Hello,

I have been working for a Big 4 accounting firm for about 4 years now. I'm ready to start applying to b-schools, but I'm concerned my work experience won't stand out at all. While I've always been told that staying around a Big 4 firm is prestigious and looks very good on a resume, I'm concerned that there will be tons of other applications from Big 4 accounting with the same experience. Do you know if a lot of candidates with my background are applying and if this will hurt my chances? Do you have any recommendations on how to stand out from the rest of the crowd? Thanks!!!!

Yes, there are a lot of Big-4 types applying.

What matters is making the adcom see you as an individual. It's a combination of everything (Big-4 is just one aspect of who you are), and being able to convey that in the application. It's not about saving orphans (but if you did, great) -- it's about revealing the individual behind the resume. There is no formula or template for "standing out" -- because finding one would be a contradiction in itself, wouldn't it?

There are boatloads of Big-4 types, but there is only one YOU. Figure out how to best portray you. Be sincere about it (sincerity goes a long way when half the applications are full of BS and spin). In the applications process, it certainly helps having others review your essays and application - whether it's current MBA students, alumni (your senior colleagues whom you trust) or even an admin consultant.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com