alexlikh87

I'm currently a student at UCSB doing biz-econ w/ accounting and I'm considering getting a CPA and trying to start my career at a Big 4 after I graduate, although I'm not really sure exactly what I wanna do (I'm a sophmore). Would it be worth it for me to transfer to USC (Marshall) considering the high cost of the school and also noting that SB is very highly recruited by the Big 4? Also it's only undergrad so does it really make that much of a difference? If I decide to do something other than accounting, would a bachelor's from USC be a much greater asset than one from UCSB? Thanks for your input.

kmzizzle

i would, definitely
marshall has a much stronger program, and you will have contacts to other rich ppl and the STRONG alumni network
just a better, more prestigious school, but as i think taxguy said, school doesnt really matter for accouting- but u said you might not change :shrug:

alexlikh87

yea it seems to me if i do accounting there won't be any difference between them but if i decide to do something else I realize USC is much better... is working for a Big 4 and having a CPA good experience if I wanna switch to another job in the business field? Do people do that often? Also, are there any business jobs that don't require 80-100 hr weeks? Personal life is something I value and it would be great to have a balance b/w a good salary and decent working hours

VectorWega

CPAs frequently leave Big 4 firms for other jobs. For instance, an Auditor may leave to become a mgr of financial reporting, controller, or CFO.

Most don't require anywhere close to that amount. I-Bankers work those type of hours. Consultants work less but still a lot (ie 55-60hrs). Big 4 works 40-45 in slow times and 50-55 in busy times. (note: all these hrs listed are broad generalizations but should give you a better idea)

If you want a 40 hr a week job, your best bet is working for a fortune 500 type company. If you really value quality of life, there are certain companies who are known for treating employees well. However, keep in mind that the more favorable the job situation seems, the less salary you are likely to make now and for the rest of your career. In jobs like I-Banking, Consulting, and even Big 4, you can make money simply due to attrition (ie people leaving the firm to increase their own quality of life), where as it is much harder to move up the corporate ladder at a fortune 500 company, particularly one with very low attrition rates.

Quoth the raven

It's not worth it; coming from ucsb you'll get plenty of job offers with a high gpa... **** all that usc debt.

Quoth the raven

1) ucsb undergrad acctg.
2) work for big 4 for 4 years
3) mba/MsF/other grad degree
4) ???
5) profit

southpasdena

stay at ucsb if you are "pretty sure" you want to stick with accounting. Otherwise USC marshall will be a lot more valuable in the traditional sense - on campus recruiting and networking. Take a look at the technology management program and go talk to a rep in building 937 on the east side of campus. The faculty that i have talked to describe this as being equivalent to ucsb offering an MBA. I have talked to Susan Block, one of the faculty and see believes this is a very valuable program and you can network with industry executives.