I’m interested in hearing about how you secured an internship at a Big 4 firm while pursuing your ACCA qualification. If you’ve gone through this experience, could you share what your resume looked like? Specifically, how did you highlight your ACCA exams and mention your expected graduation date?
I’d also love to know how you ensured your resume passed through the ATS system and landed you an interview. If you had to face an interview, how did you approach questions related to conflict resolution or teamwork?
I’m seeking advice specifically from those who are solely focused on ACCA and not pursuing any other university degree. Thank you!
One response
Landing an internship at a Big 4 firm while pursuing ACCA is definitely an achievable goal! Here are some tips and insights based on the experience of others who have successfully navigated this path:
Resume Tips:
Format & Structure: Keep your resume clean, professional, and easy to read. Use standard fonts and avoid overly creative layouts that might confuse the ATS (Applicant Tracking System). Use bullet points for clarity.
Highlight ACCA Progress: In the education section, clearly list your ACCA qualification status. Mention the specific exams you’ve completed and your expected graduation date, such as “ACCA Level 2, Expected Completion: December 202X.” This shows that you are actively working towards your goals.
Skills Section: Include relevant skills like financial analysis, Accounting Software proficiency, teamwork, and communication. Use keywords from the internship description to ensure your resume passes the ATS.
Experience: If you have any relevant work experience (even if it’s not directly in accounting), include it. Highlight tasks that align with the responsibilities of the internship, such as teamwork, project management, or analytical skills.
Achivements & Extracurriculars: If you’ve participated in any finance or Accounting clubs, competitions, or relevant volunteer work, include these as they demonstrate your interest and dedication to the field.
Preparing for Interviews:
Understanding Behavioral Questions: Expect questions about teamwork and conflict resolution. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Outline a specific situation you faced, what you needed to achieve, the actions you took, and the results of those actions.
Handling Conflicts: Have a couple of examples ready that demonstrate your ability to handle conflicts, whether in group work or in previous experiences. Aim to showcase your communication skills and how you seek resolutions.
Group Work Scenarios: When discussing group work, emphasize your role, how you contributed to the group’s success, and how you navigated different personalities or opinions. Highlight any leadership roles you took on or how you helped foster collaboration.
Networking & Applications:
Networking: Connect with professionals working at Big 4 firms through LinkedIn or university events. Sometimes referrals can make a significant difference in the application process.
Tailored Applications: Customize your application for each firm to reflect the specific values and culture they promote. Research the firm’s work, values, and recent news to incorporate relevant discussions in your application and interviews.
Follow Up: After submitting your application or completing an interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position.
Resources:
Mock Interviews: Practice commonly asked interview questions with friends or mentors. There are also online platforms where you can conduct mock interviews.
Online Courses: Consider taking short courses on platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning to bolster any skills that may be mentioned in the job description.
By following these strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of landing an internship at a Big 4 firm. Good luck!