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Working at the Big 4

Hi. I recently graduated with a masters in Astrophysics, and I really want to go down the data analysis route within a financial company. I’ve been looking into the big 4 for banking and auditing.

Does anyone have any advice on how to start this career path? I’ve applied for some graduate jobs at companies like KPMG, Deloitte and Lloyds, but got rejected from them all.

Is there any other routes to get into these companies as a graduate analyst, besides the graduate schemes?

Reply 1

stevnw

Honestly you just want to include keywords from the job postings - but I wouldn't lie about your credentials.
From my quick glance at job postings I am seeing things like: data analysis, data structures, relational databases, ETL/ELT, datasets.

I imagine you have done some sort of computational modelling module in which used a language like Python - include something about that I guess? Maybe be specific with python packages you are familiar with which relate to working with data.

Sadly a lot of companies nowadays do not read CVs - its more of a keyword check or feeding your CV into an AI to sort it into a yes or no for going into their talent pool - it goes through a long set of automated tasks before human eyes even bother taking a look.

Reply 2

duplicate-carous

Original post

by stevnw

Honestly you just want to include keywords from the job postings - but I wouldn't lie about your credentials.
From my quick glance at job postings I am seeing things like: data analysis, data structures, relational databases, ETL/ELT, datasets.
I imagine you have done some sort of computational modelling module in which used a language like Python - include something about that I guess? Maybe be specific with python packages you are familiar with which relate to working with data.
Sadly a lot of companies nowadays do not read CVs - its more of a keyword check or feeding your CV into an AI to sort it into a yes or no for going into their talent pool - it goes through a long set of automated tasks before human eyes even bother taking a look.

Thanks for your advice. Yeah, I've tried my best to make my CV as data-oriented as possible and have spoken about relevant projects such the ones including computational modelling and data analysis. I'm currently doing some online courses to fill in the gaps of my knowledge in hopes that helps too.

I just feel so lost at the minute with my job search. My uni really didn't prepare us for anything post-graduation, which is pretty annoying.

Reply 3

stevnw

Original post

by duplicate-carous

Thanks for your advice. Yeah, I've tried my best to make my CV as data-oriented as possible and have spoken about relevant projects such the ones including computational modelling and data analysis. I'm currently doing some online courses to fill in the gaps of my knowledge in hopes that helps too.
I just feel so lost at the minute with my job search. My uni really didn't prepare us for anything post-graduation, which is pretty annoying.

Does your uni not have a careers service? Normally then tend to help alumni with things like improving your CV or what not.

Reply 4

Annji

Original post

by duplicate-carous

Hi. I recently graduated with a masters in Astrophysics, and I really want to go down the data analysis route within a financial company. I’ve been looking into the big 4 for banking and auditing.
Does anyone have any advice on how to start this career path? I’ve applied for some graduate jobs at companies like KPMG, Deloitte and Lloyds, but got rejected from them all.
Is there any other routes to get into these companies as a graduate analyst, besides the graduate schemes?

Hey! Be easy on yourself! Start off by applying to junior, admin, assistant roles. These roles help you build the foundations such as project management, team work and protectiveness. Throughout the year there will be more grad schemes opening so prepare to try again. Use a website called bright network to navigate through different schemes and roles. Honestly you’ll be fine, everything always works itself out, just don’t give up or beat yourself up about present failures. I’m happy for you to message me directly.