Is Big 4 Good for Career? The Truth About Working at Top Firms

What Are the Big 4 and Why Do People Care?

If you've ever thought about your career in accounting, consulting, or finance, you've probably heard about the Big 4: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. These companies are huge – like, global domination kind of huge. But the real question is: Is working at one of these firms actually good for your career?

Now, let me start by saying, the answer isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Sure, these firms come with a great reputation, but it’s not all perks and promotions. Let’s dig in, shall we?

The Prestige and the Brand

There’s no denying it: having a Big 4 name on your resume can open doors. Whether you’re applying for a job at a different top firm or just looking to break into a new industry, the brand recognition is priceless. It’s a huge plus when you’re starting out, especially if you want to jump into something like corporate finance or management consulting.

A friend of mine, Jane, always said, "If you’re looking for a solid start and a real boost to your career, Big 4 is the way to go." She’s right, though! The visibility of these companies alone can sometimes be enough to push you ahead of the competition in the job market.

The Work-Life Balance Struggle

Okay, now here’s where things get real. Have you heard of the "Big 4 burnout"? Yeah, it’s a thing. Seriously, while the prestige is great, the hours are brutal. Think long nights, weekends spent crunching numbers or preparing reports, and don’t even get me started on the constant travel. If you want to climb the corporate ladder at one of these firms, be prepared to work hard.

I had another colleague, Alex, who joined Deloitte right out of college. He thought it’d be all glitz and glam, but after a couple of months, he was exhausted. He once told me, "I’m not sure if this is worth it anymore. It’s a lot of hustle for a little recognition."

The Reality of Work-Life Balance

That said, you do learn a ton! The problem is – the learning comes with a price: your time. But if you’re okay with long hours and you have the energy to push through, the skills you develop will set you up for success in the long run. Just make sure you’re ready for it – it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Career Growth: Climbing the Big 4 Ladder

Okay, let’s talk about growth opportunities. The Big 4 is known for its structured career paths, and honestly, that’s a huge advantage. When you join, there’s a roadmap: junior, senior, manager, senior manager, director… you get the gist. If you work hard, it’s possible to rise through the ranks. But—and this is important—it’s not all automatic.

Promotion Pressure and Political Navigation

If you don’t mind a little friendly competition, Big 4 firms are great. But be prepared for the office politics. It’s no secret that getting promoted often means you have to not just do your job well, but also network, navigate office dynamics, and sometimes even compete with your peers. It’s a little frustrating at times because it can feel like hard work isn’t always enough. But hey, if you’re willing to play the game, the rewards can be substantial.

One of my ex-coworkers, Sarah, once said, "I was promoted ahead of some colleagues, not because I was the best, but because I knew how to position myself." It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s part of the Big 4 culture.

The Skills You Gain: A Golden Ticket for the Future?

Now, let’s not forget about the skills. Working at the Big 4 means you’re exposed to cutting-edge practices in accounting, finance, consulting, and auditing. The level of training and resources they provide is impressive, and if you stick around long enough, you’ll develop an incredible set of skills.

You’ll be working with some of the brightest minds in the business world, learning complex problem-solving techniques, managing high-stakes projects, and interacting with clients from every corner of the globe. The experience is second to none.

How Big 4 Translates to Other Industries

But—and here's the kicker—if you decide to leave, the Big 4 name can translate into some seriously impressive roles in other industries. Many former employees go on to work in top-tier corporate roles, finance, or even startups. The versatility of the skills you acquire makes you a hot commodity in the job market.

I know a guy, Matt, who left KPMG after just 3 years. He moved to a tech startup as a finance lead, and within a year, he was the CFO. His Big 4 experience, especially the management skills and client handling, helped him make that leap.

So, Is Big 4 Really Good for Your Career?

The truth is, it really depends on what you want from your career. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, high-pressure environment that will push you to grow in ways you never imagined, the Big 4 could be a great fit. But if you value work-life balance above all else, or if you don’t want to get caught up in the internal politics, it might not be the right place for you.

At the end of the day, the Big 4 offers incredible opportunities, but it comes with a hefty price tag in terms of time, energy, and personal sacrifices. You’ve got to be ready for the grind, but if you are, the benefits can be huge.

So, my advice? Go for it if you’re ambitious and want to make your mark. But be prepared for a ride that’s intense, challenging, and definitely not for the faint of heart. You in?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.