sp1212

Oh it's another name for Behavioral interviewing.

Will do though.

econ2accounting

whatdidyou,

My friend at a tier 3 state school did have a 3.1 GPA, but he is also a division 1 athlete, which is probably one of the reasons that he got the B4 interview.

Like I said, I have applied to multiple jobs/internships where I did not meet the minimum GPA requirement and I got multiple interviews.... that being said, I have a solid resume (internships, leadership positions, volunteer service, ect).

Only on one occasion when I applied to a financial leadership rotational program for a F20 company did they say that their 3.5 GPA requirement was firm, and that they wanted me to interview for a different department's rotational program because it only had a 3.0 GPA requirement.

workingATbig4

Which is where a majority of Big 4 (or just public accounting in general) associates come from. Big4 isn't one of those places where networking can make a huge difference in recruiting, imo.

Whatdidyou

MSFHQ,

"GPA is a function of how well you take tests, among other things."

You mean other things such as your intelligence, work ethic, understanding of the material, and time management skills?

"If you have a B average and excel in other things no one cares."

B average is a 3.0. Recruiters care. Especially since most college students are not going to have a substantial amount of related work experience.

"High GPA is only good for on campus recruiting. If you do a little networking you can get in with a 3.0. GPA is MAYBE a 2 second question when the interview starts. Not really important."

Gpa is for getting interviews...It will probably take more that just a little networking, unless your very charming. To say GPA is not important in getting a job out of college is foolish.

MSFHQsite

GPA is a function of how well you take tests. Some people over study. Some people work during school. Some people take 18 credit hours vs 12. GPA is a function of many things.

Charming? How about sending an email and talking to an alumni. Networking is just talking to people. You aren't trying to get laid. You get internships during college to show your work experience. You join groups. If you think a high GPA, by itself, is going to do anything for you then you are nuts.


GPA is only one piece. Yes, get a good GPA. Don't slack. But some people think a high GPA is the only thing on earth. No one cares after the initial question. Focus on internships, networking, interview prep. Books and classes are great, but have limited real world functionality.

Sorry man, I've recruited for companies, I have applied and have had friends apply, all with lower 3 ish GPA's.

Not a big deal. In a 4-5 years or working you delete your GPA anyway.


Not a big deal people.

MSFHQsite

Everying F500 job I have ever seen poster looks for a 3.0 or 3.2 GPA. GE, J&J, General Mills, Etc.

Get a B, check the box.

Toshtemirov

workingATbig4, "Big4 isn't one of those places where networking can make a huge difference in recruiting, imo."

Why not? If your uncle is a partner or your cousin is a senior manager, you are almost guaranteed a position at that firm. Connections and networking trump GPA any day.

MSFHQsite

Mind you, I am not telling anyone to screw around in school. All I am saying is that if you have a low GPA, it isn't a big deal. Just send some emails and pick up the phone and you will get interviews.


People grow up thinking so linear. Got to go to high school. Got to get a high SAT. Got to have a high GPA. Etc.

You really don't need to do any of that.

Life is full of side doors and back entrances. Think outside the box and your life will be easier and more full. Don't climb the ladder, take the elevator.

Toshtemirov

"Life is full of side doors and back entrances. Think outside the box and your life will be easier and more full. Don't climb the ladder, take the elevator."

nicely said

OMG, I have seen people so obsessed with their GPA, especially girls, and it appears that they can commit a suicide if they get anything below a B.

MSFHQsite

Yeah, no need to freak out about something that will go away in the future. B school is important, but they focus more on your GMAT and work experience. Try for the best GPA you can get, but if you get a 3.3 dont fret.

goose7856

3.5+ should be the goal.

3.8+ makes you really stand out.

workingATbig4

I agree with much of what MSFH is saying. However, this is just not the case when it comes to Big 4. The recruiting process is MUCH more bureaucratic than the companies mentioned above or any IB job. The place is run on the idea that you hire new grads who have a strong ability to be taught. Taught how to do an audit, taught how to fill out a tax return, taught how to do analyze a SAS 70, etc. What is the best way to make sure you are interviewing students who can be taught? Look at GPAs. From there it is, of course, more important to show you are outgoing and a well-rounded individual.

They will preach to you that you have to be able to network and talk and bring in clients, etc etc ******** ********. They know that most people will be gone in 2-3 years and that is just a fact. In that first 2-3 years your ability to learn quickly and adapt is BY FAR the most important thing to the firm. What's an indicator of having those abilities (just by looking at resumes)? GPA.

Now...as I stated before. The cutoffs are usually around 3.3-3.5. But I can tell you this. If they see a bunch of As in your business core classes and Bs in Int I and II, Tax, Auditing etc. You're not getting an offer. That's that.

We recruit heavily from about 5 schools in our area. 4 of those schools have an application system to apply for our internships that will NOT even allow you to apply without a 3.3 GPA.

The stories of 3.05 GPAs getting a job at the Big 4 are inspiring to people with those kinds of grades, but it is NOT anywhere CLOSE to the norm.

You're WRONG. People with ****ty GPAs have been stating for years and years how much more important networking is than GPA. However, in the industry you are talking about (Big 4) it's not true. GPA gets you the interview, interviewing skills get you the job.

And your ridiculous example of family members is both pathetic and uncommon. I don't know any sons, daughters, nieces, or nephews in my office. If you have to rely on family members to be your "network" you're going to fail in business.

ryhend88

Deloitte Mobile

You will find these requirements listed on Deloitte's Staff Audit Intern job posting.

"Bachelor of Science/Business Administration or Master of Science in Accounting
Must meet minimum requirements to sit for CPA exam before beginning full-time employment
Strong academic credentials (Minimum GPA of 3.0)"

Explain this "workingatbig4"

econ2accounting

workingATbig4,

My friend who got an interview with a 3.1 GPA got a D in tax. Only one person brought it up and that was the recruiter. They didn't seem to care.

Otherwise, I mainly agree with you. The big 4 care a lot about GPA, but if you have a 3.0 GPA during undergrad and go get your masters in accounting and do well, you'll be fine. This has been done many times, despite the big 4 asking for your undergrad transcripts.

workingATbig4

#1.#2 All of the website postings will say 3.0, however, most listings on school career services website will list it as 3.3+.

Ok...that's nice. I find it slightly hard to believe though. And besides, even if you can tell me about this one friend I am telling you that I have been helping with recruiting every second since I started working and I help the firm nationally with their "standards". We get facts and statistics. I am looking at our most recent class of incoming associates statistics RIGHT NOW - the average GPA is a 3.58.

I really do not get you people? I have no reason to come here and tell people they don't have good chances because of their GPA when that's not the case. I WORK AT A BIG 4 FIRM! This is first hand knowledge and because I help with recruiting, it is more knowledge than you will get with most Big 4 associates. Your stories are nice and are exceptions, but what I am telling you is that the fact is WE look for higher GPAs than a 3.1 usually.

You people would argue with a brick wall about what it's like to hold up a roof. You don't know, because you've never been directly involved. End of story.