How to secure a graduate or vacation position with the Big 4

What are we looking for? – Lauren Which division should I apply to? - Lauren The assessment process – Katie How to apply & programs on offer – Marcia Helpful hints & tips – Christine Panel Networking Agenda

What are we looking for? Lauren Humphreys PricewaterhouseCoopers

What are we looking for?  Demonstrated knowledge & interest in role & the firm  Work experience  Organisational agility  Personal drive & motivation  Overall quality & effort of application  Sound academic results  Extra-curricular activities  Leadership potential & professionalism

Which division should I apply to?  What are your work values?  What are your career goals?  What are your interests?  What are your skills?  Make sure you research  Be flexible in your choice

Where could I apply to?  Tax (Corporate Tax, Specialist/indirect Taxes)  Middle Market/Private Client Services  Audit (external or internal audit)  Advisory (Transactions, Consulting or Insolvency)  Make sure you check each firm’s careers site for specific service names and technical areas…

The assessment process Katie Sangster - Deloitte

Typical assessment approach On line Application & Testing Group assessment centre Interview Decision & offer n.b. each firm has a slightly different approach so please refer to the website for more information

On-line applications  Be sure of what position & what firm you are applying to  Provide a summary of your key skills & qualifications  Explain why you have chosen the firm & position  Spell & grammar check your application  Make sure your application is complete

Assessment centres  Designed to assess particular competencies  Group discussions & presentations around a business problem or idea  There can be some degree of controversy in the topic  Group size usually between 4-6 people

Interviews  Introductions  Discussions around qualifications and work experience  Competency based questions  Assess motivation and cultural fit  Involve more detail on the position and company  Opportunity to ask questions

Our programs & how to apply (dates, deadlines etc) Marcia Watters KPMG

Programs on offer Graduate program  Final year students  Must be ready to start work in 2010  Open to students from all degree disciplines Vacation program  Open to penultimate year students  Vacation placements between Nov 2009 & Feb 2010  Open to students from all degree disciplines

Dates to remember On-line applications are now open for Graduate and Vacationer positions! Dates Some firms have closing dates, others don’t; lodge your application ASAP so you don’t miss out! Decision deadlines Generally 2 weeks - flexible if you are going through the recruitment process with another firm

Big 4 Campus Recruitment contacts & career websites Marcia Watters Office: (07) Lauren Humphreys Office: (07) Veronika Teske Office: (07) Katie Sangster/ Annelise Moloney Office: (07) / (07)

Helpful hints Christine Garden Ernst & Young

Networking and business etiquette tips What is Networking? “ developing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships”

Common barriers to successful networking  A reluctance to talk to strangers  Lack of a formal introduction  Fear of being seen as pushy  Thinking that other people may not like you  Having your intentions misunderstood

Networking tips…  Be prepared before any networking event  Work the room  Act as a catalyst - help others to socialise  Shake hands confidently  Master the art of holding food, drink and shaking hands  Remember names  Include a relevant detail about yourself  Smile!

Introducing our Big 4 panel…