Steve Fineberg ⋅ Pleasanton, CA Deloitte ⋅ 27 years experience

Hi Shaun,

For #2 - One of the great things about an internship is that it will open your eyes to what you enjoy doing, and where you may want to focus in the future to play to your strengths. During your focus on your internship, think about the culture of the firm and how it fits with your values. This will help you as you evaluate where you want to work. Also there at times big differences between the regional firms and Big 4, in terms of the size of clients, travel, local community events, etc. Use this internship to develop a sense of what is important for you as you think about your career aspirations.

Thomas Fineis ⋅ Chicago, IL Deloitte ⋅ 39 years experience

Congratulations Shaun on your Accounting degree. I am not an accountant, but work with many, and it is a might fine degree to have. So too is an MBA!

Now, as to successful attributes to demonstrate, for any employer, regional or Big 4, my thoughts are as follows: (i) Excellent grades. They tell a lot about a person. Employment is very competitive, more so than ever before IMHO; (ii) Good communication skills, both written and verbal. Smart people that don't communicate well on a level commensurate with their audience never seem to be as successful as they could be; (iii) Good people skills. Smart people that don't relate well to others for what ever reason will rarely rise to a position of leadership. Team with your colleagues, understand their strengths and skills to get a job done, and where they may be weaker and compensate accordingly; and (iv) demonstrate "quiet" self-confidence. No one likes to see a braggard or someone full of themselves. Poise is good.

Demonstrate an ability to think "outside of the box". One can only do that by understanding the critical core issues, pondering alternative solutions, and brainstorming the most elegant ones.

I think having a contact from within may help you understand the recruiting process and who to address employment inquiries to. But, beyond that, business needs and your own qualifications will be assessed for what they are.

Subrata Roy ⋅ Schaumburg, IL Deloitte ⋅ 20 years experience

Shaun,

I'm not in the Audit practice; so my response is generic.

1. Experience and attributes - Typically I look for domain expertise, analytical ability, communication skills (written, verbal and non-verbal), ability to work in teams and out of the box thinking.

3. Networks always help. Deloitte also has recruiters focused on working with veterans.

Subrata

Robert O'Brien ⋅ Chicago, IL Deloitte ⋅ 32 years experience

Shaun

Thanks for your service and thanks for the thoughtful question. As an audit partner at Deloitte, I look for the following in a candidate:
- Demonstrated intellectual capability based on grades or other accomplishments
- Potential for leadership, based on prior experience and activities
- Willingness to go beyond the expected, based on academic, leadership or other accomplishments.

Please take advantage of your internship to get experience serving clients, building professional relationships with your colleagues, and learning. Be intellectually curious - understand the why of what you are doing during your internship.

You don't need a contact within to get you in, but it can be helpful. Network and build relationships that will help you today and into the future.

Feel free to message me if you would like.

All the best,

Bob

Katherine Nguyen ⋅ Washington, DC Deloitte ⋅ 4 years experience

Hi Shaun,

Good luck with your audit internship and MBA pursuit! In regards to your questions:

1) What experience or attributes are sought after when applying for a Big 4 company?
I would say relevant skills and experiences and overall fit with the company would apply for any kind of company. For audit specifically, obtaining your CPA is often required by a certain level. However, if you're interested in other accounting-related fields such as forensic accounting, a CPA is encouraged, but not required. As a student interested in auditing and/or other auditing-type work, accounting and accounting-related work experience would be very helpful. Having a good attitude is key as well.

2) What should I focus on during the internship?
Definitely learn as much as you can - learn the audit processes, the systems, etc. Develop a strong relationship with the contacts you make during your internship.

3) Does having a contact from within, get you in?
Knowing someone within the firm who can refer you and give another perspective of your experience and skills can certainly help. However, I wouldn't say it guarantees you an offer.

Maggie DeShazor ⋅ Washington, DC Deloitte ⋅ 8 years experience

Hi Shaun,

First response to your question - pursuing an MBA to reach the 150 makes me think that you want to reach the required 150 hours to sit for the CPA. A plan to receive your CPA is a good indicator that you are on a good path. Academic and experience are definitely looked at in potential candidates, but that should stay in line with attitude and approach to work that shows you as a candidate that is interested in the work and looking to excel in your career. As far as focus during your internship, you should really be looking into the position, the company, and how you feel you fit within those two. An internship gives you the opportunity to learn about the company and get a good feel for the culture. I wouldn't say having an inside contact "gets you in." Networking is a big part of Deloitte, both in the recruiting phase and once you are an employee. Attending networking events and making connections will give you great opportunities not only to learn more about the company you are looking into, but possibly give you a way to connect with recruiting and have opportunities for positions.

Shaun Rostek ⋅ Reading, PA U.S. Marine Corps, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 13 years served

Thank you all for your advice. I am taking the MBA course to obtain the 150 credits needed to sit for the CPA exam. I am eager to learn from my internship and to assess the culture and fit of the firm. Your words are wise and have given me a focus to succeed in the profession.