Prospects if Big 4 trained

[Headless Rat]

Hi, I'm currently training with one of the Big 4 Accountancy firms. I was just wondering if it does actually make a difference if one is trained in one of those firms as opposed to a smaller outfit?
Are career prospects any better? Is the general consensus that they are better trained?Does the fact that I have one of the Big 4 names on my CV carry any significant weight?
It would be interesting to hear people's thoughts... Thanks

[maimai]

Absolutely if you plan to work for any of the large corporates; Times best companies to work for etc etc. I worked in the 'HR/Learning' sector for these firms and the names are generally excellent on your cv in the business markets. However, friends of mine who work in other fields (design, etc) wouldn't necessarily be impressed. The combination of training and likelihood of having 'global' experiences is definitely a good thing. The only key disadvantages are: a) there can be a 'protected bubble' factor where grads come straight from university and expect the resources/benefits when going to other orgs; there can be an element of 'selling-your-soul'. But on the whole, 3-5 years of paid training and experience while you make your mind up is great. AND, your network of contacts will be far greater in 3 years time when you may be looking to move than they would be with a medium sized co. Good luck, work hard, play hard, enjoy......

[buildersmate]

I worked for Arthur Andersen for 5 years. Even though it went down the pan, its been really useful to have on the CV.

[Miss-taken]

bet you get load of jokes about shredders though Buildersmate! LOL

[maimai]

you know I was with andersen too and you don't really get the jokes as the majority of people in similar professions realised that it was 'there but for the grace of god go.....etc" They worked you hard and played you hard, and have since been exonorated... the irony being that up to 80k people worldwide lost their jobs due to the greed of a small number of people. One the whole percentage wise that was a major, unnecessary action. But while I've chosen to leave the professional services, and there is no doubt a 'selling your soul' element, there are significant rewards that are not just monetary. builders mate I was there for nearly 15 years...