UIUC vs. BC

Question

Hi - I received offer from UIUC and BC's MSA programs and was wondering if anyone can help to comment on the pros & cons of each of the programs.

I would like to work in NYC area upon graduation due to personal reasons and was wondering if attending BC would be better in terms of job prospective in the East coast. Would it be very difficult to find a Big4 NYC office if I go to UIUC? Or can I first start in Big4 Chicago Office and request a transfer after working for a few years?

Any advice is much appreciated.

Hayek33 · Answer

Congrats on your acceptances. UIUC will definitely let you come to NYC, no problem. I had a buddy that graduated from the program and he had been recruited to big 4 nyc. It is an awesome program and the area is nice too from what I hear, I say go for UIUC.

PurpDrank · Answer

UIUC is definitely better, however I do have some reservations about the MSA program. UIUC has a MAS and MSA program. The MAS is for students who did undergrad in accounting and probably ended up interning in a Big 4 firm. These people will already have full time Big 4 locked up before you even start your MSA program. Recruiting straight for full time is much more competitive, if there are even any openings. The MSA program is also like 90% internationals (Asians) for what that's worth. If you want to go to NYC, just make that known to recruiters from the start and if you're worth their time they'll do what they can to set you up with the NYC recruiters.

Hayek33 · Answer

When you mention that you are competing with many people who already have big4 locked up I think that is a positive considering they are more or less off the market in terms of competition for jobs for ocr. Also, since UIUC has a separate degree for non accounting undergrads, recruiters who sign up for ocr know what they are getting and it happens to be what they are looking for. Definitely go UIUC.

PurpDrank · Answer

When I was applying for internships, I recall the recruiter for Deloitte straight up telling a couple of MSA girls that they had 0 openings for full time audit because the interns took all the spots. Admittedly this was 2008, but it is still the hiring strategy that the Big 4 use. That's pretty terrible after you've moved all the way from China to Champaign and spent $35k+ on what is supposed to be a top notch accounting program.

Also, my coworkers at a Big 4 do not know the difference between the MSA and MAS.

Also, my coworkers at a Big 4 do not know the difference between the MSA and MAS.

icangmat · Answer

Thank you all for your advice on the school choices. I have decided on attending UIUC.

UIUC vs. BC

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