Hi Guys, Apologies in advance for the long post but any advice would be greatly appreciated!A little about myself: graduated from university 2010. In the final year kidneys failed suddenly and I was started on dialysis. Didn’t perform as well as I should’ve and have seen been working in a banking role for an asset management bank in a back office role. I was always adamant to qualify as an accountant and recently started doing ACCA to compliment my accounting and finance degree and to work towards qualification. However, my illness got progressively worse in the time I’ve been with my employer and progress was unlikely given I had many periods of sickness. Last summer I received a transplant and recovered fully. My career aspirations have changed and I would like to eventually work for the big 4 although cannot apply for a graduate programme. Applying at this moment would be useless as I have no stand out experience to apply as an experienced hire. I know there are many who work/worked within the big 4 and all advice would be greatly appreciated as to how I may be able to work myself towards an analyst/entry level position.Thank you in advance.Mo

I suggest you pursuit a more enjoyable and fullfilling job

I'm assuming the reason you can't apply for a graduate role is your degree classification?You could look into the entry requirements for a Higher Apprenticeship. These roles are becoming more common and are increasingly filled with people who haven't quite got the entry requirements for Graduate entry but still have capability. Then again if finance isn't your thing, get out and find your thing. Then when you've found it you can return to the Big 4 as an experienced practitioner of that thing.

[quote]I'm assuming the reason you can't apply for a graduate role is your degree classification?You could look into the entry requirements for a Higher Apprenticeship. These roles are becoming more common and are increasingly filled with people who haven't quite got the entry requirements for Graduate entry but still have capability. Then again if finance isn't your thing, get out and find your thing. Then when you've found it you can return to the Big 4 as an experienced practitioner of that thing. [/quote]yes, become a Thinger.

Thanks for the reply. More to do with lack of experience and something to offer if i'm honest. Have been offered referrals to Deloitte and KPMG but would prefer not to pursue at this stage not much to offer. Hence looking to gain exposure in a field where I can maybe apply in a year or two. Did identify risk as an option but was thinking barrier to entry would be difficult.

you've lost me:p

You don't want to apply to a Big4 graduate scheme because you don't have much to offer? What about the things it would offer you?

I have contacted them regarding the grad schemes, however it seems they would be unwilling to consider given the time since graduation, regardless of degree classification.