UNC or Vanderbilt- Master of Accounting

Question

Hello all, I am seeking other's opinons on these two schools in regards to placement in Big 4 firms? Location does not really matter for me since the two schools are relatively close but I am interested to hear about these two schools since they are not discussed all that much here. Thanks in advance!

nink · Answer

I think Vanderbilt's program is really small and well designed for students interested in the field of auditing. UNC's program is slightly larger but it is one of the best programs in the country. I think either school would be fine, but I had few colleagues who graduated from UNC program and they all raved about their experience there. (Never met anyone from Vanderbilt program)

carrytrade · Answer

Bump. I'd like to know more about this as well.
From what I understand, Vanderbilt has an internship component, and almost every student gets a full time offer following the internship. It's a small program ~30 students, and nearly every student gets an internship at the Big4.

UNC doesn't have the internship component, however it is a bigger network, is better ranked and I've heard it boasts a 100% placement rate. Can anyone shed some light onto which program is a better option if my eventual goal is to work in PE/VC (basically using accounting-audit as a foot in the door, and then going for a top MBA program in the future)?

Shaddy888 · Answer

I just graduated from the UNC MAC program. I can't speak to Vanderbilt's program, but I can't imagine it would be a better option than UNC (and that's not a knock against Vanderbilt).

I'm not exactly sure, but I think we are around 90% placement right now. Most people are going to Big4 jobs, and we are pretty well dispersed geographically. I am working in audit in NYC this fall. My goal is also to get into PE/VC down the road. I'm working on financial services clients so hopefully I can get assigned to a PE client.

As far as placement, I kid you not when I say that jobs are practically gift wrapped for us. As long as you are reasonably intelligent and can interact with the representatives from the various firms I feel confident saying you will get a job.

If you have anymore specific questions about the program I'd be happy to answer them and offer any advice I can.

rjfk145 · Answer

Thank you for all the help but I decided to go to the University of Texas at Austin instead. Will attending this program over UNC end up being a bad decision employment-wise?

Shaddy888 · Answer

No. Texas is a fantastic program. You should be just fine there. Congrats!

UNC or Vanderbilt- Master of Accounting

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