it helped me a little when you said they explained it to you. Cause I'm big on asking questions cause I really don't want to mess up at all. Now all i need is to get through cllege take the CPA and maybe things will keep getting better. Like I dont mind the long Big4 hours cause ive always wanted to become an acc since i was 13. thanks!

[@clandestine73647]

Muringi Ndirangu you’re welcome! Good luck! I’m finishing up my last 4 weeks of school, taking the CPA in the spring, and starting with a Big 4 in the fall of next year. If you have any more questions feel free to message me!

[@03yingying]

Loved this q&a! I have a few questions! 1. If you want to work in a mid tier firm, is that doable if you have children? 2. What are your strengths in your career and how have you developed them? 3. Have you made mistakes and how do you resolve them?

[@03yingying]

I’m an accounting major, junior/senior status and I’m in the process of looking for internships and hearing you talk about your experience has been very inspirational! Thank you so much! Love you 😍

[@saulmartinez6165]

What is recommended for someone who doesn’t mind having a routine but neither minds being from place to place. Usually introverted but not shy at all in certain scenarios. big 4? mid? currently 2nd year in college. going for that masters to take the CPA exam. any tips for the journey? thanks in advance

[@hotdhruvhot]

Hi Stephie. I have this question. How long does it usually take to hear from public accounting companies after you apply and attend a campus career fair if you are selected for an interview?

[@tamvuong4190]

Thank you for making this video!

[@danielmuriuki69]

Thanks for this really eye opening

[@KiidDJ]

heres my question for the next Q&A. Do you plan on making partner at the firm you are currently working at?

[@ahasankabir8173]

this is really helpful thank you and more Q&A :):):)

[@WithStephie]

+Ahasan Kabir glad you liked it and I'll definitely do more as questions come in :)

[@kimberlyblair4604]

You should definitely do more q&as! Thanks!

[@WithStephie]

+Kimberly Blair I definitely will as I accumulate questions :)

[@tuna07tu]

“That’s ammunition for people to go and say you’re a poop eater” omg you’re so funny 😆 Juicy looks so freaking cute sitting on your lap and staring into nothing

[@WithStephie]

+Natalia Angeleu 😂😂😂 she's a hoot

[@sierrawendt6790]

Thank you so much for this!

[@stschultz23]

Great info! I am surprised they don't drug test. Do they run background and/ or credit checks?

[@AK-pe6mi]

hello! I hope you still see this comment. I have been watching your video for a quite a while now. I see so much of myself in you (in hopes one day I can be like you) because i'm pursuing my master's at non-target school in Texas and also, I am an Asian too! (I only mention this because you explained how excactly I felt in previous video when you talked about BLM video). can you give me any advice on opportunity to see the recuitor in person while you are in non-target school? I am struggling getting job in Texas

[@worklifekenzie]

Hi Stephie! I know you made the move back to public accounting after working in industry. I left public accounting almost 4 years ago and have worked in the NFP space since. I’ve hit a wall and I’m not sure what my next steps should be. Any tips?

[@spoonkies]

Big 4 recruiting at a school that doesn't recruit is a nightmare. 3.7, and lots of experience and they didn't even look at my resume. It's tough, just work at a regional firm if it doesn't work out

[@hotdhruvhot]

Did you apply to any Big 4 firm recently?

[@clandestine73647]

Go to your academic advisor and ask if they can send a recommendation letter. That’s what I did!

[@troybernal5085]

@@clandestine73647 did doing this get you into big 4 from a college they don't recruit from??

[@clandestine73647]

Troy Bernal Yup! It did. I’m there now.

[@MexicoTijuana741]

Just curious what is entry level salary as cpa working for the big firms? Will they sign off on your hrs to certify your cpa?

[@WithStephie]

+Eddie Figueroa usually around 50-55k (in Dallas/Fort Worth) and yes they'll certify the job experience requirement

[@MexicoTijuana741]

Stephie // stephienese oh wow that is considering no experience at all, I assuming a big pay raise after a couple of years. One of my go workers in IRS here in Chico, CA went to go work for supposedly one of the best cpa firms K-Coe ISOM, and they started him off at 73,000, he was an auditor no cpa certification. I’m curious do most cpa firms carry good benefits medical, vision, dental, pension? Vacation and Sick leave?

[@KaranSharma-qt1wx]

M Indian chartered accountancy student from India.....could you please tell me what's the scope of doing Acca as after doing my Indian Ca we will get exemption in some papers.i only need to give 5 exam to become Indian chartered holder....what's the scope of doing Acca in your country?

[@MrKillerTime]

I strongly disagree with your response to question @ 11:41... I go to a small liberal arts school and my goal is to make it to one of the Big 4 firms. Although they do not recruit at my school there are students from my school that have been received jobs at a Big 4 Institution right out of college. I myself am doing a lot of networking with individuals from Big 4 firms and have hopes to prove you wrong with your statement by working at a Big 4 along with my other peers.

[@WithStephie]

I truly hope you prove my response wrong and I wish you all the best. In my videos, I can only share what I've personally observed but everyone's experience is different and there are always exceptions (as I mentioned applying or having connections with Big 4). Sounds like you're working hard to make your dreams happen since you're connecting with professionals even tho they don't recruit at your college. I hope you land a job with a Big 4 and share your experience with others who are in a similar situation. Best of luck to you.

[@MrKillerTime]

@@WithStephie Hi Stephie, I actually wanted to update you and let you know I have received an offer with one of the big 4 accounting firms. I know it was not your intention but thinking back to this motivated me. I still watch your videos and find them helpful so I am excited to learn as I launch my career.