We've been surveying recent grads who work at the Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) since 2018. Here's what they said about the reasons they chose their firm and the reasons they would leave.
The top reason recent grads chose to work for the Big 4 was for the long-term career benefits of working at a reputable firm at the start of their career.
The doors it opens up later in life. – Junior auditor @ KPMG
Big firms are a great way to start a career. They ... look good on resumes if you decide to leave in the future. – Junior auditor @ PwC
The name, big 4 is always a good start. – Junior auditor @ Deloitte
Heard that it provided a lot of opportunities and was prestigious – Tax associate @ PwC
I chose my company because of the brand name, exit opportunities, reputation, ... and potential experience and skills that I would develop. – Junior consultant @ EY
Many recent grads were attracted to the Big 4 by their solid reputation for training junior staff.
Good place for starting a professional career with a strong support structure that facilitates quick growth and learning opportunities in different roles. – Junior auditor @ KPMG
Great opportunity to learn and grow at the foundation of my career. – Junior auditor @ PwC
It's reputation as a big successful firm, with a strong training and development profile for junior staff – Tax associate @ KPMG
There's good mentoring/coaching (formal and informal), so you get to learn and be shaped by high-quality leaders right from the start of your career. – Junior consultant @ Deloitte
Strong reputation for being a great environment to start your professional career - lots of development opportunities.– Junior consultant @ EY
The people are the #1 thing Big 4 associates rave about so it's no surprise it's one of the main reasons they chose to work where they do.
At first, it was the brand. Later, it was more of the people I started to meet along the way as I was going through the interview process. – Junior auditor @ PwC
Everyone I met during the recruitment process seemed really friendly and supportive. The environment of the office was very positive – Junior auditor @ Deloitte
For me, workplace culture is a non-negotiable, so it wasn't hard for me to make the choice between KPMG and other firms I had received offers for. – Tax associate @ KPMG
I chose my company because of ... the culture that they sold me (prior to joining the company and experiencing the culture for myself) – Junior consultant @ EY
The very inclusive culture and diversity, which matches with my personality – Junior consultant @ KPMG
The people who interviewed me (culture seemed good) – Junior consultant @ Deloitte
Many recent grads were also drawn to the opportunity to be exposed to a diverse range of people, clients, and work early in their careers.
I knew that joining a big company would provide many opportunities to work with different people, big clients and also have opportunities for career progression. From the events I attended, I really liked the people and culture I saw and I just wanted to be a part of it. – Junior auditor @ PwC
The opportunity to work on large scale clients and the chance to broaden my portfolio – Junior auditor @ Deloitte
Wider options across the firm to explore in the initial stages of my career in what can experience in both the work they do and service lines offered. – Junior consultant @ KPMG
Global organization that has the opportunity to serve some of the biggest clients on their most challenging problems – Junior consultant @ EY
Finally, junior consultants in particular mentioned choosing their firm because it offered the opportunity to specialize in a specific type of consulting.
I applied to all Big Four companies and any company I'd heard of with an Actuarial division. – Junior consultant @ EY
#1 in RPA – Junior consultant @ Deloitte
My company had the most established and sophisticated sustainability practice in professional services/consulting compared to other companies I was looking into. – Junior consultant @ KPMG
Analytics capability within my company provides significant development opportunities. – Junior consultant @ PwC
Here are the top five responses recent grads selected when asked "If you were to leave your company, what would be the reason(s) for this?"
In the context of Big 4 firms, recent grads might feel that their opportunities for progression are limited after a certain point. This could be due to a highly competitive environment, limited openings at higher levels, or a desire for a different kind of professional experience that the Big 4 environment might not provide.
To gain industry experience – Junior consultant @ EY
More varied experience – Junior consultant @ KPMG
To move to a mid tier accounting firm – Junior auditor @ Deloitte
"Personal circumstances" was the second most common reason a Big 4 associate would quit.
Happiness – Junior auditor @ KPMG
When I was changing jobs as a two-year associate, I needed to move to Atlanta. The “big firm” didn’t have room for a two-year associate from another office. – Former auditor @ PwC
The third most commonly-cited reason was the possibility of a career change. For example, you might realize that audit work – or accounting in general – isn't for you!
If I find something I'm more passionate about and pays well – Junior consultant @ Deloitte
To follow my true passions – Junior consultant @ PwC
Try something new – Junior consultant @ Deloitte
One respondent mentioned they'd leave if they got a better-fitting role.
A position that integrates my current auditing experience with my science background – Junior auditor @ EY
Some respondents seemed to want to move into higher-impact roles.
I would like to move away from consulting, and more into non-profits, or government work. – Junior consultant @ EY
To move into government and get closer to the wheel. – Junior consultant @ PwC
"Better hours & work-life balance" earned a spot as the fifth most cited reason for potentially heading for the exit.
But here's an intriguing twist: despite being the top complaint among Big 4 associates, the grueling hours land only at fifth place as a reason for leaving. This suggests that while they find the hours difficult, most associates may still see them as bearable or believe that the long-term benefits outweigh the immediate drawbacks.
We hope this gives you a better idea of what it's like to work in the Big 4. If you're still on the hunt for a promising opportunity, check out all the internships we have in accounting and consulting!