Company: EY
Date: 2014-02-28
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: former
Experience level: Confirmed

Learned a lot
Pros: There are opportunities to get exposure to several types of industries, and then narrow your focus as you progress in your career. The training received in public accounting is fairly consistent across all firms; compared to industry, the training is top notch. You never have to worry about getting your CPE, or tracking anything yourself, bc it's all done for you. If you are eager and driven, big four public accounting is for you, and you will find that you get along with most of your colleagues, who truly become great friends. Benefits are great, both medically speaking and vacation/personal time. The flexibility of public accounting really is a selling feature as well.
Cons: Busy season, of course! It is what it is though. As you come along in your career you will understand why things are done a certain way. A lot of staff/seniors will complain about 'form filling' etc, but it is there for a reason - so that all of the audit requirements are met. Once you realize that and get past it, it's not really that bad. And it's easy, so quit bitching! Partners/senior managers can become territorial over staff-managers, so be prepared for the political environment, and the "always looking out for #1" mentality. The key is being realistic of its presence, and being able to handle it.