So here’s the background story, I graduated college with a degree in accounting. During my time in college, I held 2 internships at the Big 4 and also completed a couple of leadership programs as well. What’s Big 4? Shoot. I’m so rude, obviously not everyone knows what that means. But how could you? The Big 4 can be anything! I could be talking about sports for all you know. So when I say the Big 4, I mean the Big 4 Accounting Firms. As seen on wiki, they are, you guessed it, the four largest accounting firms in the world, providing professional services in the form of audit, assurance services, taxation, management consulting, advisory, actuarial, corporate finance and legal services. They’re kind of the big deal. Talk to any accountant they know what’s what.
During college, I was lavished with so many perks just so they can get me in the door. I’ll admit I loved every bit of it. But I never liked feeling like I was being bought to fill a quota. So where I did end up, was because they didn’t make me feel that way. At least at the time. I drank the koolaid.
Come to think about it, I really MISS the free meals, snacks, and SWAG I received as an intern. I was living the life on a whole other level. And I didn’t have bills to pay (besides my sublet). The first thing I did with my check was walk into a Michael Kors store (because at the time Nicki Minaj told me to) and bought myself a nice $200+ watch. I don’t know who I thought I was. I still don’t. But best believe I cherish that watch to this day. That money BETTER stretch.
I will love you until the end of time.
Fast forward. It’s 6am, I actually don’t snooze my alarm because I’m too excited and nervous for the first day. I get ready and I make my way into work. Not too shabby of a day, mostly administrative tasks occurring – Getting your name in the system, picture day for your badge, signing some docs (and life away), and some onboarding tasks – the usual.
Seems pretty smooth sailing for the first week or so. Somewhat of a slow start actually but I guess I can’t be mad because I’m getting paid either way. I walk in, find a desk (due to the shift in today’s culture, you might not see many assigned seats – also I was in audit so it was expected that I would always be at a client site) and spend all day completing onboarding docs and trainings. Did this for about two weeks before going to our national training.
Now THIS is what I’m talking about. Flying me out? Hotel room? FREE FOOD? A WHOLE WEEK? YAS!
But.
Wait.
8am Training Sessions? Until 6pm? Oh My. I think I’m back in High School. But only, it last 5 hours LONGER! I need coffee.
And that my good friends is the beginning of the end. This is where I began to drink enormous amounts of coffee…
“Be Strong” I whispered to my coffee.
And Tip #1 – Try to figure out what you are getting yourself into before you get into it.
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