The accounting of becoming an accountant (part 3)
I am returning to memory lane, sharing my backstory. I found this journal entry from September 14, 201X.
💼 Notes from a Big 4 Office Visit 🏢
Just had an eye-opening office tour at a Big 4 firm today! Everyone was all smiles and super friendly. They suggested casual attire, so I rocked my jeans and a snazzy casual suit – it turns out I was the lone jean-wearer. 🤷♂️ Guess I missed the memo on business casual vibes.
Despite being average-looking, I was visible (the visible minority). Everything was gleaming, and the partners and associates showered us with smiles that rivaled the color yellow. People were too toothy; it started looking more like grimacing by the end. All the youngsters were around, but the old partners played hide and seek to avoid scaring us.
Again, the HR folks were smiling too much for my taste. Can we get some real talk, please? I want the truth, not just the polished answers.
The presentation was loaded with web materials – why? when everything's on the corporate website. They did throw in some clichés, like an over-the-top effort to showcase diversity. We get it. Your workforce is diverse! Cool music at the end, though.
Presenters? Boring, boring, boring. They love their awards, the firm, the environment – they tried a bit too hard to sell us on it. And seriously, some looked exhausted (tired of faking it).
Now, the workplace. Cubicles are so small, I can't imagine my creativity surviving in that 1.5m x 1.5m space. Functional, yes! Also, no windows – cue my claustrophobia. Everything is organized: showers for both genders and a cozy resting room with a beige couch. But it's overly functional, and that's a bit of a turn-off.
Snacks were provided – croissants, muffins, fruits, juice. But truthfully, the pastries weren't fresh and looked a bit sad.
Special considerations:
Global mobility? Disappointed. Bermuda as a global destination? Really? I was thinking more along the lines of something outside America.
Diversity? Question mark.
The hiring process feels like a masterclass in faking it – shaking hands, networking, trying hard to fit in, and smiling. 🤝 I'm navigating through an integrity dilemma. The art of faking it seems to be a growing and intriguing business. I might find my groove! 😄🌐 #OfficeTour #Big4 #JobSearchJourney
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This is for the graduates going through their job search now! Embrace all opportunities, no matter what your journal entries say.
I laughed at my old observations! Although I never worked for this particular company, I worked at two Big 4s in 3 different countries for about 10 years. Also, I considered Bermuda and ended up moving to Grand Cayman. Journaling is just journaling, and life is ironic!
#thebalancedsheets #cpa #big4recruiting #big4 #accounting
