Director
Joined: 02 Nov 2009
Affiliations: Columbia, Wharton, LBS
Posts: 591
Schools:Harvard, Stanford, LBS, Columbia, Wharton, HEC Paris
Re: Big 4 Auditor - Should I consider getting an MBA?
[#permalink]
23 May 2013, 03:28
Thanks for your posting.
First of all, you have to really define what you want to do in the future. If you want to stay working in audit/consulting in a Big-4 environment the rest of your career, then either not getting an MBA degree or getting one part-time might be a better strategy. However, if you want to pursue a new career, then I would recommend returning to school full-time and making the transition before you are perceived (as what I call) a permanent accountant.
As for how accountants are received in business school admissions -- first of all it is a very competitive demographic. Being that it is a fairly traditional and very common career path, many accountants apply. The good news is also that many accountants get admitted to top programs especially if you are able to distinguish yourself from the masses in your application. This is where it gets a bit tricky and you have to be extremely strategic about how you present yourself. Also, you have to be strategic about which schools you apply to - as some are much more open to your profession than others.
Good luck.
Kimberly Plaga
Senior Admissions Consultant
Manhattan Review
Call for a free candidacy assessment.