Douglas Lavelle ⋅ Chatham , NJ Financial Services ⋅ 24 years experience

I will also try using Linkedin for job searches and groups you could join. If you are not on it yet, I would set up a profile. Let me know any help you need. Thanks for your service.

Gilberto Garcia ⋅ West Palm Beach , FL U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 3 years served

Hi Maria,

I definitely will thanks for the advice.

Gilberto Garcia ⋅ West Palm Beach , FL U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 3 years served

Hi David,

Currently I go to Palm Beach State College in West Palm Beach FL, and I'm in my first year first semester of college. It's a 2 year college, but I will be transferring to FAU in Boca Raton FL summer semester 2016 to get my bachelors in accounting then a MBA. Also, I plan on taking the CPA exam while in college so after I graduate all I have to do next is work for a year, and I get my CPA license. Kill two birds with one stone. After I complete my 150 hours of schooling I want to work in public accounting hopefully at one of the Big 4 specifically in audit. But for right now since I'm just starting school I'm focusing on keeping a high GPA, networking, and researching the Big 4 and other public accounting firms. I never knew KPMG had a veterans network I would love to learn more. I appreciate you reaching out to me it means a lot.

David Schneider ⋅ Chicago , IL KPMG ⋅ 22 years experience

Hi Gilberto,
I just received this response back from our campus recruiter:

"We don’t have any pamphlets or handouts regarding this initiative that I can forward your way. Our process includes ensuring that interested candidates receive prompt attention and get connected to our Veterans Network. Do you have his/her résumé? If so, I’ll forward it immediately to the appropriate people, based on which practice the candidate is interested in."

What year are you and what school do you go to?
David

David Schneider ⋅ Chicago , IL KPMG ⋅ 22 years experience

Hi Gilberto,
The Big 4 firms want high GPAs, so do your best. Also, consider an accounting or tax program that includes a masters degree - the firms rarely hire without it. Most schools have a 5 year program for this. KPMG has an initiative to hire veterans. I can get you more info on it. I am a tax partner in Chicago with KPMG and would be happy to help.

Best, and thank you for your service.
David

Maria Erchul ⋅ Springfield , VA WGL ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi Gilberto,
Try your school - career center - advisor's are great to facilitate connections, professional groups, etc. Then establish social media accounts...LinkedIn lists at least 5 "Big 4" groups to evaluate. (I recommend always reading/comparing the groups and selecting the best fit or two, for you.) Learn when E&Y will hold a financial seminar in your area...attend it.

Thank you, for your service- the best to you.
Maria