Manager
Joined: 04 Nov 2009
Status:Never give up!
Affiliations: Beta Gamma Sigma, Omicron Delta Epsilon, Toastmasters Intl, HHonors
Posts: 197
Given Kudos: 27
Location: Raleigh-Durham NC
Concentration: Finance, Economics, Accounting
GPA: 4.0 UG and 3.6 MSA
Re: Work Experience/Background Question
[#permalink]
03 May 2011, 14:23
Having worked for both Big 4 and the Govt, my opinion is more nuanced. All in all, I don't think it's as clear cut as "Big 4 good, Govt bad". I've seen many people toil away in obscurity with Big 4 and make a ton of money / live a good live as Feds.
On the one hand, Big 4 gives you very fast promotion potential and experience with lots and lots of clients, many of whom are Fortune 500 and also in need of CPAs. You can be a manager by 30 and make six figures by jumping to an AVP or middle manager role. But the hours are very bad (maybe 80-100 / week during busy seasons). Your coworkers will often not be that nice. It can get very competitive -- "up or out" culture in which you either make it to promotion or you leave. And your pay and benefits will be terrible compared to your hours.
On the other hand, the US Govt will give you great benefits, excellent working hours, and usually a nice work environment. Senior feds may not make as much money as senior partners, but it's easier to get there (in Big 4, not many people become partners or senior managers). And in many cases, senior feds can make six figures on 40 hrs / wk. With IRS you'll also get to travel and meet many potential types of businesses or wealthy individuals, many of whom might hire you later. If you stay for many years and ascend the senior ranks, you will also be in demand for consulting or even managerial roles in companies too.
It's really up to you. If you want to work like hell and get promoted very quickly, Big 4 might the better option, although you'll give up your life for it. If you want a comfortable lifestyle with great benefits but can wait slightly more for promotion, then the IRS won't be bad.