Ernst & Young

So it begins: the long process of starting my career in accounting.

Last night was the first night of a month-long event called Meet the Firms. Two nights a week, up to thirty students from the accounting department at Chapman University get to meet with professionals from each of the accounting firms in the Los Angeles area. Among these firms are PriceWaterHouse Coopers, Grant Thornton, Moss Adams, Deloitte, Squar Milner and KPMG.

The firm that we meet last night was Ernst & Young. I got to speak with four professionals from the firm, including three who graduated from Chapman University. I have their business cards, and I remember who's who, so I'm in good shape to start developing relationships. Their website is www.ey.com.

E&Y seems like a nice firm for a budding accountant. They offer winter and summer internships for juniors, and full-time jobs for seniors. The application process is very competitive. According to one Chapman graduate who now works at PriceWaterHouse Coopers, 500 people competed for positions at his company and only 20 got them.

I'm looking forward to meeting all the other firms these next three weeks.